RSQ

Responses to Stress Questionnaire (RSQ)

General Description:

The RSQ measures coping and involuntary stress responses. It begins with a checklist of stressors that pertain to a specific stressful situation or domain of stress (e.g., parental depression, childhood cancer, family conflict, economic hardship, chronic pain, academic stressors), which the participant rates in terms of how often each stressor has occurred in the recent past (versions are available for most stressors to obtain adolescents’ self-reports, parents’ reports about their child, and parents’ reports about themselves). The questionnaire then asks the participant to keep those specific stressors in mind when responding to the items that comprise the stress responses. Participants rate how often they use each coping method or experience each type of involuntary stress response on a scale of 1 (Not at all) to 4 (A lot). Some items require participants to select an answer on the 1 to 4 scale and write in additional information to describe specifically how they employed that particular coping strategy. The RSQ contains items to measure three types of coping and two types of involuntary stress responses. The measure thus yields five factors: primary control coping, secondary control coping, disengagement coping, involuntary engagement, and involuntary disengagement. Proportion scores can then be created for each factor, thus controlling for individual differences in rates of endorsing items.

For what populations can it be used?

The RSQ can be filled out by children and adults regarding their own personal coping and involuntary stress responses and parents can also fill out the RSQ in regards to how their children respond to stress. The RSQ can be used for many types of stressors, and various versions have been created to measure specific stressful situations experienced by children and families. It has been used with clinical populations (e.g. families coping with parental depression) as well as pediatric populations (e.g. children with cancer).

In what languages is it available?

English

Here are the Versions we have currently Translated:

• Dutch: Child Self-Report – Maternal Depression
• Thai: Parent Report on Child – Pediatric Cancer, Child Self-Report – Pediatric Cancer
• Spanish: Parent Self-Report – Pediatric Cancer, Parent Report on Child – Pediatric Cancer
• Portuguese: Parent Report on Child – Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease, Child Self-Report – Pediatric Cancer (Survivor)
• Norwegian: Child Self-Report – COVID-19, Parent Report on Child – COVID-19
• Indonesian: Child Self-Report – COVID-19
• Croatian: Child Self-Report – Family Stress, Child Self-Report – Peer Stress
• Danish: Child Self-Report – Sibling with a Mental Illness

To translate the RSQ into a different language, please contact the Stress and Coping lab by filling out a RSQ request form: https://redcap.link/hz3bfuqo

For the translation, we require a forward translation into the new language be sent to us for our records and a back translation into English for approval so we can ensure the validity.

FAQ

1. Is there an RSQ for “general stress” or “general coping style”?

The RSQ is designed to capture the ways that individuals cope with and react to specific sources or domains of stress, as research suggests that coping is stressor or domain specific. Therefore, there is not a version of the RSQ designed to assess the ways that individuals “typically” or “generally” cope with stress.

2. Is there a short version of the RSQ?

No. Use of the RSQ requires all 57 items. This is because of the way the measure has been designed and the way that the measure is scored. There are other coping measures available that are shorter than the RSQ that you may want to consider.

3. Can I use only the stressor items of the RSQ?

As each version targets a specific stressor (e.g., pain) or domain of stress (e.g., family stress, stress related to cancer), the items in those versions of the RSQ are not designed to be a measure of stressful events or stressors within a domain. They serve the purpose to focus the participant on that specific stressor when responding to items that comprise the stress response. Therefore, we do not distribute those items as valid measures of stress.

4. Is there a minimum age for completing the RSQ?

Children must be at least 9 years old to complete the RSQ.

5. What if there is not a version listed for the stressor or domain I want to study?

If you are interested in using the RSQ but do not find a version for the domain of stress you are studying and want to have one developed, please contact the stress and coping lab by filling out our request form here: https://redcap.link/hz3bfuqo. Read section on the bottom of this page titled “Requests to develop an RSQ version for a new domain of stress”.

6. Where do I find more information about scoring the RSQ?

If you need more information about scoring the RSQ, please fill out a RSQ request form here: https://redcap.link/hz3bfuqo  and we will send you detailed information about scoring. Scoring the RSQ requires the use of SPSS software.

Downloads for all existing RSQs

NOTE: In order to insure continued standardization of the RSQ, no changes in the measure can be made without consultation from Bruce Compas or a member of the Vanderbilt Stress and Coping Lab.

RSQ – COVID-19

• Child Self-Report RSQ – COVID-19
• Parent Report on Child RSQ – COVID-19
• Adult Self-Report RSQ – COVID-19
• Healthcare Worker Self-Report RSQ – COVID-19

RSQ – Huntington’s disease

• Patient Self-Report RSQ – Huntington’s Disease
• Offspring Self-Report RSQ – Huntington’s Disease
• Caregiver Self-Report RSQ – Huntington’s Disease

RSQ – Academic Problems

• Child Self-Report RSQ – School Problems
• Child Self-Report RSQ – Reading Problems
• Child Self-Report RSQ – Academic Problems
• Parent Report on Child RSQ – Academic Problems

RSQ – Nursing School (Pre-Licensure)

• RSQ Nursing School (Pre-Licensure) Adult Self-Report

RSQ – Autism Risk

• Parent Report on Self RSQ – Autism Risk

RSQ – Family Stress

• Child Self-Report RSQ – Family Stress
• Parent Report on Self RSQ – Family Stress
• Parent Report on Daughter RSQ – Family Stress
• Parent Report on Son RSQ – Family Stress
• Parent report on Child RSQ – Family Stress

RSQ – Financial Problems

• Parent Report on Child RSQ – Financial Problems
• Parent Report on Self RSQ – Financial Problems
• Child Self Report RSQ – Financial Problems

RSQ – Interpersonal Stress

• Adult Self-Report RSQ – Interpersonal Stress

RSQ – Multiple Sclerosis

• Child Self-Report RSQ – Multiple Sclerosis
• Parent Report on Child RSQ – Multiple Sclerosis

RSQ – Parental Conflict

• Child Self-Report RSQ – Parental Conflict

RSQ – Parental Cancer

• Child Self-Report RSQ – Parental Cancer
• Parent Report on Daughter RSQ – Parental Cancer
• Parent Report on Son RSQ – Parental Cancer

RSQ – Parental Depression

• Child Report about Mother RSQ – Parental Depression
• Child Report about Father RSQ – Parental Depression
• Parent Report about Child RSQ – Parental Depression

RSQ – Parental Traumatic Brain Injury

• Child Self Report RSQ -Parental TBI
• Parent Report on Child RSQ – Parental TBI

RSQ – Pediatric Brain Tumor

• Parent Self-Report RSQ – Pediatric Brain Tumor
• Child Self-Report RSQ – Pediatric Brain Tumor
• Parent Report on Son RSQ – Pediatric Brain Tumor
• Parent Report on Daughter RSQ – Pediatric Brain Tumor

RSQ – Pediatric Cancer- In Treatment

• Child Self-Report RSQ – Pediatric Cancer in Treatment
• Parent Report on Child RSQ – Pediatric Cancer in Treatment
• Parent Report on Daughter RSQ – Pediatric Cancer in Treatment
• Parent Report on Son RSQ – Pediatric Cancer in Treatment
• Parent Self-Report RSQ – Pediatric Cancer in Treatment

RSQ- Pediatric Cancer-Survivor

• Child Self-Report RSQ – Pediatric Cancer Survivor
• Parent Report on Daughter RSQ – Pediatric Cancer Survivor
• Parent Report on Son RSQ – Pediatric Cancer Survivor
• Parent Report on Self RSQ – Pediatric Cancer Survivor

RSQ – Pediatric Diabetes

• Parent Self-Report RSQ- Pediatric Diabetes
• Parent Report on Child RSQ – Pediatric Diabetes
• Child Self-Report RSQ – Pediatric Diabetes

RSQ – Pediatric Epilepsy

• Child Self Report RSQ – Epilepsy
• Parent Report on Child RSQ – Epilepsy

RSQ – Pediatric Headaches

• Parent Report on Son RSQ – Headaches
• Parent Report on Daughter RSQ – Headaches
• Child Self-Report RSQ- Headaches

RSQ – Pediatric Hospitalization

• Child Self Report RSQ – Hospitalization
• Parent Self-Report RSQ – Hospitalization
• Parent Report about Child RSQ – Hospitalization

RSQ – Pediatric Pain

• Child Self-Report RSQ- Pediatric Pain
• Parent Self-Report RSQ- Pediatric Pain

RSQ – Pediatric Physical Condition (Somatization)

• Parent Report on Child RSQ- Somatization
• Child Self Report RSQ- Somatization

RSQ – Pediatric POTS

• Child Self Report RSQ- Pediatric POTS

RSQ – Pediatric Recurrent Abdominal Pain

• Child Self-Report RSQ- Recurrent Abdominal Pain
• Parent Report about Child RSQ- Recurrent Abdominal Pain

RSQ – Pediatric Sickle Cell

• Child Self-Report RSQ – Sickle Cell
• Parent Report on Self RSQ – Sickle Cell
• Parent Report on Child RSQ – Sickle Cell
• Parent Report on Son RSQ – Sickle Cell
• Parent Report on Daughter RSQ – Sickle Cell

RSQ – Pediatric Heart Problems

• Child Self-Report RSQ – Pediatric Heart Problems
• Parent Report on Self RSQ – Pediatric Heart Problems
• Parent Report on Child RSQ – Pediatric Heart Problems

RSQ – Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury

• RSQ Child Self Report RSQ- Brain Injury
• RSQ Parent Self Report RSQ- Brain Injury
• Parent Report on Child RSQ-Brain Injury

RSQ – Pediatric Chronic Health Condition (General)

• RSQ Pediatric Chronic Health Condition Child Self-Report
• RSQ Pediaric Chronic Health Condition Parent Report on Child

RSQ – Pediatric Chronic Illnesses (Non-Specific Stressors)

• Child Self-Report RSQ- Cystic Fibrosis
• Child Self-Report RSQ- Organ Transplant
• Child Self-Report RSQ- Rheumatologic Condition
• Child Self-Report RSQ- Liver Disease
• Child Self-Report RSQ- Kidney Disease
• Child Self-Report RSQ- Inflammatory Bowel Disease

RSQ – Peer Stress (College Student)

• Adult Self-Report RSQ- Peer Social Stress College

RSQ – Peer Stress

• Child Self-Report RSQ – Peer Stress
• Parent Report on Child RSQ – Peer Stress

RSQ – Pregnancy

• Adult Self-Report RSQ- Emotional Pregnancy Stress
• Adult Self-Report RSQ- Social Pregnancy Stress

RSQ – New Motherhood

• RSQ New Motherhood Parent Self-Report

RSQ – Sibling With A Chronic Illness

• Child Self Report RSQ-Sibling with Chronic Illness

RSQ – Spastic Cerebral Palsy

• Adult Self-Report RSQ – Spasitc Cerebral Palsy

RSQ – Stalking

• Young Adult Self Report RSQ- Stalking

RSQ – Tornado

• Child Self Report RSQ – Tornado

RSQ – Tourette’s Syndrome

• RSQ Tourette’s Syndrome Parent Report on Child

RSQ – Violence

• Child Self-Report RSQ – Violence
• Parent Report on Child RSQ – Violence

Requests to Develop an RSQ version for a new Domain of Stress

If you do not find a version above for the domain of stress you are studying, you can request that one be developed. The RSQ is designed to measure coping with a specific type (or domain) of stress. To help you develop a version of the RSQ for your study, we will need to know what type of stress you are studying (e.g. peer stress, pediatric cancer). Please include that in your submission of the form in the link below along with who will be asked to complete the RSQ (eg. parent and child). Please e-mail us at https://redcap.link/hz3bfuqo  and provide us with the following details:

1. Your name

2.Your Title

3.Your Institution

4. Your E-mail

5. Type of Stress ( Domain of Stress-e.g. peer stress, pediatric cancer)

6. Who will be asked to complete the RSQ? (eg. Parent and child, just parents)

7. Topic of Proposed Research (one to two sentences)

As always, if you have any questions feel free to add them into the request form as well!

Key References:

• Connor-Smith, J. K., Compas, B. E., Wadsworth, M. E., Thomsen, A. H., & Saltzman, H. (2000). Responses to stress in adolescence: Measurement of coping and involuntary stress responses. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 68, 976-992.
• Compas, B. E., Connor-Smith, J. K., Saltzman, H., Thomsen, A. H., & Wadsworth, M. E. (2001). Coping with stress during childhood and adolescence: Progress, problems, and potential in theory and research. Psychological Bulletin, 127, 87-127.
• Connor-Smith, J. K., & Compas, B. E. (2004). Coping as a moderator of relations between reactivity to interpersonal stress, health status, and internalizing problems. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 28(3), 347-368.
• Compas, B.E., Boyer, M.C., Stanger, C., Colletti, R.B., Thomsen, A.H., Dufton, L.M., & Cole, D.A. (2006). Latent variable analysis of coping, anxiety/depression, and somatic symptoms in adolescents with chronic pain. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 74, 1132-1142.
• Compas, B.E., Beckjord, E., Agocha, B., Sherman, M.L., Langrock, A., Grossman, C., Dausch, B., Glinder, J., Kaiser, C., Anderson-Hanley, C., & Luecken, L. (2006). Measurement of coping and stress responses in women with breast cancer. Psycho-Oncology, 15, 1038-1054.
• Wadsworth, M.E., & Compas, B.E. (2002). Coping with family conflict and economic strain: The adolescent perspective. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 12, 243-274.
• Wadsworth, M.E., Reickmann, T., Benson, M., & Compas, B.E. (2004). Coping and responses to stress in Navajo adolescents: Psychometric properties of the Responses to Stress Questionnaire. Journal of Community Psychology, 32, 391-411.
• Langrock, A.M., Compas, B.E., Keller, G., Merchant, M.J., & Copeland, M. E. (2002). Coping with the Stress of Parental Depression: Parents’ Reports of Children’s Coping and Emotional/Behavioral Problems. Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 31, 312-324.
• Jaser, S.S., Langrock, A.M., Keller, G., Merchant, M.J., Benson, M., Reeslund, K., Champion,J.E., & Compas, B.E. (2005). Coping with the Stress of Parental Depression II: Adolescent and Parent Reports of Coping and Adjustment. Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 34, 193-205.