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The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) is a 25-item self-report measure that quantifies psychological resilience, defined as the ability to thrive and adapt in the face of adversity, trauma, or significant stress. Developed in 2003 by Kathryn M. Connor and Jonathan R.T. Davidson at Duke University Medical Center, the instrument was originally validated in a general population sample, clinical outpatients, primary care patients, and psychiatric patients diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. The CD-RISC draws on the theoretical work of Kobasa (hardiness), Rutter (risk and protective factors), and Lyons (positive adaptation), producing a single composite score that captures the multidimensional nature of resilience. The full 25-item CD-RISC asks respondents to rate each statement on a five-point Likert scale from 0 (not true at all) to 4 (true nearly all the time), yielding a total score between 0 and 100. Higher scores indicate greater resilience. The instrument has been translated into more than 90 languages and used in over 1,500 published studies spanning military, clinical, occupational, and community populations. Abbreviated versions exist (CD-RISC-10 and CD-RISC-2), but the original 25-item form remains the gold standard for comprehensive resilience assessment. Resilience is not a fixed trait but a dynamic process that can be cultivated through cognitive-behavioral strategies, social support, physical exercise, mindfulness, and meaning-making. The CD-RISC is frequently administered before and after resilience-building interventions to document changes in adaptive capacity. It is also used in longitudinal research tracking how resilience mediates the relationship between adverse experiences and mental health outcomes such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Clinicians and researchers use the CD-RISC to screen populations at risk for stress-related disorders, to identify targets for intervention, and to evaluate the effectiveness of resilience-training programs in military, first-responder, healthcare-worker, and student populations. The scale correlates positively with social support, self-efficacy, and post-traumatic growth, and negatively with perceived stress, disability, and symptom severity.
CD-RISC Total Score = Sum of all 25 item ratings (each item scored 0 to 4). Example: A respondent endorses the following across 25 items -- eight items at 4, ten items at 3, four items at 2, two items at 1, and one item at 0. Total = (8 x 4) + (10 x 3) + (4 x 2) + (2 x 1) + (1 x 0) = 32 + 30 + 8 + 2 + 0 = 72. This score of 72 out of 100 falls near the general-population mean, indicating moderate resilience.
- 1The respondent reads each of 25 statements describing aspects of resilience, such as the ability to adapt to change, deal with whatever comes, see the humorous side of problems, and act on hunches. Each item is anchored to a concrete behavior or belief rather than an abstract quality, improving content validity and reducing socially desirable responding.
- 2For each statement, the respondent selects a rating from 0 (not true at all) through 1 (rarely true), 2 (sometimes true), 3 (often true), to 4 (true nearly all the time). The recall window is typically the past month, although some research protocols use longer or shorter reference periods depending on study design and the stability of the construct being measured.
- 3The 25 items map to five factors identified in the original validation study: personal competence, high standards, and tenacity (Factor 1); trust in one's instincts, tolerance of negative affect, and strengthening effects of stress (Factor 2); positive acceptance of change and secure relationships (Factor 3); control (Factor 4); and spiritual influences (Factor 5). However, subsequent factor analyses across diverse populations have produced varying factor structures, and many researchers report the total score rather than subscale scores.
- 4After all 25 items are completed, the calculator sums the raw ratings to produce a total score between 0 and 100. No items require reverse scoring, which simplifies administration and reduces scoring errors. Missing items can be prorated if no more than two items are omitted, by substituting the individual mean of the remaining items for each missing response.
- 5The total score is compared against normative data. In the original United States general-population sample (n = 577), the mean CD-RISC score was 80.4 (SD = 12.8). The 25th percentile falls near 73, and the 75th percentile near 90. Scores substantially below the mean may indicate vulnerability to stress-related disorders and a need for resilience-building intervention.
- 6For clinical populations, reference values are lower. In the original PTSD sample, the mean score was 47.8; in generalized anxiety disorder, 62.4. Following treatment, scores typically increase by 10 to 20 points, providing a clinically meaningful benchmark for improvement. An increase of at least 6 to 7 points is generally considered a reliable change beyond measurement error.
- 7Results are presented alongside interpretive guidance. The calculator displays the total score, a percentile estimate relative to the general population, a qualitative label (low, below average, average, above average, high), and a list of the five lowest-scoring items as potential targets for intervention. This targeted feedback transforms the CD-RISC from a static measurement into an actionable clinical tool.
This service member scores slightly above the general-population mean of 80.4, consistent with research showing that military personnel who have completed resilience training tend to score in the 80 to 90 range. Factor 5 (spiritual influences) is relatively lower, suggesting that meaning-making and faith-based coping may be less prominent in this individual's resilience profile.
This score is well below the general-population mean and falls in the range observed among individuals diagnosed with PTSD in the original validation study (mean 47.8). The low score signals significant resilience deficits and highlights the need for targeted intervention. After evidence-based treatment such as cognitive processing therapy, a score increase of 15 to 25 points would be expected.
A score of 65 falls approximately one standard deviation below the general-population mean, placing this student near the 15th to 20th percentile. This result is not unusual for young adults experiencing acute academic stress, and targeted coaching on stress management, sleep hygiene, and social support could be expected to raise resilience scores over time.
This healthcare worker shows a split resilience profile: strong self-efficacy and competence coexist with diminished emotional tolerance and perceived control, a pattern commonly reported in burnout literature. The calculator flags the low-scoring items for targeted intervention such as mindfulness-based stress reduction or acceptance and commitment therapy.
The United States military uses the CD-RISC extensively in its Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness (CSF2) program and in Special Operations screening. Pre-deployment baseline scores identify service members who may benefit from additional resilience training, while post-deployment scores track adaptation. Research with Army Special Forces candidates found that CD-RISC scores predicted completion of the demanding selection course above and beyond physical fitness measures.
Emergency medical services, fire departments, and law enforcement agencies administer the CD-RISC as part of occupational health programs. First responders with higher resilience scores report fewer symptoms of PTSD, depression, and burnout after critical incidents. Departments use the data to design peer support programs, critical incident stress debriefings, and employee assistance referrals targeted at those with the greatest need.
Healthcare systems adopted the CD-RISC during the COVID-19 pandemic to monitor frontline worker well-being. Hospitals tracked resilience scores alongside burnout and moral injury measures, using the data to allocate wellness resources such as counseling, respite rooms, and schedule adjustments. Studies found that nurses with CD-RISC scores above 80 were significantly less likely to report intent to leave the profession.
In clinical psychology and psychiatry, the CD-RISC serves as both a screening tool and an outcome measure. Resilience-focused interventions, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and positive psychology programs, routinely use CD-RISC change scores to demonstrate treatment effectiveness. Insurance companies and grant-funding agencies increasingly require resilience outcome data as part of evidence-based practice documentation.
When administering the CD-RISC to adolescents (ages 12 to 17), the five-factor
When administering the CD-RISC to adolescents (ages 12 to 17), the five-factor structure from the adult validation may not replicate. Several studies have found a unidimensional or two-factor structure in youth samples. Clinicians should interpret adolescent scores cautiously and prefer the CD-RISC-10, which has shown more stable psychometric properties in younger populations. Norms derived from adult samples should not be applied directly to adolescents.
In populations with limited literacy or cognitive impairment, the CD-RISC may
In populations with limited literacy or cognitive impairment, the CD-RISC may require verbal administration by a trained assessor. Items containing abstract concepts such as acting on hunches or seeing the humorous side of problems may be difficult for individuals with intellectual disabilities or dementia. In these cases, proxy ratings from caregivers have been used in research, though their validity is lower than self-report.
When resilience scores are collected in a forensic or compensation-seeking context, response distortion is a concern.
Unlike many clinical instruments, the CD-RISC does not include validity scales to detect faking good or faking bad. Clinicians should supplement the CD-RISC with a standalone symptom validity test and examine response patterns for unusually uniform ratings (all items endorsed at the same level), which may indicate inattentive or random responding.
| Score Range | Percentile (approx.) | Qualitative Label | Clinical Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90-100 | 75th-99th | High Resilience | Strong adaptive capacity; robust stress tolerance and recovery resources |
| 80-89 | 50th-74th | Above Average | Solid resilience near or above general-population mean; typical of well-functioning adults |
| 68-79 | 25th-49th | Average | Moderate resilience; adequate coping under normal stress but may struggle with severe adversity |
| 55-67 | 10th-24th | Below Average | Resilience resources are limited; at-risk for stress-related symptoms; intervention recommended |
| 40-54 | 3rd-9th | Low Resilience | Consistent with clinical populations (PTSD, anxiety); significant intervention needed |
| 0-39 | Below 3rd | Very Low | Severe resilience deficits; comprehensive psychological assessment and treatment indicated |
What is a good score on the CD-RISC?
In the original US general-population sample, the mean score was 80.4 with a standard deviation of 12.8. Scores above 80 are generally considered average or above average. Scores above 90 indicate high resilience, while scores below 68 (one standard deviation below the mean) may indicate vulnerability to stress-related problems.
Is the CD-RISC free to use?
No. The CD-RISC is a copyrighted instrument. Users must obtain a license from the authors through the official website (cd-risc.com). Licensing fees vary based on whether the use is commercial, academic, or clinical, and whether the user is from a low-income country. Unauthorized reproduction violates copyright.
How long does the CD-RISC take to complete?
The full 25-item version takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes to complete. The 10-item version takes 2 to 4 minutes, and the 2-item version takes less than one minute. Shorter versions sacrifice some psychometric precision for administrative convenience.
Can resilience actually be improved, or is it fixed?
Resilience is modifiable. Longitudinal studies and randomized controlled trials consistently show that targeted interventions can increase CD-RISC scores by 10 to 20 points. Effective approaches include cognitive restructuring, mindfulness meditation, physical exercise, social skills training, and cultivating a sense of purpose. Changes are typically sustained at follow-up assessments.
What is the difference between the CD-RISC and the Brief Resilience Scale?
The CD-RISC (25 items) measures resilience as a broad capacity encompassing hardiness, self-efficacy, adaptability, and spiritual influences. The Brief Resilience Scale (BRS, 6 items) focuses narrowly on the ability to bounce back from stress. The CD-RISC provides a more comprehensive profile but takes longer to administer. The two instruments correlate moderately (r approximately 0.50 to 0.60), indicating they measure related but distinct constructs.
Are there age-specific norms for the CD-RISC?
Research generally shows that resilience scores increase modestly with age, with older adults scoring slightly higher than younger adults. However, standardized age-specific norms have not been universally established. Clinicians should use the most relevant reference sample available and interpret scores in context rather than relying on a single cutoff.
How often should the CD-RISC be re-administered?
For clinical monitoring, readministration every 4 to 8 weeks during active treatment is common. For occupational screening, annual or biannual assessments are typical. In research, pre-post designs with at least a 4-week interval are standard. More frequent administration risks practice effects, where respondents remember previous answers rather than reflecting on current functioning.
Pro Tip
To get the most actionable results from the CD-RISC, do not just look at the total score. Review the five lowest-scored items individually. These specific items reveal which aspects of resilience are weakest, such as tolerance of negative emotions, sense of control, or spiritual grounding, and they become direct targets for therapeutic intervention or self-improvement work.
Did you know?
During the original validation study, the researchers found that resilience scores were more strongly associated with the perception of social support than with the actual size of one's social network. Having two deeply trusted confidants predicted higher CD-RISC scores than having twenty casual acquaintances, a finding that has been replicated across cultures from Japan to Brazil.
References
- ›Connor, K. M., & Davidson, J. R. T. (2003). Development of a new resilience scale: The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). Depression and Anxiety, 18(2), 76-82.
- ›Campbell-Sills, L., & Stein, M. B. (2007). Psychometric analysis and refinement of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC): Validation of a 10-item measure of resilience. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 20(6), 1019-1028.
- ›CD-RISC Official Website: Norms, translations, and scoring manual.