I’ve decided to write this blog post because so many times on this website I’ve mentioned that losing a child is the most stressful event in life people can go through.
And while many people feel that way and believe it, especially parents, the classic ranking of the most stressful life events developed in 1960s claims otherwise.
It claims that the difference comes down to subjective experience vs. how researchers have historically ranked stressful events. So, I’m bringing you their list of the most stressful life events one can go through:
This list measured the amount of life adjustment required, not the intensity of emotional pain.
Modern grief experts often view the death of a child differently.
- Death of a Spouse or Life Partner
The list made in 1960s claim that the death of a spouse consistently ranks as the most stressful life event in psychological research. The problem is deep due to the fact that their entire life is connected, including daily routines, financial circumstances that change, parenting responsibilities, social relationships, and even personal identity and of course future plans that either change or disappear.
Feeling such as loneliness, depression, anxiety, and physical health challenges during the grieving process are very common within this type of loss.
- Divorce
Divorce is on the second place of this list because it includes a lot of emotional pain, conflict, financial uncertainty, changes in parenting roles, moving homes, legal proceedings, and loss of shared friendships.
- Major Illness or Serious Injury
Receiving a diagnosis or suffering a serious injury can instantly change a person’s life. Here we have different sorts of trauma and fear for the future.
- Loss of Employment and Financial Crisis
Employment provides more than income. It also offers routine, purpose, social interaction, and personal identity.
Economic uncertainty may also increase depression and physical health problems if prolonged.
- Death of a Close Family Member or Child
Parents who lose children frequently require long-term counseling because this type of grief often differs from other bereavement experiences.
Now that we have gone through this list, I truly believe it is very old and that it needs an update for the modern world.
What’s your opinion on it?
