DASS-21 questions, response options, and instructions
What are the response choices?
The official response options combine degree and frequency. Use the full wording on the questionnaire rather than replacing it with a different scale such as a count of days.
| Value | Official response wording |
|---|---|
| 0 | Did not apply to me at all |
| 1 | Applied to me to some degree, or some of the time |
| 2 | Applied to me to a considerable degree, or a good part of time |
| 3 | Applied to me very much, or most of the time |
Should I answer about today or the past week?
Use the period specified on the form. A difficult exam this morning does not turn the standard past-week questionnaire into a measure of how you feel right now.
For a practical example, think of a student completing it the evening after an exam. They can consider the rest of the week as well as that day. They can also tell a counselor that a particular event prompted them to complete it.
If a research project deliberately changes the timeframe, its results need to be identified as coming from that adaptation. Do not silently change the period yourself and assume the usual interpretation is unaffected.
Do any DASS-21 items need reverse scoring?
No items are reversed in the standard short form. Answer naturally, then apply the scoring key to group responses into the correct scales.
This is different from PSS-10. If you recently used that questionnaire, do not carry its reverse-item rules over to DASS-21. The full scoring calculation is explained on the linked page.
Is DASS-21 just the first half of DASS-42?
No. It is a selected short form, not simply the first 21 questions of the full questionnaire. Using a DASS-21 scoring key on the wrong form can produce an incorrect result.
Check the name, version, and number of items before interpreting a total. Also distinguish DASS-21 from DASS-Youth: both have 21 items, but they are different forms with different wording and scoring guidance.
What if I leave an answer blank?
A missing response is not equivalent to selecting zero. The usual complete-form calculation uses all seven answers within each scale. If a response is missing, follow the administrator’s documented procedure or ask for help.
The developer discusses handling limited missing data in the FAQ. Any adjustment should be transparent. Do not silently replace omitted answers, compare an incomplete sum with the usual table, or present an adjusted result as though it were a complete response set.
Can I read the questions without completing them?
Yes. The official form lets you see the wording and instructions before deciding whether to use it. You can also take the information to a professional and ask whether this is a suitable measure for your situation.
Some statements concern distressing experiences. You do not have to finish a questionnaire to earn support. If your main need is to talk to someone, you can do that directly.
What should I check on an online form?
Look for the exact version, timeframe, response wording, and an explanation of where your answers go. Check whether the reported scores are raw or doubled before comparing them with any table.
If a helper reads the form aloud or assists with access, the answers should still reflect your own experience. Mention any difficulty understanding the wording when discussing the result.
This page is educational. A questionnaire score cannot establish a diagnosis or explain the cause of your symptoms. If you are struggling, speak with a counselor or healthcare professional, whatever your score.
Read how to ask for support or find a helpline in your country.