Stress and Coping
In 1967, two researchers studied the medical records of more than five thousand patients to determine if there was a correlation between their physical health and stress. To measure each patient's level of stress, the researchers created a scale of life events with various values based on each item’s impact on health. For this application, you will rate your own level of stress based on an adapted scale meant for adolescents. Take a moment to complete the Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale for Non-Adults (Youth), and identify each of the events that you have experienced within the last year. Once you have indicated which items are relevant to your life, add up their values by using the numbers next to each selected item.
Scoring Your Stress Test
Once you have completed the stress scale and added up your score, take a moment to read the below explanation about what this indicates for your health.
- 150 or Less
A total score of 150 or less on your stress test is a good result. It suggests that you have a low level of stress in your life, and a low probability (about 30%) of developing a stress-related illness in the near future. - 150 to 299
A total score of 150 to 299 puts you at moderate risk of illness. Your statistical chance of developing a stress-related disorder in the near future is about 50%. - 300 or More
A total score of 300 or more suggests you are probably at risk for illness. You have almost an 80% statistical chance of developing a stress-related disorder in the near future.
If your number from this self-assessment is high, you should evaluate the causes of the stress and develop a plan to decrease the stress in your life. You may want to re-visit the Managing Stress learning object on the content tab of this topic to help you implement a plan of action. This learning object provides you with a variety of helpful suggestions.
Now that you know more about your level of stress, imagine you have become the focal story for a medical pamphlet that is geared toward persuading people to lower their stress levels. Write a biographical patient story for the pamphlet that discusses why you were or were not surprised when you found out your level of stress was low, medium, or high. In addition, the excerpt for the pamphlet should include at least three strategies you could use to decrease your current level of stress, and why your chosen strategies would fit well into your lifestyle.
Before you begin, review the Medical Pamphlet Checklist to make sure that you include all of the items required for full credit. You may need to use resources outside of this course to complete this assignment. If so, please submit a Works Cited document. If you need assistance, visit the Developmental Module for information on citing resources.
Once you have completed the stress scale and excerpt for your medical pamphlet, please submit your work to the dropbox.