Evaluate the Holmes and Rahe stress scale by applying life-event scores, thresholds, stress-related illness predictions, validity, reliability and individual interpretation.
Assess life events and daily hassles as factors that affect stress.
AO1 (4 marks), AO3 (4 marks)
AO1
- A life event according to Holmes and Rahe is a major event that
can cause a significant life change such as death of a spouse or
divorce.
- Daily hassles such as losing things or concerns about weight are
distressing demands that frequently make up everyday life.
- Individuals can still experience stress even if they are not
subjected to major life events.
- Life events have differing numerical values on a scale out of 100,
the higher the score the more stressful the event.
AO3
- Holmes and Rahe (1967) measured life events in life change units
and individual scores over 300 units related to an 80\% chance of
developing a stress related illness meaning life events have a
major effect on stress.
- Kanner et al. (1981) found that there was a positive correlation
between symptoms of mental health and the number of daily
hassles experienced so these are also factors that affect stress in
a negative way.
- Delongis et al. (1982), found that it was not only the number of
daily hassles but also the intensity of the events that were related
to illness so this factor will also play a part in increasing levels of
stress.
- Veisani et al. (2021) found individuals who took part in training
programs to enhance coping skills were less affected by stress, so
fixed values may not be a valid measurement of stress.
Look for other reasonable marking points.
(8)
\begin{tabular}[t]{|l|l|l|}
\hline Level
Mark
Descriptor
\begin{tabular[t]{l}
AO1 (4 marks), AO3 (4 marks)
Candidates must demonstrate an equal emphasis between knowledge and understanding vs assessment/conclusion in their answer.
\end{tabular}}
0
No rewardable material.
Level
1
1-2
Marks
\begin{tabular}[t]{l}
Demonstrates isolated elements of knowledge and understanding. (AO1)
Generic assertions may be presented. Limited attempt to address the question. (AO3)
\end{tabular}
Level
2
3-4
Marks
\begin{tabular}[t]{l}
Demonstrates mostly accurate knowledge and understanding. (AO1)
Candidates will produce statements with some development in the form of mostly accurate and relevant factual material, leading to a generic or superficial assessment being presented. (AO3)
\end{tabular}
Level
3
5-6
Marks
\begin{tabular}[t]{l}
Demonstrates accurate knowledge and understanding. (AO1)
Arguments developed using mostly coherent chains of reasoning. leading to an assessment being presented which considers a range of factors. Candidates will demonstrate understanding of competing arguments/factors but unlikely to grasp their significance. The assessment leads to a judgement but this may be imbalanced. (AO3)
\end{tabular}
Level
4
7-8
Marks
\begin{tabular}[t]{l}
Demonstrates accurate and thorough knowledge and understanding. (AO1)
Displays a well-developed and logical assessment, containing logical chains of reasoning throughout. Demonstrates an awareness of the significance of competing arguments/factors leading to a balanced judgement being presented. (AO3)
\end{tabular}