Soc102 Assignment - Week 3-4

Stress!

In Chapter 3 the book covers a large spectrum concerning the origins, types, effects, responses and applications of stress. The nature of stress is noted as a process in which transactions with the environment are perceived to be a threat. Environmentals that one may consider stress are noise, crowding and urban decay. The book states briefly how many forms of stress are self-imposed such as, taking on too many and/or extra duties & responsibilities, and embracing unrealistic goals and aspirations. Culture too can impact stress; Ethnicity can be a source of stress as demonstrated in 1999 when Albanians were 'cleansed' from Kosovo.

There are four major types of stress: Frustration, conflict, change and pressure. Conflict can be broken down into three types; Approach-approach, avoidance-avoidance, and approach-avoidnce. Responses to stress physiologically was coined the 'fight or flight response' by Cannon and was further redefined by Selye's general adaptation syndrome which broke this into three stages; Alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

While it is obvious that stress effects everyone differently and that everyone does have stress, it is not always so obvious to determine the best way to deal with said stress. In my own life, having a basic understanding of applied psychology concerning stress, there are self-imposed stresses in place for me to evaluate and in general, deal with in new light and mannerisms.

Would you say that ALL stress is bad or negative? Can you think of any positive stressors?