it can debilitate a person; for example, "burnout" can be characterized as a condition where job-related stress has debilitated an individual (Brenner, 1997). However, this debilitation depends not so much on the nature of the stressor(s) as it does on the degree of exposure to the stressor(s) because longer exposure tends to tax the body's finite resistive resources leading to complete exhaustion (Selye, 1982).
Determinants. According to Sue, Sue and Sue (1994), there are a number of physical conditions which can operate as stressors eliciting the stress response. These include factors such as infection, physical trauma, disease, malnutrition, and fatigue.
Psychological Determinants and Correlates
Correlates. There are several psychological and emotional correlates of stress, which is to say that stress is frequently accompanied by certain psychoemotional reactions. These reactions, according to De La Fuente (1990) can vary in intensity and severity but commonly include one or more of the following: a sense of confusion and upset, feelings of bewilderment, fear or panic, weeping, a sense of guilt and/or anger.
Determinants. Just as physical factors can elicit stress, (which, if occupation-related, could eventually lead to burnout) several psychological factors can also cause stress. These factors include: threats of physical harm, attacks on self-esteem, and guilt-inducing attacks on one's belief system (Sue, Sue & Sue, 1994).
Correlates. Often, although not always, stress can be accompanied by a number of social changes in a person's life. For example, Graves and Lancaster (1994) report that in response to various stressors people will sometimes change their job or occupation, or will end and/or begin a relationship. Others might engage in some activity that changes their economic status such as taking a temporary cut in pay by going on an extended vacation or sabbatical.
Determinants. Clearly, social si...