Scale Analysis

The A Stress Assessment Tool (ASSET) is a psychometric instrument developed by Cary Cooper and his research team at Robertson Cooper Ltd. Its purpose is to assess levels of occupational stress and its impact on psychological well-being and organizational performance.

Objective

ASSET is designed to identify the main sources of work-related stress (such as workload, lack of control, and workplace relationships), evaluate the consequences of stress on health (such as mental exhaustion and psychosomatic disorders), and provide data for organizations and companies to implement intervention strategies.

Structure & Content

The tool includes questions covering various dimensions of stress sources, such as workload, lack of control, relationships with colleagues and supervisors, job security, and work-life balance. It also addresses the consequences of stress, which include psychological effects (such as anxiety and depression) and physical effects (such as fatigue and headaches). Participants respond using a Likert scale (e.g., 1–5), based on the frequency or intensity of their experiences.

Statistical Analysis

Completion time is approximately 20–30 minutes. Results are presented as a stress profile, aiming to classify the main sources and consequences of stress for each participant or group.

Validity & Reliability

ASSET demonstrates high psychometric reliability, with Cronbach’s alpha > 0.80 for all subscales. Validated studies highlight its correlation with clinical and organizational stress outcomes.

Bibliography

Cooper, C. L., & Cartwright, S. (1997). An intervention strategy for workplace stress. Journal of Psychosomatic Research.
Robertson, I., & Cooper, C. (2011). Well-being: Productivity and Happiness at Work. Palgrave Macmillan.