What is the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale? (CD-RISC)
The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale is a test that measures resilience or how well one is equipped to bounce back after stressful events, tragedy, or trauma.
Resilience gives us the ability to thrive in the face of adversity. Those who are resilient are better able to move through the traumas of life.
The Connor Davidson Resilience Scale measures several components of resilience:
- The ability to adapt to change.
- The ability to deal with what comes along.
- The ability to cope with stress.
- The ability to stay focused and think clearly.
- The ability to not get discouraged in the face of failure.
- The ability to handle unpleasant feelings such as anger, pain or sadness.
What Versions are There? (2, 10 & 25 Item)
The CD-RISC-2, CD-RISC-10, and CD-RISC-25 are the only versions of the scale authorized for use.
There are many unauthorized versions, created without permission and in violation of copyright.
CD-RISC-2
The CD-RISC-2 is a two-item scale forming part of the longer CD-RISC. This short scale is useful as a brief measure of resilience or for measuring progress after treatment. (Vaishnavi, Connor & Davidson (2007).
According to Vaishnavi, Connor, and Davidson (2007), the CD-RISC-2 shows test-retest reliability, adequate internal consistency, convergent validity, as well as divergent validity.
As part of the study done by Vaishnavi, Connor, and Davidson (2007), two items from the original scale were used – noting that the items listed here are not a complete representation of the scale.
- I am able to adapt when changes occur.
- I tend to bounce back after illness, injury, or other hardships.
For more complete instructions for administering the scale; please visit the official CD-RISC website to request and obtain the scale.
The creators of the scale selected these two items as etymologically capturing the true essence of resilience, or the ability to bounce back and successfully adapt to change.
CD-RISC-10
The 10-item scale is comprised of ten of the original 25 items from the CD-RISC-10 scale. A respondent’s total score can range from 0-40.
The following represent items for the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale – noting that the items listed here are not a complete representation of the scale:
- I am able to adapt when changes occur.
- I can deal with whatever comes my way.
- I try to see the humorous side of things when I am faced with problems.
- Having to cope with stress can make me stronger.
- I tend to bounce back after illness, injury or other hardships.
- I believe I can achieve my goals, even if there are obstacles.
- Under pressure, I stay focused and think clearly.
- I am not easily discouraged by failure.
- I think of myself as a strong person when dealing with life’s challenges and difficulties.
- I am able to handle unpleasant or painful feelings like sadness, fear, and anger.
For more complete instructions for administering the scale; please visit the official CD-RISC website to request and obtain the scale.
This 10-item scale was developed by Drs. Campbell-Sills and Stein, at the University of California, San Diego, based on factor analysis.
Possible responses range from:
0 – Not true at all.
1 – Rarely true.
2 – Sometimes true.
3 – Often true.
4 – True nearly all the time.
According to Scali et al. (2012), the CD-RISC was initially considered to be multidimensional, with factors comparable to:
- Tenacity and competence.
- Trusting in one’s instincts and tolerating negative affect.
- Accepting of change and secure within relationships.
- Control.
- Spirituality.
However, in subsequent studies utilizing independent samples, some instability was revealed in the factor structure. This led to the recognition of an abridged 10-item version, the CD-RISC-10.
The remaining ten items were thought to be a better reflection of the ability to bounce back from the variety of challenges that can arise in life.
This unidimensional version has equally excellent psychometric properties, and the longer version has been shown to be appropriate for use within different cultures and has been used extensively in epidemiological studies. (Connor & Davidson, 2003; Notario-Pacheco, et al. 2011; Wang, Shi, Zhang, & Zhang, 2010)
CD-RISC-25
The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-25) is a self-administered scale containing 25 items that exhibit good psychometric properties.
The following represent the items for the 25-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale – noting that the items listed here are not a complete representation of the scale:
- I am able to adapt when changes occur.
- I have one close and secure relationship.
- Sometimes fate or God helps me.
- I can deal with whatever comes my way.
- Past successes give me confidence.
- I try to see the humorous side of things when I am faced with problems.
- Having to cope with stress can make me stronger.
- I tend to bounce back after illness, injury or other hardships.
- I believe most things happen for a reason.
- I make my best effort, no matter what.
- I believe I can achieve my goals, even if there are obstacles.
- Even when hopeless, I do not give up.
- In times of stress, I know where to find help.
- Under pressure, I stay focused and think clearly.
- I prefer to take the lead in problem-solving.
- I am not easily discouraged by failure.
- I think of myself as a strong person when dealing with life’s challenges and difficulties.
- I make unpopular or difficult decisions.
- I am able to handle unpleasant or painful feelings like sadness, fear, and anger.
- I have to act on a hunch.
- I have a strong sense of purpose in life.
- I feel like I am in control.
- I like challenges.
- I work to attain goals.
- I take pride in my achievements.
For more complete instructions for administering the scale; please visit the official CD-RISC website to request and obtain the scale.
The CD-RISC-25 scale was taken from van der Walt, Suliman, Martin, Lammers, & Seedat (2014).
What our readers think
I apologize for my previous “Bait-and-Switch” comment in your Chat box. I DID receive the three free resilience exercises via email. Thank you!
Hi Virginia,
No problem at all! We understand that sometimes the email can fall into a spam folder or get lost in between other emails. We hope you enjoy the free tools 🙂
Warm regards,
Julia | Community Manager
Hello and Good Day.
I am Mohamad Azmi, a Master’s student at the University of Malaya, Malaysia, I would like information and permission to use the CD-RICS-25 in my current study. I intend to conduct research to assess the resilience of a person infected with Total Knee Replacement (TKR)
Please advise on the procedures needed to incorporate this assessment tool into my study.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you very much for your consideration.
Hi Mohamad,
you can request permission to use the CD-RICS-25 on this website.
Good luck with your study!
Warm regards,
Julia | Community Manager
I want author permission to use CD-RISC scale
Hi Zikra,
As we are not the authors of the scale, we cannot give you direct permission. It is best you directly request permission to use the CD-RICS-25 on this website.
Warm regards,
Julia | Community Manager
Hello
I am Fauziah, a doctoral student at Universitas Negeri Padang, West Sumatera, Indonesia and would like information and permission to use the CD-RICS-25 in my current study. I intend to conduct research to assess the resilience of person infected with HIV.
Please advise on the procedures needed to incorporate this assessment tool into my study.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you very much for your consideration.
Hi Fauziah,
In order to obtain the scale for research, you will need to go on their website. There you can find the instructions of the scale’s authors 🙂
I hope this helps!
Kind regards,
Julia | Community Manager
Hello and Good Day!
We are now doing a study on resilience. We would want to request your permission to utilize the scales questionnaire. Your response may be extremely beneficial to us and will serve as verification that you consent to the usage of these questionnaires. Thank you very much!
Hello Charles,
Unfortunately, we are unable to authorize your usage of the scale. The privilege of granting permissions rests solely with the original authors. For this particular scale, we would recommend you directly engage with the authors. You can reach them through this link.
I hope this helps! If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Kind regards,
Julia | Community Manager