Stress: From a psychological perspective

Over the years the term 'stress' has been defined in different ways.

Some psychologists viewed stress as a "stimuli' that presents difficult demands while others considered it a "response" of psychological arousal elicited by a troublesome event. However, all such theories are now passed. The modern psychological definition of stress is: "Any circumstance that threatens or is perceived to threaten one's well-being and thereby tax one's coping abilities."

Apart from natural disasters such as tsunamis, floods, earthquakes, landslides or man-made disasters such as bomb explosions and road accidents, stress can occur due to many other reasons. The foregoing events may be viewed as the tip of the iceberg because there are simple but annoying everyday events that can lead to stress.

Most people waiting in a queue to obtain services or goods are usually in a stressful mood. Very rarely do we find a person who waits in a queue patiently.

On the other hand, a major stressful event such as floods can cause minor states of stress. If we lose all our belongings in such an event, we will have to find a place to live, buy clothes, food and other essentials. All this will lead to stress.

There is a popular saying among psychologists that "Stress lies in the eye of the beholder." In other words, some stressful events in a person's life may not cause any stress in another. For instance, some people get stressed when they lose a book, pen or any other not-so-valuable item. But there are many people who do not consider them as stressful events. As somebody put it succinctly, events that are stressful for one person may be "ho-hum" routine for another.

The environment of modern cities is likely to cause stress in some people. Noise, exhaust fumes, congestion, garbage and lack of leisure can cause stress in the lives of many people. When exposed to such stressful situations, the blood pressure goes up leading to many other complications. In a recent research study conducted in Ohio, the United States, it was found that psychiatric emergencies increased when air pollution was high. However, some people never get stressed by such triggers.

Psychologists have considered whether stress is a self-imposed situation. For instance, a student preparing for the Advanced Level examination will attend many tuition classes to get higher marks. Then he gets stressed. Similarly, a shop employee decides to work long hours to impress his superiors. He too gets distressed. The solution to stress in such cases lies in themselves.

Although stress defies definition or classification, psychologists have come up with four major types of stress. They are frustration, conflict, change and pressure. They say these are four enemies we have to be aware of.

Frustration

We get frustrated when our pursuit of some goal is thwarted. Failure to pass an examination, marry the person of our choice or achieve certain career goals are bound to make us frustrated. Unknown to many of us, frustration occurs almost everyday in our lives.

A frustrating event such as waiting for a train that never comes on time might be forgotten when it finally arrives. However, certain frustrating events cannot be forgotten so easily. For instance, the loss of a loved one is bound to create stress that will last for a very long time.

Conflict

Like frustration, conflict in daily life is unavoidable. On many occasions we have to make a choice between two alternatives.

Sometimes, we have a difficult choice between two would-be life partners or two job opportunities. In such a conflict two or more incompatible motivations compete for expression. If the choice is difficult to make, it is advisable to consult someone we respect.

Change

Changes in the way we live are bound to create stress. Most human beings resist change in their daily routine. As a result, they get stressed when moving house or changing jobs. Here again, desirable life changes can cause stress in some people but not others. By adopting a positive approach to life, much stress can be avoided.

Pressure

Most of us are under pressure to perform or conform. An insurance agent is under pressure to achieve his target. A university lecturer is under pressure to do research. On the other hand, college students are under pressure to conform. So, they have to wear uniforms and attend school on time. Likewise, policemen, lawyers and doctors too are under pressure to conform.

If we look at the world realistically, people cope with stress in an endless variety of ways. Some people find the coping process easy while others have to seek advice.