Effort Stress Test

In 2 minutes, understand whether your drive is tipping into effort stress and burnout risk. Ten quick items flag early warning signs so you can reset priorities and protect performance and wellbeing.

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Questions: 102 minutes

Hi! My name is Freudly, i am an AI therapist, I will give you an interpretation of the test after you complete it.

08:30

October 2, 2025

October 2, 2025
Material has been updated

October 2, 2025
Material has been published

15,890 views

1,197 completions

985 likes

Verified by Daniel Hall

Psychologist with 25 years of experience

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How the Scales are Structured

example score

62/100

Effort Stress (ES)

Measures stress linked to persistent overstriving for achievement, difficulty disengaging from work, and sustained professional tension.

Low

Moderate

High

0 – 33: Low | 34 – 66: Moderate | 67 – 100: High

A score of 62 falls in the Moderate range, suggesting noticeable effort-related tension and a tendency to stay mentally engaged with work even when off-task.

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DATA-BASED USER COHORTS

Who Usually Takes This Test?

Overloaded senior leaders

41%OF USERS

Executives and directors who feel constant time pressure and struggle to switch off, even during evenings or vacations.

Ambitious rising managers

34%OF USERS

New or fast-growing managers who are pushing hard for results and recognition and worry that work is taking over their life.

Performance-driven founders

25%OF USERS

Business owners and startup leaders who tie self-worth to productivity and want an early warning sign before burnout hits.

BASED ON AGGREGATED, ANONYMIZED DATA FROM TENS OF THOUSANDS OF FREUDLY USERS.

RESULTS YOU CAN ACTUALLY USE

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Used in 52+ countries

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Once you complete the test, your results are compared with real-world data from people in your country.
Below is a preview of how scores are typically distributed across each scale.

Effort stress (Es)

Average

37.8

Normal range

19.4 — 56.2

min.

max.

100

Majority

This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.

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CLEAR ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this questionnaire measure?

It screens for effort-related stress linked to persistent overinvolvement in work and difficulty disengaging. Results indicate the current level of tension and potential risk patterns.

Who is this questionnaire intended for?

It is intended for working adults, including people in leadership roles, who want a brief check of effort strain and work-related tension. It is suitable for routine self-monitoring and prevention planning.

How long does it take and how many items are included?

Completion time is about 2 minutes. The questionnaire includes 10 items.

How should responses be selected?

Answer based on typical behavior and feelings over the past few weeks, not an unusual week. Select the option that best matches what occurs most often.

Does this provide a diagnosis, and what should be done with a high score?

It is a screening tool and does not provide a medical or psychological diagnosis. A high score supports reviewing workload, recovery time, and boundaries, and may warrant consultation with a qualified professional if distress or impairment is present.

WHAT THE TEST MEASURES

About This Assessment

Effort Stress Test - Symptoms and Signs

business work stress workaholism

This brief self-report screener is designed to gauge work-related strain associated with high effort and stress. Effort Stress is intended to support rapid identification of patterns that may signal elevated risk for maladaptive overinvestment in work.

The measure includes 10 items and typically requires about 2 minutes to complete. Items query common indicators of difficulty disengaging from work demands and persistent time pressure, with results used to inform clinical discussion and consideration of stress management and work-life balance strategies.

Effort Stress is referenced in association with work-stress models described by Robert A. Karasek and Johannes Siegrist. Results should be interpreted as an initial indicator rather than a standalone diagnosis and considered alongside clinical history, current functioning, and contextual factors.

Author: Johannes Siegrist, Robert A. Karasek

Literature: Lazarus, R. S., & Folkman, S. Stress, appraisal, and coping. Springer Publishing Company. 1984.

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