SRRS,

Holmes and Rahe (1967) developed a questionnaire called the Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS) for identifying major stressful life events.
Each one of the 43 stressful life events was awarded a Life Change Unit depending on how traumatic it was felt to be by a large sample of participants.

A total value for stressful life events can be worked out by adding up the scores for each event experienced over a 12 month period.
If a person has less the 150 life change units they have a 30% chance of suffering from stress.
150 - 299 life change units equates to a 50% chance of suffering from stress.
Over 300 life units means a person has an 80% chance of developing a stress related illness.

Social Readjustment Rating Scale - SRRS

SRRS Social Readjustment Rating Scale

Evaluation of the SRRS

Individual Difference: The SRRS assumes that each stressor affects people the same way. Not necessarily true e.g. divorce can be amicable or even a relief.

Most 43 life changes in the SRRS aren’t everyday events.  Kanner et al (1981) has designed a Hassles Scale which are more common, e.g. losing things, traffic jams, arguments, disappointments, weight and physical appearance.

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