Holmes-Rahe Stress Test
Measure your past-year stress load (LCU) with the 43-item Holmes-Rahe Social Readjustment Rating Scale (1967), with 150/300 range interpretation.
Select every event you experienced in the last 12 months.
The score is not good or bad — it is the amount of change in your year
In 1967 Holmes and Rahe found that positive changes — marriage, promotion, vacation — demand adaptive energy just like negative ones. This scale sums that change as Life Change Units (LCU). A high score is not a fault; it is a signal to secure more recovery time.
Frequently asked questions
What do the 150 and 300 thresholds mean?
The original study reported meaningfully elevated risk of health problems in the 150–299 range, and higher above 300. It is a probabilistic tendency, not a prediction.
Do positive events count?
Yes. Marriage (50), outstanding achievement (28) and vacation (13) require adaptation too, so they are included.
Is this a diagnosis?
No. It is a reference tool based on 1967 research. If discomfort persists, consult a qualified professional.
This test is a self-understanding reference, not a medical diagnosis. Source: Holmes TH, Rahe RH. J Psychosom Res. 1967;11(2):213-218.