Stress - Measuring Stress

Question 1

Self-report measures: SRRS

Answer 1

• Social readjustment rating scale
• 43 life events to 400 ppt - rate how much adjustment needed
• Measures stress from life events

Question 2

Self-report measures: HSUP

Answer 2

• Hassles and uplifts scale
• Measures daily hassles and positive uplifts

Question 3

Self-report Evaluation

Answer 3

Quick and easy to use
Used in many current studies + adaptations of it
Subjective - relies on self-perception
Social desirability

Question 4

Physiological measures

Answer 4

Stress measured physiologically by any device which measures arousal - HR, BP

Question 5

Physiological measures: Skin conductive response

Answer 5

Measures electrical resistance of skin - indicates levels of arousal in NS
Measures sweat gland activity (linked to SNS activity)
- Used in treatment of anxiety & fears

Question 6

SCR Evaluation

Answer 6

• More objective - relies on hormones, HR, body processes
• Takes account individual differences, baseline measure taken before any stimulus
• Some people’s SCR varies little when at rest & not much influenced by stimuli
• Others may produce a lot of SCR even at rest - not straightforward measure
• Can be influences by other factors - temp, medication