Effects of Stress

According to Sue, Sue and Sue (1994), millions of Americans suffer physical, behavioral and psychological consequences of stress. This paper delineates and discusses the effects of stress. Further, the paper provides a report on stress in the workplace and examines research as to why stress can have a stronger impact on some individuals than on others.

Graves and Lancaster (1994) have noted that there are a number of physical effects associated with stress. These effects include: elevated blood pressure (which, over time, can lead to hypertension and heart arrhythmias); increased muscle tension; elevated pulse and respiration; sweaty hands; headaches; upset stomach; high-pitched voice; dry throat and mouth; sleep disturbance; and appetite disturbance. Further, stress can operate to depress the immune system causing people to be more susceptible to illness and disease (Kiecolt-Glaser & associates, 1987).

Regarding the psychological effects of stress, De La Fuente (1990) states that people react to stress in three stages. De La Fuente's three stage model was developed from observation of the psychological consequences occurring among a large sample of survivors of the 1985 earthquake in Mexico City.

The first stage psychological reaction to stress is one of disorientation, confusing and bewilderment. The second stage psychological reaction, (a reaction which is not necessarily experienced by all as some people adjust relatively w

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cial to personality development (challenge). (Pollock, 1989, p.54) Pollock cites hardiness as the pivotal personality factor in the degree to which one adjusts to stress and thereby reduces the likelihood of suffering negative consequences. However, Donnelly (1980) feels that the personality type most likely to suffer negatively from stress is the reactive type. Unlike the person with the hardy characteristic, the reactive person is one who believes that stress is inevitable and there is nothing anyone can do about it. Reactive individuals simply takes what the situation brings. For example, if other members of the organization plan poorly necessitating that the reactive type work over-time, he or she will simply do it without taking any steps to correct the situation some other way. Reactive types are people who tend to blame themselves for everything that goes wrong. As reactive individuals get older, their self-blame and over-conscientiousness can lead them to increasingly behave in an irrational or aggressive manner. Or, they may attempt to escape by using drugs or alcohol. Some will develop eating disorders. They can also develop a sense of chronic fatigue, irritability, depression, feelings of inadequacy, and fi

Category: Psychology - E