The Stress Scale

We all experience stress differently, but certain common events and transitions — births and deaths, injury or illness, being a victim of crime, having dramatic changes in your financial or family situation — add stress. Several studies have shown that about 50 major life events can be ranked according to the degree of stress they cause. The greater the number of stressful events we experience, the higher our risk of developing a physical illness or mental disorder.

1. Death of spouse or mate
2. Death of a close family member
3. Major injury or illness
4. Detention in jail or other institution
5. Major injury or illness in a close family member
6. Foreclosure on a loan or mortgage
7. Divorce
8. Being a victim of crime
9. Being a victim of police brutality
10. Infidelity
11. Domestic violence or sexual abuse
12. Separation or reconciliation with a spouse or mate
13. Being fired, laid off or unemployed
14. Experiencing financial problems or difficulties
15. Death of a close friend
16. Surviving a disaster
17. Becoming a single parent
18. Assuming responsibility for a sick or elderly loved one
19. Loss or major reduction in health insurance or benefits
20. Self or a close family member being arrested for violating the law
21. Major disagreement over child support, custody or visitation
22. Experiencing or being involved in an auto accident
23. Being disciplined or demoted at work
24. Dealing with unwanted pregnancy
25. Having an adult child move in or moving in with an adult child
26. Having a child with a behavior or learning problem
27. Experiencing discrimination or sexual harassment at work
28. Attempting to modify addictive behavior
29. Discovering or attempting to modify addictive behavior in a close family member
30. Employer reorganization or downsizing
31. Dealing with infertility or miscarriage
32. Getting married or remarried
33. Changing employers or careers
34. Failing to obtain or qualify for a mortgage
35. Pregnancy of self or of spouse or mate
36. Experiencing discrimination or harassment outside the workplace
37. Release from jail
38. Spouse or mate begins or ceases work outside the home
39. Major disagreement with boss or coworker
40. Change in residence
41. Finding appropriate child care or day care
42. Experiencing a large unexpected monetary gain
43. Changing positions (transfer or promotion)
44. Gaining a new family member
45. Changing work responsibilities
46. Having a child leave home
47. Obtaining a home mortgage
48. Obtaining a major loan other than a home mortgage
49. Retirement
50. Beginning or ceasing formal education
51. Receiving a ticket for violating the law