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Perceived Stress Scale: Measure your stress level over the past month
Select one answer for each question
1. Been upset because of something that happened unexpectedly?
2. Felt that you were unable to control the important things in your life?
3. Felt nervous and stressed?
4. Felt confident about your ability to handle your personal problems?
5. Felt that things were going your way?
6. Found that you could not cope with all the things that you had to do?
7. Been able to control irritations in your life?
8. Felt that you were on top of things?
9. Been angered because of things that happened that were outside of your control?
10. Felt difficulties were piling up so high that you could not overcome them?
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Measures perception of stress - how unpredictable, uncontrollable, and overloaded respondents find their lives |
| Development | Created by Sheldon Cohen (1983), widely validated across cultures |
| Time Frame | Questions refer to feelings and thoughts over the past month |
| Scoring | Items 4, 5, 7, and 8 are reverse-scored. Higher scores = higher perceived stress |
| Uses | Research, clinical assessment, tracking stress over time |
The PSS-10 is one of the most widely used instruments for measuring psychological stress. It assesses how unpredictable, uncontrollable, and overloading respondents find their lives.
Yes, stress is a normal part of life and can even be helpful in small amounts (eustress). The goal is not to eliminate all stress but to manage it effectively and prevent chronic, overwhelming stress.
Stress is typically a response to an external trigger and resolves when the situation ends. Anxiety involves persistent worry that may continue even without an obvious stressor and can become a disorder.
Monthly assessment can help you track patterns and identify when stress is building. Consider checking more frequently during major life changes or stressful periods.
Seek help if stress is persistent, interfering with daily life, causing physical symptoms, leading to unhealthy coping behaviors, or if you feel overwhelmed and unable to cope.
Yes. Chronic stress is linked to cardiovascular disease, weakened immunity, digestive problems, weight gain, sleep disorders, and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by stress, help is available: