Clinical
Perceived Stress Theory
Also known as: PSS Model · Cohen Stress
Theory that stress is determined not by objective events but by the degree to which one appraises situations as unpredictable, uncontrollable, and overloading. Perceived stress reflects the gap between demands and coping resources, yielding two factors: perceived helplessness and perceived self-efficacy.
- Source:
- Cohen, S., Kamarck, T., & Mermelstein, R. (1983). A global measure of perceived stress. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 24(4), 385-396.
- DOI:
- 10.2307/2136404
Constructs
Perceived Helplessness
The degree to which life situations are appraised as unpredictable, uncontrollable, and overloading — the core stressor component of perceived stress (Cohen et al., 1983).
Perceived Self-Efficacy
The degree to which one feels able to handle problems, control important things, and manage irritations — the coping resource component of perceived stress (Cohen et al., 1983).
Instruments
- NOESIS Perceived Stress Scale(NPSS)NOESIS2026