William J. Smith

Take this short test to measure your 'Stress Exposure'

Directions: Score each item from 1 (always) to 5 (never), according to how much of the time each statement applies to you.

1 (Always) 2 (Almost Always) 3(Periodically) 4 (Almost Never) 5 (Never)

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

2. ___ I get 7 to 8 hours of sleep at least 4 nights a week.

3. ___ I give and receive affection regularly.

4. ___ I have at least one relative within 50 miles.

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 5 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 activites.

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, e.g.,chores, money, daily living issues.

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

18. __ I am able to organize my effectively.

19. __ I drink fewer than 3 cups of coffee (or tea, or cola drinks) a day.

20. __ I take quiet time for myself during the day.

______ TOTAL RAW SCORE

TOTAL RAW SCORE-20=_____ VULNERABILITY SCORE

SCORING: To get your score, add up all of the numbers and subtract 20. Any number over 30 indicates a vulnerability to stress. You are serioulsy vulnerable if your score is between 50-75, and extremely vulnerable if it is over 75.

(assessment courtesy of Miller & Smith)