The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS21) is a set of three self-report scales designed to measure emotional states of depression, anxiety and stress. Each scale contains seven items, divided into subscales with similar content.
The three scales measure the following:
Depression assesses dysphoria, hopelessness, devaluation of life, self-deprecation, lack of interest and involvement, anhedonia and inertia.
Anxiety assesses physical tension, skeletal muscle effects, situational anxiety and the subjective experience of anxious affect.
Stress assesses difficulty relaxing, heightened nervous energy, and being easily upset, agitated, irritable, over-reactive or impatient. It is particularly sensitive to levels of chronic nonspecific tension.
Scores for depression, anxiety and stress are calculated by summing the scores for the relevant items.
Why do I need to complete the DASS21?
The DASS21 is a brief questionnaire designed to measure your emotional state before your session. It is a helpful tool for your psychologist and, although it is optional, we recommend completing it ahead of your upcoming session as it can help improve your experience.
To complete the DASS21, log in to your account and you'll find a link to the questionnaire next to your upcoming session details.
You'll also receive an SMS reminder before your session prompting you to complete it. See also: How do I complete the DASS21 questionnaire?
Please note: the questionnaire is only accessible from 45 minutes before your session and will close 10 minutes before your session begins.