Stress Management Questionnaire (SMQ)

The Stress Management Questionnaire (SMQ) is one of the first scientifically researched and validated stress self-assessment tools currently in use by professionals in training programs, clinics and health centers around the world.

The SMQ was designed by Dr. James Petersen, a psychologist and researcher, to help chronically stressed individuals gain a better understanding of themselves and how stress may be affecting their health, productivity and life satisfaction or quality of life.

After several years of use in his Biofeedback and Stress Management Clinic, Dr. Petersen embarked on a year-long comprehensive validation study of the SMQ through a grant from National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH, 1980).

After care research, review and refinement, the final SMQ was launched in 1980 and was immediately implemented in a program at the University of Arizona called Project Well Aware that was funded by the Kellogg Foundation.

The SMQ has been used in stress management programs around the world, offered via the Internet on AOL and Thrive-On-Health, and by clinicians and counselors in clinics, hospitals and private practices. To date, over 600,000 individuals have benefited from taking the SMQ and thousands have learned more about how stress may be affecting them; they have also discovered new and more effective ways to master stress more effectively at work and home.

SMQ - Print & Online Versions

The SMQ can be taken online (the most popular method) or via a traditional print version.

The SMQ Print version is a proven successful stress self-assessment tool that is completed by an individual as a means to helping one understand the stress affecting one’s life and to discover ways to reduce or eliminate that stress. Based upon the current research and theory by professionals from all disciplines, the SMQ is an easy to use tool that can be integrated into virtually any stress management program or training.

The Print Version also comes with the SMQ Companion Form that allows for a "second" opinion as to how well the participant is viewed as mastering stress from a family member, co-worker or close. Essentially, the person taking the SMQ is evaluated by another individual to provide a different point of view as to how well he or she is mastering stress at the moment.

The SMQ Online Version is identical to the print version, but is completed online. To learn more about the Online Version of the SMQ, click ---> ONLINE SMQ. For a detailed description of the SMQ, click ---> SMQ.

Self-Scoring & Interpreting

The SMQ takes only a few minutes to complete, score and create a personal profile. Clients can take home the SMQ Companion Form to be completed by a family member or friend.

The SMQ can be taken individually or as part of a stress management group. Its effectiveness is increased when integrated into a stress management program or used by a trained professional. Scoring is easy and quick with each SMQ having clear instructions on how to "discover" the risk levels for each scale.

Used By Facilitators & Clinicians

The SMQ has been successfully integrated into corporate, organizational, health and wellness and public stress management programs around the world. For a list of a few of our clients, click---> Clients

Educational & Informative

The SMQ is more than a personal self-assessment tool. It is also a wealth of information, ideas and strategies that help one learn how to master stress. After completing the SMQ, each scale is described in detail with THINGS TO KNOW and THINGS DO TO. At the end of the SMQ is a Contract for Change to encourage long-term attitudinal and behavioral change.

To learn more, click --->SMQ-Print Version

Take the SMQ for Free

If you are a trainer, HR professional, health or mental health professional and would like to take a "Test Drive" of the SMQ to evaluate its potential use in your program, please CONTACT US and we will provide you with a Free Online Assessment.