Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21

Scale Overview & Construct

21-item short form measuring depression, anxiety, and stress over the past week. Each subscale has 7 items scored 0-3. Multiply subscale sums by 2 to compare with DASS-42 norms (0-42 range per subscale).

21-Item Scale Likert Self-Report Dimensional Breakdown Server-Side Validated

Purpose & Measurement Objectives

21-item short form measuring depression, anxiety, and stress over the past week. Each subscale has 7 items scored 0-3. Multiply subscale sums by 2 to compare with DASS-42 norms (0-42 range per subscale). Based on your answers to its 21 items, you'll get a breakdown across its 3 component areas as well as an overall picture, showing where the pattern is strongest for you. Your result puts a number and a pattern to something you may have only sensed in a general way before.

Instrument Specifications

Target Population

Teachers, Educators & Faculty

Administration Format

Self-Administered

Intended Domain / Purpose

Research & Empirical Study

Recommended Age Bracket

Adults (18+ yrs)

Duration & Pacing

9 Minutes (Self-Paced)

Access License

Open Creative Commons

Scientific Documentation & Psychometric Rigor

Developer / Author

Lovibond, S. H., & Lovibond, P. F.

Development Year

1995

Theoretical Construct & Framework Measures the three related but distinct negative emotional states of depression, anxiety, and (physiological/psychological) stress/tension, each as its own subscale.

Internal Consistency & Reliability

Published studies consistently report high internal consistency (alpha generally above .80) for all three subscales.

Construct & Criterion Validity

Widely used and validated across clinical and non-clinical populations internationally since publication.

Academic Citations

Lovibond, S. H., & Lovibond, P. F. (1995). Manual for the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (2nd ed.). Psychology Foundation of Australia. See also: Lovibond, P. F., & Lovibond, S. H. (1995). The structure of negative emotional states. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 33(3), 335-343.

Academic Citation & Instrument Provenance

When referencing this instrument in research, academic theses, or clinical institutional audits, please cite the original author publication:

License: Public Domain (https://www2.psy.unsw.edu.au/groups/dass/DASSFAQ.htm#_3.__How_do_I_get_permission_to_use_). Citation: Lovibond, S. H., & Lovibond, P. F. (1995). Manual for the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (2nd ed.). Psychology Foundation of Australia. This is not a diagnostic tool. If you are in crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, please contact a licensed mental health professional or a crisis helpline in your country immediately.

Governance, Boundaries & Ethical Use

Construct Boundaries & Interpretive Limitations

Imported from the OpenScales open item-bank project. This specific digital implementation has not been independently clinically validated by PsiQ — scores are for self-reflection, research, and educational purposes only, and are not a diagnosis.

License: Public Domain (https://www2.psy.unsw.edu.au/groups/dass/DASSFAQ.htm#_3.__How_do_I_get_permission_to_use_). Citation: Lovibond, S. H., & Lovibond, P. F. (1995). Manual for the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (2nd ed.). Psychology Foundation of Australia. This is not a diagnostic tool. If you are in crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, please contact a licensed mental health professional or a crisis helpline in your country immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21?

21-item short form measuring depression, anxiety, and stress over the past week. Each subscale has 7 items scored 0-3. Multiply subscale sums by 2 to compare with DASS-42 norms (0-42 range per subscale).

How long does the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 take?

It takes about 9 minutes to answer all 21 questions. You can go at your own pace.

Is this test free, and is it available in Hindi?

Yes, it is free with a PsiQ account. The questions and answer options are available in English, Hindi and Hinglish.

Can this test diagnose a condition?

No. Online self-report scales are for self-reflection, education and research, not diagnosis. If you are worried about your mental health, please speak to a qualified mental-health professional.