Evaluating life events and chronic stressors in relation to health: stressors and health in clinical work.

Despite the fact that there is an extensive scientific literature regarding the importance of exposure to psychosocial stressors, the assessment of such stressors is often neglected in clinical work. The present review summarizes the scientific literature on critical life changes and work-related stressors. Particular emphasis has been on somatic outcomes and physiological processes that have been shown to be affected by exposure to stressors. Although the relationships are highly complex, it could be concluded that exposure to stressors may often determine the onset of many illnesses. Standardized well-functioning assessment instruments that could be used in clinical practice exist and should be used.