Stress Part 2 - The Stress Test

Stress Test

Let’s work on a self-assessment activity to see what stressors we are experiencing today.  Follow the directions for the Stress Test:

        1)  What was the date six months ago?  Write the date here:

                Six months ago the date was __________________.

        We are going to rate the amount of stress we are experiencing with a special test using the Holmes and Rahe Scale.  Everything in life gives us stress points from death in our family, moving to a new house, or working on a school project.  These events would have a lot of stress points because they are very stressful.  Having homework, going on a vacation, or even the last day of school causes stress, but they have fewer stress points. 

        2)  Look at the list of events on the Stress Test.  Underline the events you have experienced only within the last six months from the date you wrote down in #1.  If the event happened before that date, do not include it. 

Stress Test

From the Holmes and Rahe Adjustment Scale

        Events                                    Scale of Impact

        Death of a spouse                           100

        Divorce                                            73

        Marital separation                              65

        Break-up with boy/girlfriend                65

        Jail term                                           63

        Death of close family member             63

        Personal illness or injury                    53

        Fired at work                                    47

        Health problem of family member        44

        Gain of a family member                    39

        Change in financial state                    38

        Death of a close friend                      37

        Change to a different line of work      36

        Many arguments at home                 35

        Mortgage                                        30

        Foreclosure on a mortgage               30

        Changes in responsibilities at work    29

        Outstanding personal achievement    28

        Spouse begins or stops work           26

        Begin or end school                         26

        Change in living conditions               25

        Change in residence                        20

        Change in schools                          20

        Change in recreation                       19

        Change in church activities              19

        Change in social activities               18

        Change in sleeping habits               15

        Vacation                                        13

        Christmas holidays                         12

        Minor violation of the law                 11

        3)  Now add up your stress points.  The total is ______________.

Get the workbook to help kids (or adults) learn about stress:

In the next blog we will show you what your score means!


Check out the website:  www.counselorgames.com    


Stress Busting Workbook for Kids on Amazon 

      Grace Wilhelm is a National Board Certified Counselor with experience in mental health and school counseling.  She enthusiastically presents to counselors, teachers, youth workers, and parents on anger, stress, crises intervention, communication, data, counseling programs, play sessions, and more. 

Stress Busting - Part One: Stress Management for Kids

Everyone has stress.  Stress is not always bad, in fact, it is normal!  Stress is what makes us get out of bed in the morning because we have things to do and people to see. Stress makes us move through our morning routines so we do not experience undesirable stress – like missing the bus!  Stress makes us study for a test and do our homework. If we are concerned what others will think of us, stress makes us brush our teeth and wear deodorant.

        The problem we experience with stress happens when there is too much of it.  Then, we begin to react to the stress.  It causes problems for our body, such as, headaches, stomach aches, or not being able to concentrate.  In these cases stress can be good or bad. 

        For example, weddings are happy family events, but they can be very stressful. People worry about money and paying for thing they want, or not having enough money for those things.  Family members may disagree or cause arguments when together.  Sometimes people must travel great distances to attend a wedding and then they have to make arrangements to eat and sleep.  On the other hand, death is a sad experience and it brings changes in families and friendships.  There is sadness and people have to deal with grief, financial changes, or even moving.

Keep posted for Part Two tomorrow!


http://counselorgames.com/   Check out Counselor Games for games and play to teach stress management to students!