NA

Perceived Stress Scale

Introduction: interpretation of a
subjective evaluation or
Perceived stress refers to the characteristics
situation as being stressful. It's not
solely based on the objective demands
situation but rather on how individuals perceive and appraise the
of the those
them in relation to their available resources to cope with
placed upon
from person to person, as
demands. Perceived stress can vary greatly
differently based on their personal
individuals may perceive the same situation
resilience levels. Factors such as
experiences, beliefs, coping skills, and
personality traits, past experiences, and
social support networks can also
stressors. Recognizing the
influence how individuals perceive and respond to
importance of
role of perceived stress is important because it highlights the stress on one's
individual perception and appraisal in determining the impact of
often focus on
health and well-being. Effective stress management strategies
adaptive coping
changing one's perception of stressors and developing
mechanisms to better manage perceived stress.

About the scale:

The scale was developed in 1983, it remains a popular choice for helping us
understand how different situations affect our feelings and our perceived stress.
The questions in this scale ask about your feelings and thoughts
during the last month. In each case, you are asked to indicate how often you felt
or theught a certain way. Although some of the questions are similar, there are
differences between them and one should treat each one as a separate question.
The best approach is to answer fairly quickly and indicate the alternative that
seems like a reasonable estimate.

Responses:
For each question choose from the following alternatives:
0- never
1- almost never
2- sometimes
3- fairly often
4- very often
Age range :
12 and above
Scoring:
and 8. On these 4 questions,
" First, reverse the scores for questions 4, 5, 7,
change the scores like this:
0=4, 1 =3, 2 =2, 3 =1,4 =0.
total.
"Now add up your scores for each item to get a
with higher scores
" Individual scores on the PSS can range from 0 to 40
indicating higher perceived stress.
Scores ranging from 0-13 would be considered low stress.
Scores ranging from 14-26 would be considered moderate stress.
Scores ranging from 27-40 would be considered high perceived stress.
 Perceived Stress Scale

instruments that
can be determined by using avariety of the Perceived
A more precise mneasure of personalstress these is called
individual stress levels. The first of
have been designed to help measure
Stress Scale.
originally
stress assessment instrument. The tool, while
The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) is a classic affect
helping us understand how different situations
developed in 1983, remains apopular choice for
this scale ask about your feelings and thoughts
our feelings and our perceived stress. The questions into indicate how often you felt or thought a certain
during the last month. In each case,you willbe asked differences between them and you should
way. Although some of the questions are similar, there are answer fairly quickly. That is, don't try to
treat each one as a separate question. The best approach is to like
count up the number of times you felt a particular way; rather indicate the alternative that seems
areasonable estimate.

For each question choose from the following alternatives:

0never 1-almost never2-sometimes 3 fairly often4- very often

1. In the last month, how often have you been upset because of something that
happened unexpectedly?
2. In the last month, how often have you felt that youwere unable to control the
important things in your life?
3. In the last month, how often have you felt nervous and stressed?
4. In the last month, how often have you felt confident about your ability to handle
your personal problems?

5. In the last month, how often have you felt that things were going your way?
6. In the last month, how often have you found that you could not cope with
all the things that you had to do?
7. In the last month, how often have you been able to control irritations in
your life?

8. In the last month, how often have you felt that you were on top of things?
9.In the last month, how often have you been angered because of things that
happened that were outside of your control?

10. In the last month, how often have you felt difficulties were piling up so high that
you could not overcome them?
Figuring Your PSS Score these directions:
You can determine your PSS score by following
and 8. On these 4 questions, change
the scores like
First, reverse your scores for questions
4, 5,7,
this:
0=4, 1=3, 2 = 2, 3=1, 4=0.

to get a total. My total score is

Now add up your scores for each item

Individual scores on the PSS can range from 0 to 40

with higher scores indicating higher perceived
stress.
considered low stress.
Scores ranging from 0-13 would be
considered moderate stress.
Scores ranging from 14-26 would be
perceived stress.
Scores ranging from 27-40 would be considered high
perception of what is happening
The Perceived Stress Scale is interesting and important because your
individuals could have the exact same events
in your life is most important.Consider the idea that two score could put
and experiences in their lives for the past month. Depending on their perception, totalsecond person in
one of those individuals in the low stress category and the total score could put the
the high stress category.

Disclaimer: The scores on the following self-assessment do not reflect any particular diagnosis or course of treatment.
They are meant as a tool to help assess your level of stress. If you have any further concerns about your current well
being, you may contact EAP and talk confidentially to one of our specialists.

EAP
State of New Hampshire
Employee Assistance Program