MOS 36-Item Short Form Health Survey

Scale Overview & Construct

36-item health survey measuring physical functioning, role limitations, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, and mental health — the most widely used general health status measure in the world.

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

Purpose & Measurement Objectives

36-item health survey measuring physical functioning, role limitations, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, and mental health — the most widely used general health status measure in the world. Based on your answers to its 36 items, you'll get a breakdown across its 9 component areas as well as an overall picture, showing where the pattern is strongest for you. Taking it helps you put a number and a pattern to something you may have only had a vague sense of 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

15 Minutes (Self-Paced)

Access License

Open Creative Commons

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 (RAND Corporation). Citation: Ware, J. E., & Sherbourne, C. D. (1992). The MOS 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36): I. Conceptual framework and item selection. Medical Care, 30(6), 473-483. This is not a diagnostic tool.

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. Each item uses its own response scale as in the original instrument rather than one shared scale.

License: Public Domain (RAND Corporation). Citation: Ware, J. E., & Sherbourne, C. D. (1992). The MOS 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36): I. Conceptual framework and item selection. Medical Care, 30(6), 473-483. This is not a diagnostic tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MOS 36-Item Short Form Health Survey?

36-item health survey measuring physical functioning, role limitations, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, and mental health — the most widely used general health status measure in the world.

How long does the MOS 36-Item Short Form Health Survey take?

It takes about 15 minutes to answer all 36 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.