Stress

The assignment will focus on stress; and how stress affects an individuals lives. It will be followed by
how to deal with stress. The essay will then summarise what has been learnt from undertaking this
assignment.
Russell. J (2005, p. 161) states that Stress can be defined as the way an individual feels when under
abnormal pressure. However no two people will describe stress in the same way. Every individual
will have had experienced stress differently. Whilst stressful event may be too challenging for one
individual may be exciting for another. For example moving house might seem too stressful for one
person may be invigorating for another, because they might move to a larger house and a better
location.
Lazarus definition to stress is: Stress is the result of an individuals perception that a disturbance
has occurred in the person environment relationship. (Lazarus 1966 cited by Adams. B & Bromley.B,
1998, p. 317).
There are many situations that may cause stress. Most of the time stress is associated with money,
work, and relationships. Stress may be caused either by major upheavals and life events such as
divorce, unemployment, moving house and bereavement, or by series of minor irritations such as
missing a bus, missing an appointment or dealing with a difficult child. Sometimes they may be no
apparent reason. Russell. J (2005, p. 161)
Stress can be acute or chronic. Acute stress is when results from traumatic event such as 9/11, 7/7,
and the tsunami. However chronic stress involves on going situation such as marriage problems,
work demand, or even housing problem. Chronic stress can lead to illness such as heart disease,
diabetes, cancer, stroke, major depression or even death. White. K (2002, p.66).
There are several things which can be done to cope with stress. Folkman and Lazarus recognised two
methods in dealing with stress, which they labelled emotion-focused and problem-solving. Problem-
solving coping was developed from the cognitive behavioural theories and emotion-focused coping
from psychodynamic approach. Barker.s (2007, p.200).
Problem-solving coping involves breaking down problems into smaller chunks so that the problems
look to be more easily overcome as it is approached one sub-goal at a time. However these sub-
goals should be small but achievable and when each sub-goal is achieved some reward should be
gained. Barker.s (2007, p.201).
Emotion-focused coping approach is more to do with dealing with feeling of stress. This approach is
suggested to be the best way in dealing with stress when there is no way of finding a solution to the
problem. This may involve trying to see a positive side, keeping busy with other activities, focusing
on other things using meditation and exercise. Sometimes individuals use both approaches at the
same time to deal with stress. An individual will work through sub goals at the same time as manage
their emotions. Barker. S (2007, p.201).
From undertaking this assignment it could be said that stress is a part of everyones lives, it is the
way stress is perceived. Coping approach should be applied when anyone is stressed or serious
health problem may arise from it.
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References
Adams, B. and Bromley, B. (1998) Psychology for Health Care. London: Macmillan Press Ltd
Barker, S. (2007) Psychology. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing
Russell, J. (2005) Introduction to Psychology for Health Carers. Cheltenham: Nelson Thornes Ltd
White, K (2002) An Introduction to the Sociology of Health and Illness. London: Sage Publications Ltd