Stress Management
College Readjustment Rating Scale
The College Readjustment Rating Scale estimates how stressful life events can affect your health.
Each event is assigned a value that represents the amount of adjustment a person has to make as a
result of this event.
To determine your stress score, place a ‘’ in the box beside the major life events that you have
experienced in the past 6 months, or are likely to experience in the next 6 months. Then add up the
points that correspond to each of those events.
EVENT
 death of spouse
 pregnancy for unwed female
 death of parent
 male partner in unwed pregnancy
 divorce
 death of a close family member
 death of a close friend
 divorce between parents
 jail term
 major personal injury or illness
 flunk out of college
 marriage
 fired from job
 loss of financial support for college (scholarship)
 failing grade in important or required course
 sexual difficulties
 serious argument with significant other
 academic probation
 change in major
 new love interest
 increased work load in college
 outstanding personal achievement
 first term in college
 serious conflict with instructor
 lower grades than expected
 change in colleges (transfer)
 change in social activities
 change in sleeping habits
 change in eating habits
 minor violations of the law (i.e., traffic ticket)
TOTAL SCORE
# of Points
100
92
80
77
73
70
68
63
61
60
58
55
50
48
47
45
40
39
37
36
31
29
28
27
25
24
22
21
19
15
Interpreting your stress score:
 149 and below – You have a 1 in 3 chance of a serious health change. Continue to practice
relaxation techniques that help you manage your stress.
 150 to 299 – You have about a 50 - 50 chance of a serious health change within the next two
years. Identify your stressors and how they are affecting you physically, mentally, emotionally,
and behaviorally. Learn new coping strategies to handle the demands you are facing.
 300 and higher – You have a high health risk. Consider seeking help from a professional to
manage your stress.
Holmes, T.H., & Rahe, R.H. (1967). The Social Readjustment Rating Scale. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 11, 213-218.
Zitzow, D. (1984). The College Adjustment Rating Scale. Journal of College Student Personnel, 25(2), 160-164.