Extensive research has found that accumulating a high number of Life Change Units (LCUs) within a brief period of time, such as one or two years, is related to a wide range of physical illnesses, including accidents and athletic injuries, as well as mental health problems (Monat & Lazarus, 1991; Scully, Tosi, & Banning, 2000).

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The Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS) utilizes a correlational research method to examine the relationship between stress and health. Research based on this scale consistently reveals a positive correlation: as an individual's Life Change Unit (LCU) scores rise, the frequency or number of self-reported health issues also tends to increase.

Correlation Between High LCU Scores and Health Problems

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Early research supporting the Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS) includes a study on U.S. and Norwegian Navy personnel, which found a positive correlation between their Life Change Unit (LCU) scores before a six-month voyage and their subsequent illness symptoms during it (Rahe, 1974). Another study showed that individuals report more physical symptoms like backaches and upset stomachs on days with unusually high self-reported LCU values, such as the day of a family wedding (Holmes & Holmes, 1970).

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