The relationship of life events and stress to neurosis in China: comparison of 105 neurotic patients to 103 normal controls.

Modified versions of Holmes' Schedule of Recent Experience (SRE) and Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS) are used to compare the stress rating of 43 life events of 105 neurotic patients to 103 normal controls and to compare the quantity of life event changes experienced by the two groups. Life events are divided into three categories on the basis of their frequency of occurrence and the intensity of stress they induce. Significantly higher stress ratings for the neurotic patients are found in 17 of 43 life event items studied. In the year prior to the onset of the neurotic illness, the patient group experienced more life event changes and had significantly higher levels of stress than the control group. The results are compared to Holmes' findings in Japan.