Dr. Rahe's Life Changes Stress Test

Are you curious what ratings the Rahe index assigns to particular life events? Review the chart below. Then, read the text that follows.

	Health
	An illness or injury that was: Very serious	74
	Moderately severe	44
	Less serious than above	20
	Work
	Change to a new type of work	51
	Change in your work conditions	35
	Taking courses to help you	18
	Troubles at work	32
	Major business readjustment	60
	Loss of your job	74
	Retirement	52
	Home and Family
	Change in residence	40
	Major change in living conditions	42
	Change in family get-togethers	25
	Major change in health or behavior of a family member	55
	Marriage	50
	Pregnancy	67
	Miscarriage or abortion	65
	Birth (or adoption) of a child	66
	Spouse begins or stops work	46
	Change in arguments with spouse	50
	Problems with relatives or in-laws	38
	Parents divorce	59
	A parent remarries	50
	Separation from spouse due to work or marital difficulties	79
	Child leaves home	42
	Relative moves in with you	59
	Divorce	96
	Birth of a grandchild	43
	Death of a spouse	119
	Death of a child	123
	Death of parent or sibling	101
	Personal and Social
	Change in personal habits	26
	Beginning or ending school	38
	Change of school or college	35
	Change in political beliefs	24
	Change in religious beliefs	29
	Change in social activities	27
	Vacation	24
	New, close, personal relationship	37
	Engagement to marry	45
	Personal relationship problems	39
	Sexual difficulties	44
	An accident	48
	Minor violation of the law	20
	Being held in jail	75
	Major decision about your future	51
	Major personal achievement	36
	Death of a close friend	70
	Financial
	Major loss of income	60
	Major increase in income	38
	Loss/damage to personal property	43
	Major purchase	37
	Minor purchase	20
	Credit difficulties	56

Doctors have long recognized that stress can trigger a range of illnesses, from backache and headache to gastrointestinal problems and a weak immune system. Now you can estimate your risk of stress-related illness using this calculator developed by Dr Richard Rahe, a world-renowned expert on stress-related illness. As you can see below, the test assigns a measurement called the Life Change Unit (LCU) to events - positive and negative - that can cause stress. The higher your LCU total, the greater your risk of stress-related illness. Check the box next to any events that have occurred in your life over the past year. Then read what Dr Rahe has to say about your score.

The Rahe test allows you to determine the total amount of stress you are experiencing by adding up the relative stress values, known as Life Change Units (LCU), for various events. A score of 250 or more is considered high. All the same, people with a low stress tolerance may find themselves overstressed with a score of 150. The Rahe test is used to determine disease susceptibility. With s score of 150 or less, you have a 37% chance of becoming seriously ill. Between 150 to 300, your risk jumps to 51%. Over 300 and there's an 80% chance of serious illness in the next 2 years.

For tips on relaxation, yoga and other coping strategies, check out these links:

6 Simple Steps to Relaxation

10 Easy Solutions to Stress

Reducing Stress at Work

Simplify Your Life

Relax With Yoga

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