Measuring Stress

Question 1

Describe The social Readjustment Rating scale (Rahe SRRS)

Answer 1

A self report checklist measure of the stress associated with 43 life changes. Each one is linked with a number of life change units(LCUs) reflecting the degree of readjustment needed to cope with the change (e.g divorce is 73 LCUs)

Question 2

Describe Hassles and uplifts scale (Delongis 1988)

Answer 2

A self report measure of the stress associated with everyday hassles and of the small pleasures of daily life (uplifts). You rate whether something is more of an uplift or hassle (e.g co-workers, siblings) total hassle score is taken away from total uplift score to get a hassle uplift score which indicates if stressed or not.

Question 3

Describe chemical levels/ biological techniques ( e.g Cortisol & Adrenaline)

Answer 3

Testing kits can be used at home. Different forms such as saliva, urine and blood samples can be tested for chemicals/hormones associated with stress

Question 4

Describe skin conductance response (SCR)

Answer 4

SCR, places two electrodes on finger tips, measure electrical conductivity. Sweat produces which is related to arousal of autonomic nervous system.