Question 1

Are only negative events stressful? The SRRS includes things like marriage and promotion.

Accepted Answer

This is a common misconception. The life events model suggests that stress is caused by the need for psychological readjustment to *any* major change, not just negative ones. Positive events like marriage require significant adaptation in one's life and routines, which is inherently stressful. Therefore, the SRRS includes both positive and negative events, with stressfulness rated by the amount of readjustment required.

Question 2

If daily hassles are a better predictor of illness, does that mean major life events don't matter?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. While research suggests daily hassles may have a stronger correlation with health outcomes, this doesn't invalidate the impact of major life events. The two sources of stress often interact. For example, a major life event like divorce (a high LCU score) can trigger a cascade of daily hassles (e.g., financial worries, arguments), creating a combined and amplified stressful experience. Both are important sources of stress.

Question 3

Is everyone with a Type A personality guaranteed to get heart disease?

Accepted Answer

No, this is a deterministic view that isn't supported by evidence. The link between Type A personality and coronary heart disease is correlational, indicating an increased risk, not a certainty. Many other factors mediate this relationship, including social support, coping strategies, diet, and genetics. Furthermore, modern research suggests it is the 'hostility component', rather than ambition alone, that carries the most significant health risk.

Sources of stress

What you need to know

Sources of stress