Chapter 5 Perceived Stress Scale

5.1 Background

The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was used to determine how the participant “perceived” stress. The survey asks the following 14 questions about stressful situations and helps determine what stress is to the participant and how stressful they feel their life to be. Higher scores indicate higher levels of stress.

The 14 items are scored from 0 to 4. Total scores range from 0 to 56. Score categories are:

  • Low Stress (scores 0 - 18)
  • Moderate Stress (scores 19 - 37)
  • High Stress (scores 38 - 56)

More information on the PSS (14 item version used here and others) by Dr. Sheldon Cohen is available at http://www.psy.cmu.edu/~scohen/scales.html.

5.2 PSS-14 Items

  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 you were 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 dealt successfully with irritating life hassles?
  5. In the last month, how often have you felt that you were effectively coping with important changes that were occurring in your life?
  6. In the last month, how often have you felt confident about your ability to handle your personal problems?
  7. In the last month, how often have you felt that things were going your way?
  8. In the last month, how often have you found that you could not cope with all the things that you had to do?
  9. In the last month, how often have you been able to control irritations in your life?
  10. In the last month, how often have you felt that you were on top of things?
  11. In the last month, how often have you been angered because of things that happened that were outside of your control?
  12. In the last month, how often have you found yourself thinking about things that you have to accomplish?
  13. In the last month, how often have you been able to control the way you spend your time?
  14. In the last month, how often have you felt difficulties were piling up so high that you could not overcome them?