Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10)
Rate each item for the past month: 0=Never · 1=Almost never · 2=Sometimes · 3=Fairly often · 4=Very often
1. Been upset because of something unexpected?
2. Felt unable to control important things?
3. Felt nervous and stressed?
4. Felt confident handling personal problems?
5. Felt things were going your way?
6. Found you could not cope with all you had to do?
7. Been able to control irritations in your life?
8. Felt on top of things?
9. Been angered by things outside your control?
10. Felt difficulties were piling up so high you could not overcome them?
The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) is a validated psychological questionnaire developed by Sheldon Cohen (1983) that measures the degree to which situations in life are appraised as stressful. It assesses perceived unpredictability, uncontrollability, and overload during the past month. It is the most widely used psychological instrument for measuring the perception of stress.
Tip: The PSS-10 is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. It measures perception of stress, which may differ from objective stressors. High scores warrant discussion with a healthcare professional.
- 110 questions rated 0 (never) to 4 (very often)
- 2Positive-worded items (questions 4, 5, 7, 8) are reverse-scored: 4→0, 3→1, 2→2, 1→3, 0→4
- 3Total score 0–13: low stress | 14–26: moderate | 27–40: high
- 4Mean score in general population: approximately 13–14
| Score Range | Level | Suggested Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0–13 | Low stress | Maintain current coping strategies |
| 14–26 | Moderate stress | Review workload; consider mindfulness or exercise |
| 27–40 | High stress | Speak to GP or mental health professional |