Table 1 PPQr subscales’ items with alphas, means, standard deviations, and item-rest correlations

Stress (α = 0.80)

Stress subscale

I experience stress at the thought of my colleagues’ assessment of my publications output.

I feel forced to spend time on my publications outside office hours.

I cannot find sufficient time to work on my publications.

I have no peace of mind when working on my publications.

I can combine working on my publications with my other tasks.

At home, I do not feel stressed about my publications.

Attitude (α = 0.78)

Attitude subscale

The current publication climate puts pressure on relationships with fellow-researchers.

I suspect that publication pressure leads some colleagues (whether intentionally or not) to cut corners.

In my opinion the pressure to publish scientific articles has become too high.

My colleagues judge me mainly on the basis of my publications.

Colleagues maintain their administrative and teaching skills well, despite publication pressure.

Publication pressure harms science.

Resources (α = 0.75)

Resources subscale

When working on a publication, I feel supported by my co-authors.

When I encounter difficulties when working on a publication, I can discuss these with my colleagues.

I have freedom to decide about the topics of my publications.

When working on a publication, many decisions about the content of the paper are outside my control.

I cannot cope with all aspects of publishing my papers.

I feel confident in the interaction with co-authors, reviewers and editors.