You are about to take the unabridged version of the Epstein Stress Management Inventory for Individuals (or ESMI-i). Designed by Dr. Robert Epstein (follow on Twitter at @DrREpstein), one of America's most distinguished research psychologists, this is an inventory of four types of skills that are important for everyday and long-term stress management. The content of the test is based on scientific studies, and the test has been empirically validated with a sample of more than 3,300 people.
Most people are able to complete the test in less than 10 minutes, and there are no right or wrong answers. Just select the response that seems best. After you answer the questions, you'll be given a detailed report that will give you your scores and explain what they mean. This is just the start; once you know your ESMI scores, there are many avenues you might pursue to improve your stress-management skills. Games and exercises to strengthen such skills can be found in Dr. Epstein's book, The Big Book of Stress Relief Games, which also includes an abridged, self-scorable version of the ESMI.
If you are conducting research and would like to collect raw data for a group that is taking this test - for a business, research study, classroom activity, or other purpose - please see our Group Testing Instructions
If you are a manager, teacher, or supervisor, you might also want to take the manager's version of the ESMI, which looks at ten types of skills that are important for reducing stress in people for whom you are responsible.
Before we get to the inventory itself, we'll ask you a few basic questions about yourself. Demographic information is being collected for research purposes only and will be kept strictly confidential.
To make sure the scoring is accurate, be sure to fill in all the blanks!
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