1 Wakefield outlines the relationship between stress and life changes in terms of the impact of the latter on the former. She goes on to summarise well-known research into the measurement of life events using an established scale (i.e. the SRRS). Explain in your own words how the SRRS life events may produce stress and, in turn, lead to physical illness. Why do you think that even positive life events (for example, marriage, job promotion) produce stress and illness?
2 The limitations of the SRRS as a valid measure of the impact of life events on stress include individual differences in response to life events and contextual factors (for example, forced marriage versus traditional ‘free’ marriage). A further limitation is that the SRRS neglects the social psychology of stress. Can you suggest two other limitations of the SRRS as a tool to measure stress based on research studies you have read? (Hint: Timing of the life events? Cultural factors?)
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