Impact Scale for Change and Stress Events

Jan 1, 2018 | Congregational Care

A Ministry of Care by Dr. Daniel G. Bagby

Pastoral Care Guidance for Deacons, Stephen Ministers, and the Congregation of River Road Church, Baptist

Impact Scale for Change and Stress Events

(Adapted from Thomas H. Holmes, MD)

Death of a Child…………………………… 100
Death of a Spouse………………………….. 92
Divorce………………………………………. 73
Marital Separation………………………… 65
Jail Term……………………………………. 63
Death of a Close Family Member……….. 63
Personal Injury or Illness…………………. 53
Marriage…………………………………….. 50
Loss of Job……………………………………. 49
Marital Reconciliation……………………. 45
Retirement………………………………….. 45
Pregnancy…………………………………… 45
Broken Relationship……………………….. 45
Geographical Move………………………… 42
Sexual Adjustments………………………. 39
Gain New Family Member………………. 39
Business Readjustment…………………… 39
Change in Financial Status……………… 38
Death of a Close Friend……………………. 37
Change to a Different Line of Work…….. 36
Increase in Spousal Arguing…………….. 35
Mortgage over $200,000………………… 31
Foreclosure/Bankruptcy…………………. 30
Child Leaving Home………………………. 29
Trouble with In-Laws……………………… 29
Outstanding Personal Achievement…… 28
Spouse Begins or Stops Working………… 27
Child Secures Driver’s License………….. 23
Trouble with Boss………………………….. 23
Local Change in Residence……………….. 20
Reduction of Family Get-Togethers…….. 15
Loss of a Pet………………………………….. 12
Christmas……………………………………. 12

Notes about stress:

  1. Stress activates the body’s “fight or flight” immune system; symptoms include hyperactivity of adrenal cortex, shrinkage of the thymus gland & lymph nodes, and appearance of gastrointestinal ulcers.
  2. The primary cause of stress responses is an internal (self) evaluation that a situation(s) is exceeding one’s capacity to cope. Rapid change can challenge people’s confidence; responses are physiological, but also emotional: anxiety, depression, irritability, rapid mood swings. Lower immune system protection.
  3. Physical stressors: noise, crowding, etc. Organizational: group demands and expectations. Interpersonal: angry, demanding, aggressive, pessimistic persons. Intrapersonal: demands on oneself (irrational guilt, unrealistic expectations, distorted evaluations of self and situations).
  4. Stress management: Body has restorative powers. Relaxation and exercise help much (three times weekly); meditative prayers are significant; nutrition balance; assertiveness, time management, and self-conversation are essential.