The Social Readjustment Stress Scale

At The W Connection, we have witnessed when a women loses her spouse, she often neglects her own physical and emotional health. The stress from losing a spouse is significant and worthy of the attention of widows, as well as those who love her and support her.

Members of The W Connection are given the information, skills and tools to better address their physical and emotional health.

For decades, health practitioners have employed this stress evaluation tool which weighs the stress impact of 43 different life events. Also known the Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale named for the psychiatrists who designed the test, each life event has a different ‘weight’ score for stress.

On a scale of 1 to 100, the only life event that assigns a stress score of 100 is “the loss of a spouse.”

Which of these events occurred in your life in the previous year? Use a piece of paper to write down your scores and add the totals. The higher your score, the more important it is to pay attention to your physical and emotional health—and to find the resources and support you need.

1. Death of spouse100

2. Divorce73

3. Marital Separation from mate65

4. Detention in jail or other institution63

5. Death of a close family member63

6. Major personal injury or illness53

7. Marriage50

8. Being fired at work47

9. Marital reconciliation with mate45

l 0. Retirement from work45

11. Major change in the health or behavior of a family member44

12. Pregnancy40

13. Sexual Difficulties39

14. Gaining a new family member (i.e. birth, adopt ion, older adult moving in, etc.)39

15. Major business readjustment39

16. Major change in financial state (i.e. a lot worse or better off than usual)38

17. Death of a close friend37

18. Changing to a different line of work36

19. Major change in the number of arguments w/spouse35

20. Taking on a mortgage (for home, business, etc.)31

21. Foreclosure on a mortgage or loan30

22. Major change in responsibilities at work (i.e. promotion, demotion, etc.)29

23. Son or daughter leaving home (marriage, attending college, joined mil.)29

24. In-law troubles29

25. Outstanding personal achievement28

26. Spouse beginning or ceasing work outside the home26

27. Beginning or ceasing formal schooling26

28. Major change in living condition (new home, remodeling, deterioration of home, etc.)25

29. Revision of personal habits (dress manners, associations, quitting smoking)24

30. Troubles with the boss23

31. Major changes in working hours or conditions20

32. Changes in residence20

33. Changing to a new school20

34. Major change in usual type and/or amount of recreation19

35. Major change in church activity (i.e. a lot more or less than usual)19

36. Major change in social activities (clubs, movies , visiting , etc..)18

37. Taking on a loan (car, t v, freezer , etc.)17

38. Major change in sleeping habits (a lot more or a lot less than usual)16

39. Major change in number of family get-togethers15

40. Major change in eating habits (a lot more or less food intake)15

41. Vacation 13

42. Major holidays12

43. Minor violations of the law (traffic ticket s, jaywalking , disturbing the peace. etc.)11