How Vulnerable Are You to Stress?

Score each item from 1 (almost always) to 5 (never), according to how each statement applies to you.

___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 50 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 eyesight, hearing, 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
(such as 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 then three cups a coffee (or tea or cola drinks) a day

___20.    I take quiet time for myself during the day.

____________ Total

Add up the numbers and subtract 20 to get your score. A number over 30 shows a

vulnerability to stress. You are seriously vulnerable if your score is between 50–75, and extremely vulnerable if your score is over 75.

Developed by psychologists Lyle H. Miller and Alma Dell Smith at Boston University Medical Center