The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) is a widely used, validated self-report questionnaire that measures psychological resilience — the ability to cope with stress, adversity, and trauma. Originally developed by Dr. Kathryn Connor and Dr. Jonathan Davidson, the CD-RISC helps individuals and clinicians assess key resilience factors such as adaptability, self-efficacy, optimism, and perseverance.
This interactive CD-RISC Score Calculator allows you to quickly compute your total resilience score based on the standard 25-item version. Each item is rated on a 5-point scale from 0 (not true at all) to 4 (true nearly all the time), yielding a total score range of 0–100. Higher scores indicate greater resilience. Whether you are a mental health professional, researcher, or someone interested in personal growth, this tool provides an immediate, confidential way to gauge your resilience level and identify areas for potential development.
🧠 CD-RISC 25-Item Resilience Scale
Rate each statement based on how you have felt over the past month. Select the option that best applies.
How to Use This Tool
Using the CD-RISC Score Calculator is straightforward. For each of the 25 statements, select the response that best describes how you have felt over the past month. The scale uses a 5-point Likert format:
- 0 – Not true at all
- 1 – Rarely true
- 2 – Sometimes true
- 3 – Often true
- 4 – True nearly all the time
Once you have answered all items, click the Calculate Score button. Your total score (0–100) will appear along with a brief interpretation. Use the Reset button to clear all selections and start over.
💡 Tip: Answer honestly based on your recent experience — there are no right or wrong answers. The CD-RISC is designed to reflect your personal resilience, not to judge you.
How It Works
The CD-RISC was developed by Dr. Kathryn Connor and Dr. Jonathan Davidson at Duke University Medical Center. It measures resilience as a multidimensional construct encompassing personal competence, trust in one's instincts, tolerance of negative affect, positive acceptance of change, and spiritual influences. The 25 items are summed to produce a total score, with higher scores indicating greater resilience.
Research has demonstrated strong psychometric properties: internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.89), test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation = 0.87), and convergent validity with measures of hardiness, social support, and perceived stress. The scale has been used in diverse populations including trauma survivors, military personnel, healthcare workers, and general community samples.
Worked Examples
Example 1: A 35-year-old teacher rates most items as 3 (often true) and a few as 4 (true nearly all the time). Total = 78. Interpretation: High resilience — strong adaptive capacity.
Example 2: A 22-year-old student rates many items as 1 (rarely true) or 2 (sometimes true). Total = 42. Interpretation: Low-moderate resilience — consider resilience-building practices such as mindfulness, exercise, and social support.
Factors Affecting Accuracy
While the CD-RISC is a validated instrument, several factors can influence your score:
- Mood at time of assessment: Temporary emotional states may skew responses. Try to complete the scale when you are calm and reflective.
- Recall bias: The scale asks about the past month — memory can be imperfect. Focus on your general tendencies rather than isolated events.
- Cultural context: Resilience expressions vary across cultures. The CD-RISC has been translated and validated in many languages, but cultural norms may affect item interpretation.
- Self-awareness: Honest self-reflection is essential. If you are unsure about an item, choose the option that feels most accurate overall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the CD-RISC a diagnostic tool?
A: No. The CD-RISC is a screening and research instrument. It does not diagnose any mental health condition. If you are concerned about your mental health, please consult a qualified professional.
Q: What is the average CD-RISC score?
A: In general population samples, mean scores typically range from 70 to 80. Clinical populations (e.g., individuals with PTSD, anxiety, or depression) often score lower. However, norms vary by age, gender, and cultural background.
Q: Can I use this tool for research?
A: Yes, but ensure you use the official CD-RISC version and cite the original publication: Connor KM, Davidson JRT. Development of a new resilience scale: the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). Depression and Anxiety. 2003;18(2):76-82. For commercial use, permission may be required.
Q: How often should I retake the CD-RISC?
A: Resilience can change over time. Retaking the scale every 3–6 months can help track progress, especially if you are engaged in resilience training or therapy.
Additional Resources
For more information on resilience and related tools, explore the following resources: