Life Events Survey
Death of a spouse 100
Divorce 73
Marital separation 65
Jail term 63
Death of a close family member 63
Personal injury or illness 53
Marriage 50
Being fired from work 47
Marital problems 45
Retirement 45
Change in health of family member 44
Pregnancy 40
Sexual difficulties 39
Gain of new family member 39
Business readjustment 39
Change in finances 38
Death of a close friend 37
Change to different line of work 36
Change in number of arguments with spouse 35
Mortgage or loan for major purchase (such as a home) 31
Foreclosure of mortgage or loan 30
Change In responsibilities at work 29
Son or daughter leaving home 29
Trouble with in-laws 29
Outstanding personal achievement 28
Spouse begins or stops work 26
Beginning or finishing school 26
Change in living conditions 25
Revision of personal habits 24
Trouble with boss 23
Change in work hours or conditions 20
Change in residence 20
Change in school 20
Change in recreation 19
Change in church activities 19
Change in social activities 18
Mortgage or loan for lesser purchases (such as a car or TV) 17
Change in sleeping habits 16
Change in number of family get-togethers 15
Change in eating habits 15
Vacation 13
Christmas 12
Minor violations of the law 11
Average stress score
Determine which life events have occurred in your life over the past two years an add up your total stress score. For example, if you got married, changed to a different line of work, changed residence, and took two vacations, your total stress score would be 50 + 36 + 20 + 13 + 13 = 132.
If your total stress score is under 150, you are less likely to be suffering the effects of cumulative stress.
If it is between 150 and 300, you may be suffering from chronic stress, depending on how you perceived and coped with the particular life events that occurred.
If your score is over 300, it is likely you are experiencing some detrimental effects of cumulative stress.
Please note that the stress scores on the above survey are averages over many people. The degree to which any particular event is stressful to you will depend on how you perceive it.
But if you feel like you are suffering from stress and wish to do something about it please contact the clinic for a free consultation today.