Self-Help Information: Stress Vulnerability Scale
Certain aspects of our habits, our lifestyles, and our environments
can make each of us more or less vulnerable to the negative effects
of stress. How vulnerable are YOU to stress? (This assessment is not
designed to make a diagnosis or take the place of a professional
diagnosis.) For each of the following 20 items, rate how much of the
time each applies to you.
1= Almost Always, 2= Usually, 3= Sometimes, 4= Almost Never, 5=
Never
| 1. I eat at least one hot, balanced meal a day. |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
| 2. I get seven to 8 hours of sleep at least four nights
a week. |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
| 3. I give and receive affection regularly |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
| 4. I have at least one relative within fifty miles on
whom I can rely. |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
| 5. I exercise to the point of perspiration at least
twice a week. |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
| 6. I limit myself to less than half a pack of cigarettes
a day (non-smoker = almost always).
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
| 7. I take fewer than five alcoholic drinks a week.
(non-drinkers = almost always). |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
| 8. I am at the appropriate weight for my height. |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
| 9. I have an income adequate to meet basic expenses |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
| 10. I get strength from my religious/spiritual beliefs. |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
| 11. I regularly attend club or social activities. |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
| 12. I have a network of friends and acquaintances. |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
| 13. I have at least one friend in whom I confide about
personal matters. |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
| 14. I am in good health (including eyesight, hearing,
and teeth). |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
| 15. I am able to speak openly about my feelings when
angry or worried. |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
| 16. I have regular conversations with the people I live
with about domestic problems – for example chores and money. |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
| 17. I do something for fun at least once a week. |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
| 18. I am able to organize my time effectively. |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
| 19. I drink fewer than three cups of coffee (or other
caffeine-rich drinks) per day. |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
| 20. I take some quiet time for myself during the day. |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
Total Score = ________ - 20 = _________points.
Stress Vulnerability Rating
0-10 Points = Excellent resistance to stress
11-30 = Very little vulnerability to stress
31-50 =
Some vulnerability to stress
51-74 = Seriously
vulnerable to stress
75-80 = Extreme vulnerability to
stress
Source: University of
California, Berkeley Wellness Letter, August, 1985. Scale
developers: Lyle Miller, Ph.D. & Alma Dell Smith, Ph.D., of Boston
University Wellness Center.
Need Additional Help?
Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Counseling and Wellness Services offer free individual counseling
for these and related issues for veterinary students (WSU Veterinary
Students ONLY). For more information or to schedule an appointment
call or e-mail:
Donna J. Scott, PhD
ADBF 1035
509-335-4607
djscott@vetmed.wsu.edu
NOTE: The information contained in these self help
documents is not to be used as a substitute for professional
care. Neither the authors, Washington State University nor the
College of Veterinary Medicine assume liability for injury incurred
by following the information presented in these self-help documents
