According to the report, respondents who faced financial problems recorded the highest stress level among the 21 proposed scenarios (an average score 4.41/5).

The issue that caused the second-highest stress levels among the participants was ‘problems at work’, scoring an average of 4.36/5. This scenario related to “severe problems with colleagues and/or bosses that led to official complaints, quitting work, serious conflicts, and/or dismissal.”

Among respondents who experienced abandonment, suffered any type of abuse, or were mistreated by a parent, the average stress level experienced was 4.05/5.

The fourth-highest level of stress (3.94) was recorded by those who experienced “a change in daily lifestyle due to chronic illness.”

Following closely, with equal levels of stress at an average of 3.91/5, were those who experienced a break-up, separation, or divorce, and those who were mistreated by a partner.

To obtain these results, respondents were presented with a set of 21 questions regarding stressful life events and had to confirm whether specific events had occurred by answering “yes” or “no,” along with indicating the frequency of the event.

They were also required to rate the level of stress experienced during these events on a scale from 1 to 5. If the particular event occurred multiple times, respondents had to rate the stress level experienced during the most significant instance.

Have you ever experienced any of these stressors? If so, what would you say caused you the highest stress level?