CD-RISC: Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale

25-item measure of resilience to stress with five factor structure. ≈ 5 min to complete. Free with attribution.

coping 25 items ≈ 5 min Updated 2026-05-06

Score CD-RISC below → Download printable PDF View source paper (DOI)
What is CD-RISC? CD-RISC (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale) is a validated instrument used to assess 25-item measure of resilience to stress with five factor structure.. It is used in 25-item measure of resilience to stress with five factor structure.. It comprises 25 items. Administration takes about 5 min.

What is CD-RISC?

CD-RISC (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale) is a validated clinical instrument used to assess 25-item measure of resilience to stress with five factor structure.. It is most often used for 25-item measure of resilience to stress with five factor structure.. The instrument contains 25 items. Typical administration time is ≈ 5 min.

Source / attribution: Copyrighted; free for research use

Clinical context: when CD-RISC is used

25-item measure of resilience to stress with five factor structure. CD-RISC is part of standard practice in this setting because it provides a structured, replicable assessment that can be tracked over time and compared across patients or visits.

Like all screening or assessment instruments, CD-RISC is a structured aid — not a diagnostic test in isolation. Results should be interpreted alongside history, examination, and clinical context. Where a score crosses an actionable threshold, the next step is typically a more detailed clinical evaluation rather than a definitive diagnosis.

Score CD-RISC

Answer all 25 items below to see your CD-RISC score and interpretation.

Each item is scored on a 5-point scale (0–4). Your score updates live as you answer.

All scoring runs in your browser. No data is sent anywhere — close the tab and the answers are gone.

How CD-RISC is scored

Sum all 25 items scored 0-4. Total range 0-100. Higher scores = greater resilience.

Scoring notes: Sum all 25 items scored 0-4. Total range 0-100. Higher scores = greater resilience.

CD-RISC score interpretation

The cutoffs below are drawn from the published validation literature. Always interpret in clinical context.

Score rangeBandInterpretation
0–50Low resilienceResilience intervention
51–75Moderate resilienceMonitor
76–100High resilienceMaintain

How to score CD-RISC: a step-by-step worked example

This is an illustrative walkthrough, not a real patient. Follow the same four steps with your own answers — or use the live calculator at the top of this page.

Step 1 — Score each item

Read each question and choose the response that best fits. Each response has a number next to it — that number is the item's score. The example below uses illustrative answers.

#ItemExample responseScore
1I am able to adapt when changes occurOften true3
2I have at least one close and secure relationship that helps me when I am stressedSometimes true2
3When there are no clear solutions to my problems, sometimes fate or a higher power can helpOften true3
4I can deal with whatever comes my waySometimes true2
5Past successes give me confidence in dealing with new challengesOften true3
6I try to see the humorous side of things when faced with problemsSometimes true2
7Having to cope with stress can make me strongerOften true3
8I tend to bounce back after illness, injury, or other hardshipsSometimes true2
9Good or bad, I believe most things happen for a reasonOften true3
10I give my best effort no matter what the outcome may beSometimes true2
11I believe I can achieve my goals, even if there are obstaclesOften true3
12Even when things look hopeless, I do not give upSometimes true2
13During times of stress or crisis, I know where to turn for helpOften true3
14Under pressure, I stay focused and think clearlySometimes true2
15I prefer to take the lead in problem-solving rather than letting others make all the decisionsOften true3
16I am not easily discouraged by failureSometimes true2
17I think of myself as a strong person when dealing with life's challenges and difficultiesOften true3
18I can make unpopular or difficult decisions that affect other people, if it is necessarySometimes true2
19I am able to handle unpleasant or painful feelings like sadness, fear, and angerOften true3
20In dealing with life's problems, sometimes you have to act on a hunch without knowing whySometimes true2
21I have a strong sense of purpose in lifeOften true3
22I feel in control of my lifeSometimes true2
23I like challengesOften true3
24I work to attain my goals no matter what roadblocks I encounter along the waySometimes true2
25I take pride in my achievementsOften true3

Step 2 — Add up the scores

Add up all the item scores you noted in Step 1.

3 + 2 + 3 + 2 + 3 + 2 + 3 + 2 + … (items 9–25 sum to 43) = 63

Step 3 — Look up the band

Find the row in the interpretation table whose range contains your total:

Total = 63 falls between 51 and 75Moderate resilience

Step 4 — What does this mean clinically?

Moderate resilience. Monitor

A score is one input alongside history and examination. CD-RISC supports clinical judgment — it does not replace it.

Score CD-RISC with your own answers above →

CD-RISC psychometric properties

Psychometric figures are drawn from the validation literature and may vary across clinical populations and translations.

Limitations & common pitfalls

How CD-RISC compares to other coping scales

If CD-RISC doesn't fit your context, related instruments in coping include:

ScaleMeasuresItemsTime
Brief-COPE28-item measure of effective and ineffective coping strategies during stressful events.≈ 5 min
BRS6-item measure of the ability to bounce back or recover from stress.6≈ 1 min
CD-RISC-1010-item brief version of CD-RISC for screening resilience.10≈ 2 min
PHQ-9Severity of depression9≈ 3 minutes
GAD-7Severity of generalized anxiety7≈ 2 minutes
AUDIT10-item WHO screening tool for hazardous alcohol consumption and dependence.10≈ 3 min
CHA2DS2-VAScAnnual stroke risk in non-valvular atrial fibrillation8
Glasgow Coma ScaleLevel of consciousness after head injury3

Frequently asked questions about CD-RISC

What does CD-RISC measure?

CD-RISC (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale) is a validated instrument that assesses 25-item measure of resilience to stress with five factor structure.. Its primary clinical use is 25-item measure of resilience to stress with five factor structure..

How long does CD-RISC take to complete?

CD-RISC typically takes ≈ 5 min to administer. Time can vary slightly depending on whether it is self-administered or clinician-led.

How many items are on CD-RISC?

CD-RISC contains 25 items. Items are summed to produce a total score.

What is a high CD-RISC score?

Scores of 76–100 fall in the "High resilience" band. Maintain

What is a low CD-RISC score?

Scores of 0–50 fall in the "Low resilience" band. Resilience intervention

How reliable is CD-RISC?

CD-RISC has reported Cronbach's α of 0.89 in validation samples and test–retest reliability of 0.87. Validated in clinical and community populations.

Is CD-RISC free to use?

CD-RISC is free to use with attribution. Copyrighted; free for research use

What is the source paper for CD-RISC?

Connor, K. M., & Davidson, J. R. (2003). Development of a new resilience scale. Depression and Anxiety, 18(2), 76-82.

Can CD-RISC replace clinical judgment?

No. CD-RISC is a structured assessment aid. A score is one input alongside history, examination, and clinical context. Treatment decisions should never rest on a screening score alone.

References & validation

CD-RISC is supported by the following peer-reviewed sources: