PSS-10 · 3 minutes
Perceived stress scale (PSS-10)
Reflect on the past month. Ten questions about how unpredictable, uncontrollable, and overloaded your life has felt. Result categorises perceived-stress level and points to evidence-based intervention options.
In the last month, how often have you been upset because of something that happened unexpectedly?
Educational tool — not a diagnosis. Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10), Cohen, Kamarck & Mermelstein 1983 (revised 1988). Most widely cited stress measurement instrument globally.
Frequently asked
Plain-language answers about perceived stress, this screener, and what evaluation costs at a Class A hospital in China.
- What's a typical PSS-10 score?
- 0–13 low perceived stress, 14–26 moderate, 27–40 high. Mean PSS-10 in US adults is approximately 13. Scores ≥27 are associated with elevated risk of stress-related illness and warrant active intervention.
- What's the difference between stress and burnout?
- Stress is the perception of demand exceeding resources — measured well by PSS. Burnout is the chronic state of exhaustion, depersonalisation, and reduced personal accomplishment that develops in response to sustained occupational stress — measured better by the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory or MBI. Both are useful; they capture different time windows.
- What evidence-based interventions reduce perceived stress?
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), CBT-style stress-management training, regular exercise, sleep, social connection, and where appropriate, structural workload changes. Class A psychiatry departments increasingly run MBSR / CBT groups in English-language formats.
About this screener
Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10), Cohen, Kamarck & Mermelstein 1983 (revised 1988). Most widely cited stress measurement instrument globally.
What this screener covers
- Reaction to severe stress, unspecified(ICD-10 F43.9)
- Burnout / problems related to life management(ICD-10 Z73.0)
Validated source
Medical review
Reviewed by Panda Touring Care medical team (Psychiatry coordinator review) · last reviewed 2025-04-01
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