Based on research by psychiatrists Thomas Holmes and Richard Rahe in 1967, this index scale examines the link between stress and illness.
The body is a finely tuned instrument that does not like surprises. Any sudden change in stimuli which affects the body, or the reordering of important routines that the body becomes used to, can cause needless stress, throwing your whole physical being into turmoil.
The higher your score, the more susceptible you are to developing stress-related illnesses. It’s crucial that, during intense times of change, that you take tangible steps to manage your stress.
Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory
In the past 12 months, which of the following major life events have taken place in your life? Make a check mark next to each event that you have experienced. When you are done, add up the points for each event. Calculate your score at the end.
Event Stress Scores
__ Death of Spouse 100
__ Divorce 73
__ Marital Separation 65
__ Jail Term 63
__ Death of close family member 63
__ Personal injury or illness 53
__ Marriage 50
__ Fired from work 47
__ Marital reconciliation 45
__ Retirement 45
__ Change in family member’s health 44
__ Pregnancy 40
__ Sex difficulties 39
__ Addition to family 39
__ Business readjustment 39
__ Change in financial status 38
__ Death of close friend 37
__ Change to a different line of work 36
__ Change in number of marital arguments 35
__ Mortgage or loan over $10,000 31
__ Foreclosure of mortgage or loan 30
__ Change in work responsibilities 29
__ Trouble with in-laws 29
__ Outstanding personal achievement 28
__ Spouse begins or stops work 26
__ Starting or finishing school 26
__ Change in living conditions 25
__ Revision of personal habits 24
__ Trouble with boss 23
__ Change in work hours, conditions 20
__ Change in residence 20
__ Change in recreational habits 19
__ Change in church activities 19
__ Change in social activities 18
__ Mortgage or loan under $10,000 17
__ Change in sleeping habits 16
__ Change in number of family gatherings 15
__ Change in eating habits 15
__ Vacation 13
__ Christmas season 12
__ Minor violation of the law 11
CALCULATE Your total score: ___________
This scale shows the kind of life pressure that you are facing. Depending on your coping skills or the lack thereof, this scale can predict the likelihood that you will fall victim to a stress-related illness. The illness could range from mild problems like frequent tension headaches, acid indigestion, loss of sleep to more serious problems like ulcers, migraines, hypertension, etc.
Scoring Key According to the Holmes Rahe Life Stress Inventory:
150 total points or lower represents a relatively low amount of life change and a low susceptibility to stress-induced health break down.
150-300 total points represents a moderate amount of life change and a moderate susceptibility to stress-induced health break down. It implies about a 50% chance of a major health breakdown in the next 2 years.
300 total points or more represents a relatively high amount of life change and a high susceptibility to stress-induced health break down. It implies about an 80% chance of a major health breakdown in the next 2 years.