They did this by examining more than 5,000 patient records to see if they could relate stressful life events with illness. The results of their studies were the Social Readjustment Rating Scale, also known as the Holmes-Rahe Stress Inventory. Their scale measured the amount of change in one's life that may affect stress levels, assigning a weighted numerical value to each stressful event based on its statistical effects on human health. Their inventory lists both positive and negative changes that can cause stress. The Positive changes were, marriage, marital reconciliation, pregnancy, changing jobs, personal achievements, person habits, Christmas, changing health habits, buying a house, gain a new family member, and retirement. Some of the negative changes are, Death of a spouse or partner, divorce, loss of a job, imprisonment, sexual issues, and illness. Stress can cause numerous physiological …show more content…
Muscle tension increases, leading to headaches, dizziness, jaw ache and even insomnia. The mouth goes dry, digestion slows causing "butterflies" in the stomach. Breathing is faster and less efficient which can lead to over breathing (hyperventilation) and breathlessness. Changes in the flow of blood to the skin can cause sweating, blushing or clammy hands and feet. Mentally A certain amount of stress can be mentally stimulating but too much can affect our thinking ability. Thoughts may become jumbled and confused. Thinking becomes focused on worrying. We may become preoccupied with problems. It becomes much harder to make decisions or find solutions to problems. Thinking negatively and fearing the worst increases worry and stress. Emotionally People respond to stress in many different ways. Common emotional effects are irritability, impatience, anger, frustration, fear, anxiety, self-doubt, panic, despondency, feelings of inadequacy, insecurity, hopelessness, unhappiness, emotional withdrawal and depression. Behaviourally: Stress can change