Life Stressor Checklist - Revised (LSC-R)

The Life Stressor Checklist - Revised (LSC-R) is a psychodiagnostic tool designed to assess individuals’ exposure to stressful or traumatic life events. It includes a comprehensive list of potentially traumatic experiences that a person might encounter throughout their life. The LSC-R is used in both clinical and research settings to identify life stressors and their impact on mental health.

Length of Filling

Filling out the entire checklist will take approximately 10-15 minutes.

Survey Structure

The LSC-R consists of 30 items covering various types of traumatic events, such as:

• Natural disasters
• Accidents
• Personal assault
• Domestic violence
• Loss of a loved one
• Other significant life stressors

Each item asks respondents to indicate whether they have experienced the event and, if so, to provide additional details about the nature and impact of the event.

Scoring and Interpretation

The scoring of the LSC-R involves summing the number of “Yes” responses to determine the total number of stressful events experienced by the individual. Each “Yes” response is scored as 1 point, leading to a total score that reflects the cumulative exposure to life stressors.

Key Points for Scoring:

• Yes/No Responses: Each item is answered with a “Yes” (experienced the event) or “No” (did not experience the event).
• Total Score: The total score is the sum of all “Yes” responses, with higher scores indicating greater exposure to life stressors.

Response Scale

Respondents answer each item with a simple “Yes” or “No.” If “Yes,” they are prompted to provide further details regarding the event, including its frequency, duration, and emotional impact.

Keywords

life stressors, trauma, assessment, mental health, stress, traumatic events

References

Wolfe, J., Kimerling, R., Brown, P. J., Chrestman, K. R., & Levin, K. (1996). Life Stressor Checklist-Revised. National Center for PTSD. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/assessment/te-measures/lsc-r.asp

Note: Ensure to provide an empathetic and supportive environment when administering the LSC-R, as discussing traumatic events can be distressing for respondents.

Instructions for Administrators

When administering the LSC-R, it is important to:

1. Create a Safe Environment: Ensure the respondent feels safe and comfortable sharing potentially distressing experiences.
2. Provide Support: Be prepared to offer emotional support or referrals to mental health services if the respondent becomes distressed.
3. Confidentiality: Ensure that the respondent’s information is kept confidential and is only used for the intended assessment purposes.

By carefully following these guidelines, you can help respondents navigate the sensitive process of discussing and assessing their exposure to life stressors.