Life’s pressures or stresses can have an effect on your physical health. The following scale is adapted from the ‘Social Readjustment Rating Scale,’ by Drs. Thomas Holmes and Richard Rahe (which originally appeared in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research, Vol.II, 1967). Do not attempt to add up a ‘score’ on this scale. The values are there to show the relative impact of stressful events experienced over the past year and to give some indication (and the list is by no means complete) of the wide range of stresses in our lives which may lead to possible health risks.
Use this scale in conjunction with the questions at the bottom of the page to Assess Your Stress.
|
|
|
Foreclosure of mortgage or loan
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sleep less than 8 hours per night
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in responsibilities ar work
|
|
|
Separation from living partner
|
|
|
|
Trouble with in-laws or children
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding personal achievement
|
|
|
Death of close family member
(other than spouse)
|
|
|
|
Spouse begins or stops work
|
|
|
Serious personal injury or illness
|
|
|
|
|
|
Marriage or establishing life partner
|
|
|
|
Change in living conditions
(visitors in home, new roommate, remodeling)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in personal habits
(diet, exercise, smoking)
|
|
|
Marital or relationship reconciliation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chage in health of immediate
family member
|
|
|
|
Change in work hours/conditions
|
|
|
Work more than 40 hours per week
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pregnancy or causing pregnancy
|
|
|
|
Presently in pre-menstrual period
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain of new family member
|
|
|
|
Change in religious activities
|
|
|
Business or work role change
|
|
|
|
Change in social activities
(more/less)
|
|
|
Change in financial state
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in frequency of family gatherings
|
|
|
Change in number of arguments
with spouse or life partner
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mortgage or loan for a major purpose
|
|
|
|
Presently in winter holiday season
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minor violation of the law
|
|
|