Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)

The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) is a psychological assessment tool used to measure the perception of stress in individuals. It was developed to assess the degree to which situations in one's life are appraised as stressful. The scale is widely used in research and clinical settings to evaluate perceived stress levels.

The PSS consists of a series of questions that ask individuals about their feelings and thoughts during the last month. Respondents are asked to rate how often they felt a certain way on a scale from 0 (never) to 4 (very often). The responses are then scored to provide a measure of perceived stress.

Higher scores on the PSS indicate higher levels of perceived stress. The scale can be used to identify individuals who may be experiencing high levels of stress and may benefit from interventions to manage stress effectively.

Researchers and healthcare professionals use the PSS in various settings, including:

• Stress management programs
• Clinical psychology and psychiatry
• Occupational health and workplace stress assessments
• Research studies on stress and health outcomes

By using the PSS, professionals can:

• Assess an individual's perception of stress
• Track changes in stress levels over time
• Identify highrisk individuals for stressrelated disorders
• Evaluate the effectiveness of stress management interventions

The Perceived Stress Scale is a valuable tool for assessing perceived stress levels and identifying individuals who may benefit from interventions to manage stress. By understanding and addressing perceived stress, individuals can improve their overall wellbeing and quality of life.