PSS-10 Perceived Stress Scale

Introduction

The Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) is a widely used psychological stress assessment tool. The scale consists of 10 items that primarily assess an individual's perception of stress from life events over the past month. PSS-10 does not measure specific stressors, but rather measures an individual's subjective experience of stress and perceived coping ability.

Test Instructions

Please rate how often you felt or thought a certain way during the past month. Choose the option that best describes your situation. Each question has five choices: Never, Almost never, Sometimes, Fairly often, Very often.

Scoring Method

• Total Score: Sum of all 10 items, range 0-40 points
• Positive items: 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 10 (scored normally)
• Negative items: 4, 5, 7, 8 (reverse scored)
• Severity: Higher scores indicate greater perceived stress

Dimension Explanation

1. Stress Perception：Perception of unpredictability and uncontrollability in life
2. Coping Ability：Confidence in one's ability to cope and control situations
3. Stress Overload：Feeling that life demands exceed coping abilities
4. Emotional Response：Emotional reactions to stressful situations

Notes

1. This scale is suitable for assessing stress perception levels in adults
2. PSS-10 scores do not have absolute cutoff values and need comprehensive analysis
3. Persistent high stress perception may affect physical and mental health

References

• Cohen, S., Kamarck, T., & Mermelstein, R. (1983). A global measure of perceived stress. Journal of health and social behavior, 385-396.