A large group of scientists led by Thomas Holmes and Richard Rahe developed the Social Readjustment Rating Scale ranking the environmental stresses that may lead to symptom formation.
When events over a single year total 150-199 points approximately 25% of people develop illness; with 200-299 points, 50% develop physical or emotional symptoms; and with over 300 points, 79% become systematic.
When we experience life changes adding our stress points can alert us to develop good health habits that will prevent illness:
Death of a spouse =100 stress points
Divorce = 73 stress points
Marital Separation = 65 stress points
Jail Term = 63 stress points
Death of close family member(s) 63 for each death
Personal Injury or illness 63
Marriage 50
Being fired at work 47
Marital Reconciliation 45
Retirement 45
Change in health of family member 44
Pregnancy 40
Sex difficulties 39
Addition of new family member 39
Business readjustment 39
Change in financial state 38
Death of close friend 37
Change in different line of work 36
Change in number of arguments with spouse 35
Mortgage over $100,000 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
Significant other stopping or beginning work 26
Beginning or ending of school 26
Change in living conditions 25
Revision of personal habits 24
Trouble with supervisor 23
Change in work hours or conditions 20
Change in residence 20
Change in schools 20
Change in recreation 19
Change in worship activities 19
Change in social activities 18
Mortgage or loan less than $100,000 17
Change in sleeping habits 16
Change in number os family get-togethers 15
Change in eating habits 15
Vacation 13
Christmas 12
Minor violations of the law 11
Single personal living alone: give yourself a number ____
Single person supporting a family: give yourself a number ____
Give yourself stress points for events not listed ____
Total Your Stress Points