Perceived Stress Scale
The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) is a classic stress assessment instrument. The tool, while originally developed in 1983, remains a popular choice for helping us understand how different situations affect our feelings and our perceived stress.
3 minutes to complete
Eligibility
General eligibility to complete the Perceived Stress Scale includes being 18 years or older, having the ability to read and understand the questions, and being able to make decisions about how to answer the questions.
Questions for Perceived Stress Scale
Questions
In the last month, how often have you been upset because of something that happened unexpectedly?
- never
- almost never
- sometimes
- fairly often
- very often
In the last month, how often have you felt that you were unable to control the important things in your life?
- never
- almost never
- sometimes
- fairly often
- very often
In the last month, how often have you felt nervous and stressed?
- never
- almost never
- sometimes
- fairly often
- very often
In the last month, how often have you felt confident about your ability to handle your personal problems?
- never
- almost never
- sometimes
- fairly often
- very often
In the last month, how often have you felt that things were going your way?
- never
- almost never
- sometimes
- fairly often
- very often
In the last month, how often have you found that you could not cope with all the things that you had to do?
- never
- almost never
- sometimes
- fairly often
- very often
In the last month, how often have you been able to control irritations in your life?
- never
- almost never
- sometimes
- fairly often
- very often
In the last month, how often have you felt that you were on top of things?
- never
- almost never
- sometimes
- fairly often
- very often
In the last month, how often have you been angered because of things that happened that were outside of your control?
- never
- almost never
- sometimes
- fairly often
- very often
In the last month, how often have you felt difficulties were piling up so high that you could not overcome them?
- never
- almost never
- sometimes
- fairly often
- very often
Scales Similar to Perceived Stress Scale
- The Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ)
- The Brief Perceived Stress Scale (BPSS)
- The Perceived Stress Scale
- The University of California at Los Angeles Perceived Stress Scale (UCLA-PSS)
Here are some FAQs and additional information
on Perceived Stress Scale
What is the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)?
The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) is a psychological self-report measure to measure the perception of stress. It is a 10-item self-report measure developed to measure the degree to which situations in one's life are appraised as stressful.
How is the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) scored?
The PSS is scored on a scale from 0 to 40. The higher the score, the higher the perceived stress.
What does the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) measure?
The PSS measures the degree to which an individual perceives situations in their life as stressful. It is used to measure the stress level of an individual and to evaluate the effectiveness of stress-reducing interventions.
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