Final answer:
The Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS), developed by Thomas Holmes and Richard Rahe, measures stress by assigning scores to life events, or 'life change units', and correlates these scores with health outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the late 1960s, the Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS) to quantify stress was developed by psychiatrists Thomas Holmes and Richard Rahe. The SRRS consists of 43 life events that require varying degrees of personal readjustment. The scale has been a significant tool for correlational research in identifying the connection between stress and health and has been used in numerous studies to understand the impact of life stressors on physical illness and mental health. Despite widespread use, some criticisms of the SRRS include its vague items and the assumption that undesirable life events are not necessarily more stressful than desirable ones.
The Social Readjustment Rating Scale helps to measure the amount of stress in an individual's life by assigning weighted scores to various life events. These events are considered life change units (LCUs), indicating the degree of adjustment needed after such events. Extensive research using the SRRS indicates a positive correlation between accumulating a high number of LCUs and a range of health issues.