On the basis of Stokes theory and the Christensen's stochastic model, the combined effects of couple stresses and surface roughness on the instability threshold of hydrodynamic rotor bearings are theoretically studied. The film pressure is solved from the generalized stochastic non-Newtonian Reynolds-type equation and applied to evaluate the equilibrium solution of a short journal bearing. By using the linear theory, the eight oil-film stiffness and damping coefficients as well as the vibrational stability boundary were determined. According to the results obtained, the presence of couple stresses accompanied with a longitudinal roughness provides an increase in the values of stiffness coefficients K XX , K XY and K YX as well as the damping coefficient C XX , and results in a higher stability threshold speed. Whereas, when compared to the smooth bearing lubricated with couple stress fluid, a decrease in the threshold speed is found in the case of transverse roughness.