Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10)
A validated 10-item questionnaire measuring how unpredictable, uncontrollable, and overloaded you find your life over the past month. Developed by Cohen, Kamarck & Mermelstein (1983).
10 questions · ~4 min · No account needed
About the PSS-10
The PSS is the most widely used psychological instrument for measuring the perception of stress. It is not a diagnostic tool for clinical disorders, but a measure of the degree to which situations in your life are appraised as stressful. Items 4, 5, 7 and 8 are positively stated and reverse-scored.
Question 1 of 10
Rate your experience (past month)
In the last month, how often have you been upset because of something that happened unexpectedly?
0 · Never
4 · Very often
Your stress score will appear here
Answer all ten questions to see your perceived stress score and interpretation.
Learn more
Frequently asked questions
The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) is a validated questionnaire that measures how unpredictable, uncontrollable, and overloaded people find their lives. The 10-item PSS-10 is the most widely used version.
Each item is rated 0–4. Questions 4, 5, 7 and 8 are reverse-scored, then all ten items are summed for a total from 0 to 40. Higher scores indicate greater perceived stress.
No. The PSS is a screening and self-awareness tool, not a clinical diagnosis. If stress is affecting your daily life, consult a qualified health professional.