Understanding Your Response to Stress

Any change in your life can lead to stress. This includes even pleasurable activities, such as vacations or new forms of recreation. You can also be in a stressful situation such as a difficult job or a long-term illness of a spouse. If you think you might be having stress, this assessment may help you find out its effects on you.

You probably know some of the common signs of stress. They include a pounding heart, sweaty palms, and feeling anxious. But you may respond to stress in many other ways too, from feeling irritable to driving recklessly. Knowing how you react to stress is an important step toward managing it.

Everyone responds to stress differently. This assessment will help you learn about your particular stress profile. Listed below are the kinds of physical, mental, and emotional responses people may have to stress—some of which you may not have considered before. Review these lists and think about which reactions apply to you when you’re under stress. Check all the reactions you have in stressful situations.

In each category, check any symptoms you’ve had in the past month. Remember, the reactions you choose may be signs of stress. But stress is only one of the possible causes of these symptoms. Talk with your health care provider if you have questions or concerns about the items you check.


This assessment is not intended to replace the evaluation of a health care professional.

Online Medical Reviewer: Novick, Tara, BSN, MSN
Online Medical Reviewer: Trevino, Heather, BSN, RNC
Date Last Reviewed: 11/1/2024
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