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. 2025 Jan 16;20(1):e0316759.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0316759. eCollection 2025.

Perceived stress across population segments characterized by differing stressor profiles-A latent class analysis

Finn Breinholt Larsen  1 , Mathias Lasgaard  1   2 , Morten Vejs Willert  3 , Jes Bak Sørensen  1   4
Affiliations

Perceived stress across population segments characterized by differing stressor profiles-A latent class analysis

Finn Breinholt Larsen et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to 1) identify distinct segments within the general population characterized by various combinations of stressors (stressor profiles) and to 2) examine the socio-demographic composition of these segments and their associations with perceived stress levels.

Methods: Segmentation was carried out by latent class analysis of nine self-reported stressors in a representative sample of Danish adults (N = 32,417) aged 16+ years. Perceived stress level was measured by the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS).

Results: Seven classes were identified: Class 1 was labeled Low Stressor Burden (64% of the population) and the remaining six classes, which had different stressor combinations, were labeled: 2) Burdened by Financial, Work, and Housing Stressors (10%); 3) Burdened by Disease and Death among Close Relatives (9%); 4) Burdened by Poor Social Support and Strained Relationships (8%); 5) Burdened by Own Disease (6%); 6) Complex Stressor Burden Involving Financial, Work, and Housing Stressors (2%); and 7) Complex Stressor Burden Involving Own Disease and Disease and Death among Close Relatives (2%). Being female notably increased the likelihood of belonging to Classes 2, 3, 5, and 7. Higher age increased the likelihood of belonging to Class 3. Low educational attainment increased the likelihood of belonging to Classes 5 and 6. A significant difference was observed in perceived stress levels between the seven latent classes. Average PSS varied from 9.0 in Class 1 to 24.2 in Class 7 and 25.0 in Class 6.

Conclusion: Latent class analysis allowed us to identify seven population segments with various stressor combinations. Six of the segments had elevated perceived stress levels but differed in terms of socioeconomic composition and stressor combinations. These insights may inform a strategy aimed at improving mental health in the general population by targeting efforts to particular population segments, notably segments experiencing challenging life situations.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. Perceived stress levels across latent classes.
Fig 2
Fig 2. A life-course perspective on stressor profiles.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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