How Vulnerable Are You to Stress? Let's Take a Test!

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The Resource Train

November 2000

Researchers have identified a number of factors that affect someone's vulnerability to stress. Among them are eating and sleeping habits, caffeine and alcohol intake, and how we express our emotions. The following questionnaire is designed to help you discover how vulnerable you are and to pinpoint trouble spots.

Rate each item from 1 (always) to 5 (never), according to how much of the time the statement is true of you (i.e., always true or sometimes true, etc.). Be sure to mark each item, even if it seems not to apply to you -- for example, in the first question if you always eat a hot, balanced meal once a day, check off #1.

1) I eat at least one hot, balanced meal a day.

Always Almost Always Sometimes Almost Never Never

1 2 3 4 5

2) I get seven to eight hours of sleep at least.

Always Almost Always Sometimes Almost Never Never

1 2 3 4 5

3) I give and receive affection regularly.

Always Almost Always Sometimes Almost Never Never

1 2 3 4 5

4) I have at least one relative within 50 miles, on whom I can rely.

Always Almost Always Sometimes Almost Never Never

1 2 3 4 5

5) I exercise to the point of perspiration at least twice a week.

Always Almost Always Sometimes Almost Never Never

1 2 3 4 5

6) I limit myself to less than half a pack of cigarettes a day.

Always Almost Always Sometimes Almost Never Never

1 2 3 4 5

7) I take fewer than five alcoholic drinks a week.

Always Almost Always Sometimes Almost Never Never

1 2 3 4 5

8) I am the appropriate weight for my height.

Always Almost Always Sometimes Almost Never Never

1 2 3 4 5

9) I have an income adequate to meet basic expenses.

Always Almost Always Sometimes Almost Never Never

1 2 3 4 5

10) I get strength from my religious beliefs.

Always Almost Always Sometimes Almost Never Never

1 2 3 4 5

11) I regularly attend club or social activities.

Always Almost Always Sometimes Almost Never Never

1 2 3 4 5

12) I have a network of friends and acquaintances.

Always Almost Always Sometimes Almost Never Never

1 2 3 4 5

13) I have one or more friends to confide in about personal matters.

Always Almost Always Sometimes Almost Never Never

1 2 3 4 5

14) I am in good health (including eye-sight, hearing & teeth.)

Always Almost Always Sometimes Almost Never Never

1 2 3 4 5

15) I am able to speak openly about my feelings when angry or worried.

Always Almost Always Sometimes Almost Never Never

1 2 3 4 5

16) I have regular conversations with the people I live with about domestic problems -- for example, chores and money.

Always Almost Always Sometimes Almost Never Never

1 2 3 4 5

17) I do something for fun at least once a week.

Always Almost Always Sometimes Almost Never Never

1 2 3 4 5

18) I am able to organize my time effectively.

Always Almost Always Sometimes Almost Never Never

1 2 3 4 5

19) I drink fewer than three cups of coffee (or other caffeine-rich drinks) a day.

Always Almost Always Sometimes Almost Never Never

1 2 3 4 5

20) I take some quiet time for myself during the day.

Always Almost Always Sometimes Almost Never Never

1 2 3 4 5

Source: University of California, Berkeley Wellness Newsletter, (August 1985). Scale Developers: Lyle Miller and Alma Dell Smith of Boston University Medical Center.

For more information, browse through The Body's library on stress, or take a look at these articles:

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