STRESS: Social - Life Events A01

Question 1

Life Events Definition

Answer 1

Events that require significant adjustment / transition
[can be positive or negative - e.g. Christmas: focus on change > negativity]
Incurs a ‘psychic cost’ (added stress / loss in quality of life)

Question 2

Measuring Life Events

Answer 2

Early research involving tuberculosis patients showed a link between an increase of ‘disturbing occurrences’ and physical health ailments

Question 3

Holmes & Rahe

Answer 3

First to measure Life Events
Developed the idea known as life changes - developed the Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SSRS)

Question 4

Social Readjustment Rating Scale

Answer 4

Social Readjustment Rating Scale
Asked ~400 patients to rate each item in terms of how much readjustment it would require in a person’s life
43 items assigned a numerical score
Death of spouse = highest @ 100
Minor violations of the law = lowest @ 11
Score of 150> = 30% increased chance of developing stress related illness
Score of 300> = 50% increased chance of developing stress related illness