lifeevent

A life event is a significant occurrence that can alter the trajectory of a person’s life. Life events may be positive or negative, abrupt or gradual, and can affect roles, identity, health, and economic circumstances.

Common examples include birth, marriage, divorce, parenthood, serious illness, job change, retirement, relocation, and the death of a loved one. Some events are objective milestones, while others are framed by individual appraisal and coping resources.

In research, life events are assessed with inventories and scales such as the Holmes-Rahe Social Readjustment Rating Scale and the Life Events and Difficulties Schedule. These tools aim to quantify exposure to events and their potential stress load, though results depend on subjective interpretation and memory.

Events influence psychological and physical well-being through appraisal, coping strategies, and social support. Timing and cumulative exposure matter: families facing multiple stressors may experience greater risk for adverse outcomes, while positive events or effective coping can bolster resilience.

Cultural and contextual factors shape the meaning and impact of life events. Cultural norms, social networks, and economic conditions affect how events are experienced, reported, and managed, creating variability across individuals and populations.

The concept is used across psychology, sociology, demography, and public health to understand stress, development, and life-course trajectories. Ethical considerations include privacy, sensitivity to trauma, and the risk of pathologizing common life transitions.