Have you ever wondered how vulnerable you could be to stress? Well check out the survey below and find out. We were asked to take the survey posted below during the job seekers workshop and my score wasn’t too bad at that time. Although I have retaken it over the past few years at different points in my life and it has been a pretty accurate source for measuring my stress levels.

The following survey was developed by psychologists Lyle H Miller and Alma Dell Smith at Boston University Medical Center. Score each item from 1 (Almost Always) to 5 (Never), according to how much of the time each statement applies to you. Simply write the corresponding number you assign to each one on a piece of paper and add the total when you get to the bottom. The rest of the directions are after the survey. It doesn’t take long.

  1. I eat at least one hot, balanced meal a day.
  2. I get seven to eight hours sleep at least four nights a week.
  3. I give and receive affection regularly.
  4. I have at least one relative within fifty miles on whom I can rely.
  5. I exercise to the point of perspiration at least twice a week.
  6. I smoke less than half a pack of cigarettes a day.
  7. I take fewer than five alcoholic drinks a week.
  8. I am the appropriate weight for my height.
  9. I have an income adequate to meet basic expenses.
  10. I get strength from my religious beliefs.
  11. I regularly attend club or social activities.
  12. I have a network of friends and acquaintances.
  13. I have one or more friends to confide in about personal matters.
  14. I am in good health ( including vision, hearing, and teeth ).
  15. I am able to speak openly about my feelings when angry or worried.
  16. I have regular conversations with the people I live with about domestic problems, for example, chores, money, and daily living issues.
  17. I do something fun at least once a week.
  18. I am able to organize my time effectively.
  19. I drink fewer than three cups of coffee, tea, or soda a day.
  20. I take quiet time for myself during the day.

To get your score, add up the figures and subtract 20. Any number over 30 indicates a vulnerability to stress. You are seriously vulnerable if your score is between 50 and 70, and extremely vulnerable if it is over 75.

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