Perceived Stress Scale

What it measures

The most widely used measure of the degree to which life situations are appraised as stressful. Taps perceived unpredictability, uncontrollability, and overload over the past month. Measures stress appraisal, not stressor exposure.

Response format

5-point frequency (0=never, 4=very often); total 0–40

Representative items

• How often have you been upset because of something that happened unexpectedly?
• How often have you felt unable to control the important things in your life?
• How often have you felt confident about your ability to handle your personal problems? (R)
• How often have you been able to control irritations in your life? (R)

Usage notes & scoring

Freely available on Sheldon Cohen's website. PSS-10 has superior psychometrics to 4- and 14-item versions. Population norms available. Measures appraisal of stress rather than stressor exposure — complement with an event checklist if needed.

Recommended companion scales

Citation

Cohen, S., Kamarck, T., & Mermelstein, R. (1983). A global measure of perceived stress. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 24(4), 385–396.

Keywords