Holmes & Rahe Scale

A person's response to the stress of physical illness varies tremendously and in large part depends on his or her own personality style and social supports. It is known, for example, that certain diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, peptic ulcer disease, or cardiac disease can worsen with mental stress. It is not clear or proven that stress causes diseases, but it is clear that these and probably many other illnesses are aggravated by stress. In 1967, psychiatrists Thomas Holmes and Richard Rahe found a positive correlation between a person’s life event and their illnesses. Their results are commonly known as the Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale.
Download a printable copy of the
Adult Stress Scale Poster
This reference correlates to the online continuing education course
Stress 101.
Death of a Spouse |
100 |
|
Divorce |
73 |
|
Marital separation |
65 |
|
Imprisonment |
63 |
|
Death of a close family member |
63 |
|
Personal injury or illness |
53 |
|
Marriage |
50 |
|
Dismissal from work |
47 |
|
Marital Reconciliation |
45 |
|
Retirement |
45 |
|
Change in health of family member |
44 |
|
Pregnancy |
40 |
|
Sexual difficulties |
39 |
|
Gain a new family member |
39 |
|
Business readjustment |
39 |
|
Change in financial state |
38 |
|
Death of a close friend |
37 |
|
Change to different line of work |
36 |
|
Change in frequency of arguments |
35 |
|
Major mortgage |
32 |
|
Foreclosure of mortgage or loan |
30 |
|
Change in responsibilities at work |
29 |
|
Child leaving home |
29 |
|
Trouble with in-laws |
29 |
|
Outstanding personal achievement |
28 |
|
Spouse starts or stops work |
26 |
|
Begin or end school |
26 |
|
Change in living conditions |
25 |
|
Revision of personal habits |
24 |
|
Trouble with boss |
23 |
|
Change in working hours or conditions |
20 |
|
Change in residence |
20 |
|
Change in schools |
20 |
|
Change in recreation |
19 |
|
Change in church activities |
19 |
|
Change in social activities |
18 |
|
Minor mortgage or loan |
17 |
|
Change in sleeping habits |
16 |
|
Change in number of family reunions |
15 |
|
Change in eating habits |
15 |
|
Vacation |
13 |
|
Christmas |
12 |
|
Minor Viloation of law |
11 |
|
Score of 300+: At risk of illness.
Score of 150-299+: Risk of illness is moderate (reduced by 30% from the above risk).
Score of 150 or below: Only have a slight risk of illness.