Stress and Your Health

Jul 6, 2006

Your stress may stem from a recent change and/or stressful life event. You might notice that what may appear to be a positive event can also produce stressful responses.

The Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory

In a study conducted by Homes and Rahe, various stressful events were examined and described as life-changing and therefore stress-inducing. By adding values to the events that happened within the past year, they showed how stress could negatively impact one's health. Check off the ones that apply to you and then add up the points. Totals below 150 had less of an impact on ones health, whereas totals exceeding 300 were much more serious.

Note the value of each of these life events that has happened to you during the past year and then add up the points.

Death of spouse 100
Divorce 73
Marital Separation from mate 65
Detention in jail or other institution 63
Death of a close family member 63
Major personal injury or illness 53
Marriage 50
Being fired at work 47
Marital reconciliation with mate 45
Retirement from work 45
Major change in the health/behaviour of a family member 44
Pregnancy 40
Sexual Difficulties 39
Gaining a new family member (birth, adoption, in law) 39
Major business readjustment 39
Major change in financial state 38
Death of a close friend 37
Changing to a different line of work 36
Major change in arguments w/spouse or partner 35
Taking on a mortgage (for home, business) 31
Foreclosure on a mortgage or loan 30
Major change in responsibilities at work (promotion or demotion) 29
Son or daughter leaving home (marriage, attending college, joined army) 29
In-law troubles 29
Outstanding personal achievement 28
Spouse beginning or ceasing work outside the home 26
Beginning or ceasing formal schooling 26
Major change in living condition (new home, remodeling, deterioration of neighbourhood or home) 25
Revision of personal habits (i.e. quitting smoking) 24
Troubles with the boss 23
Major changes in working hours or conditions 20
Changes in residence 20
Changing to a new school 20
Major change in usual type and/or amount of recreation 19
Major change in church activity 19
Major change in social activities (clubs, movies) 18
Taking on a loan (auto, household) 17
Major change in sleeping habits 16
Major change in number of family get-togethers 15
Major change in eating habits 15
Vacation 13
Major holidays 12
Minor violations of the law (traffic tickets) 11