Warning: stress ahead…

Apart from daily hassles, such as traffic and road rage, major life events have been measured in their ability to induce stress.

A study by Holmes and Rahe (1967) attempted to measure stress in relation to 43 common life events involving change of some kind. This became known as the Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS). For example, retirement scores 45 out of a possible 100. Change in financial state 38, change in responsibilities at work 29, and trouble with the boss 23. The questionnaire asks participants to score events that have only taken place in the last 12 months and, when the total has been assessed, it indicates susceptibility to illness and mental health problems. Scores of more than 200 suggest moderate to major susceptibility. The value of the list is that it acts as a warning.