Assignment

Understanding Stress:
Types & Sources

Submitted By : ANSAD YASEEN K

Enrollment No. : CUSB2407112007
Programme : Masters in Psychology
Course : Stress Management
Central University of South Bihar

Submitted To : Dr. MANGLESH KUMAR MANGLAM

Associate Professor
Dept. of Psychological Sciences
Central University of South Bihar.
 Introduction
Stress is a normal part of life, but when it becomes overwhelming, it can
negatively impact our physical and mental health. It's important to understand
what stress is and how it affects us.

Stress is a response to a perceived threat or challenge. It can be caused by

a variety of factors, such as work pressure, financial difficulties, relationship
problems, or health issues. When we experience stress, our bodies release
hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare us for a fight-or-flight
response. While this response can be helpful in short-term situations, chronic
stress can lead to a range of problems, including anxiety, depression, high blood
pressure, and digestive issues.

It's important to recognize the signs of stress, which can include physical
symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and muscle tension, as well as emotional
symptoms like irritability, difficulty concentrating, and feeling overwhelmed. By
understanding the causes and effects of stress, we can take steps to manage it
effectively and improve our overall well-being.

Identifying the sources of stress in your life is another important step in

managing it. These sources can be external, such as work, school, or financial
pressures, or internal, such as negative thoughts or beliefs. Once you have
identified the sources of stress, you can develop strategies to address or reduce
them. This work is about the understanding of the stress, it’s types and sources.
 Understanding Stress: Nature and Concept

The term stress has been derived from ‘stringere’, that it is a Latin word
means ‘to draw tight’. Today, it has become a common term used in every context
including school, workplace, day to day life and so on. We have often come
across people who have experienced stress in their lives. The initial
conceptualization of stress mainly focused on stress as an external stimulus.
Though later, it came to be described as a response of an individual to certain
disturbances. The study carried out by Cannon can be mentioned in this context,
where he mainly studied the fight and flight reaction. The focus of the study by
Cannon was on the effect that stress has on animal as well as individual. Cannon
also observed physiological changes in the participants of his study and he termed
these changes as displayed by individuals under stress.

Baum et al. (1981) characterized stress as a "process where environmental

factors or threats, known as stressors, compromise an organism's existence and
well-being." When exploring the concept of stress, it's crucial to recognize the
term stressor, which can be defined as any situation, occurrence, individual, or
element that triggers a stress response.

Individuals often encounter multiple stressors in their lives simultaneously.

These stressors might include upcoming official events, impending reports,
examinations, and other challenges. Stressors can also be categorized as diverse
external and internal stimuli that can lead to stress. These stressors can be
classified into physical, psychological, environmental, social, and life event
categories. Schafer (1998) defined stress as "the mental and physical arousal in
response to demands placed on an individual."
 Types of Stress

• Short-Term Stress : Short-term stress, also known as acute stress, is a

temporary response to a specific event or situation. It's a normal part of life
and can even be beneficial in small doses, as it can motivate us to perform
better under pressure. When faced with a stressor, the body activates the
"fight-or-flight" response, releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.
These hormones prepare the body for action by increasing heart rate, blood
pressure, and muscle tension.
Eg : Seeing snake while walking in a park.

• Long-Term Stress : Long-term stress, also known as chronic stress, refers

to the prolonged experience of feeling overwhelmed and pressured over an
extended period. Unlike short-term stress, which is a normal response to
occasional challenges, chronic stress persists and can significantly impact
your overall well-being. This can lead to a range of physical and mental
health problems, including anxiety, depression, digestive issues,
headaches, muscle tension, heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep
problems, weight gain, and difficulty concentrating.
Eg : Poverty or a dysfunctional family.

• Hyper Stress : Hyper stress refers to a state of extreme stress that

overwhelms a person's ability to cope. It occurs when individuals are
subjected to prolonged or intense stressors that exceed their capacity to
adapt. Hyper stress is often triggered by a combination of factors such as
work overload, financial difficulties, relationship problems, or significant
life changes. Symptoms of hyper stress include chronic fatigue, anxiety,
insomnia, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and a weakened immune
system.
• Hypo Stress : Hypo stress, the opposite of hyper stress, is a type of stress
experienced when a person is constantly bored or under-stimulated. It's a
state of insufficient stress, often caused by a lack of challenge or motivation
in one's daily life. People experiencing hypo stress may feel restless,
uninspired, and demotivated. They might find themselves constantly
seeking stimulation, whether it's through excessive screen time, unhealthy
habits, or risky behaviors. This constant search for excitement can lead to
a variety of negative consequences, including decreased productivity, poor
mental health, and strained relationships.

• Distress : Distress is a state of extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain. It's a

negative emotional state that can arise from various sources, including
physical discomfort, psychological stress, or external pressures. Distress
can manifest in both physical and emotional ways, often leading to feelings
of helplessness, hopelessness, and overwhelm. It's important to recognize
that distress is a normal human experience, and everyone faces challenges
that can lead to feelings of distress.
Eg : Death of a loved one.

• Neu stress : Neu stress is a type of stress that arises from neutral events or
situations that neither positively nor negatively impact our lives. Unlike
eustress (good stress) and distress (bad stress), Neu stress falls into a
neutral category. It's the stress we experience from everyday life, like the
constant noise of traffic or the news about events happening far away.

• Eustress : Eustress, often referred to as "good stress," is a positive

response to stress that can have a beneficial impact on our health,
motivation, performance, and overall well-being. Unlike distress, which is
 associated with negative emotions and can lead to harmful consequences,
eustress is perceived as manageable and even motivating. When we
experience eustress, our bodies release endorphins, which are natural mood
elevators that can help us feel good and reduce pain. This positive
physiological response can enhance our focus, creativity, and problem-
solving abilities. Eustress can also boost our self-esteem and confidence as
we successfully navigate challenges and achieve our goals.
Eg : Opening your own business.

Sources of Stress

Coleman suggested that sources of stress can be categorized into three types,

1. Frustration
2. Conflict of Motives
3. Pressure

Frustration : Frustration arises when an individual's goal-directed behaviour is

hindered. As Mangal elucidates, a diverse array of environmental obstacles,
encompassing both physical and social factors, as well as internal limitations such
as biological conditions and psychological barriers, can obstruct our needs,
motives, and efforts, leading to frustration. For instance, Ravi's anticipation of a
promotion was obstructed, resulting in feelings of frustration.

Conflict of Motives: Another source of stress is internal conflict, arising from

competing desires or goals. When individuals face choices between appealing
options (approach-approach conflict) or unappealing ones (avoidance-avoidance
conflict), stress can ensue. The situation becomes more complex in (approach-
avoidance conflicts), where a single option has both positive and negative aspects.
Lastly, (double approach-avoidance conflicts) involve multiple choices, each
with both desirable and undesirable outcomes, further intensifying the stress
response.

o Approach-Approach Conflict: This type of conflict arises when an

individual faces a choice between two equally desirable options. For
instance, one might have to decide between two attractive job offers.
o Avoidance-Avoidance Conflict: In this type of conflict, an individual is
faced with two undesirable options. Both choices are equally unattractive,
leading to a dilemma. For instance, one might have to decide between
remaining jobless or accepting a low-paying, unfulfilling job.
o Approach-Avoidance Conflict: It occurs when a single goal presents both
desirable and undesirable aspects. For instance, an individual offered a job
overseas might be thrilled about the opportunity but also anxious about the
separation from family. This dual nature of the goal, with both positive and
negative implications, can create stress and indecision.
o Double Approach-Avoidance Conflict: A complex scenario arises when
an individual faces a choice involving both positive and negative aspects.
For instance, a student might be torn between two academic paths:
pursuing a music degree, which aligns with their passion but could
disappoint their parents, or opting for engineering, which would please
their parents but lacks personal interest. This type of conflict, where both
options present both appealing and aversive elements, is known as a
multiple approach-avoidance conflict.

Pressure: The external pressures of societal expectations, responsibilities, and

the demands of significant others can exert a substantial toll on our mental and
emotional well-being, leading to increased stress.
 Conclusion

Stress, an important aspect of modern life, can manifest in various forms, ranging
from eustress to distress. Understanding the diverse types of stress, including
acute, episodic acute, and chronic stress, is crucial for effective management.
Recognizing the multifaceted sources of stress, such as physical, psychological,
and social factors, enables individuals to identify triggers and implement
appropriate coping strategies. By acknowledging the impact of stress on both
physical and mental health, we can take proactive steps to mitigate its negative
effects and cultivate a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.

References

Coleman, J. C. (1970). Abnormal Psychology and Modern Life. Bombay: D. B.

Taraporewala and Sons.

Kottler, J. A. & Chen, D. D. (2011). Stress management and prevention:

Applications to daily life (2nd Ed.). London and New York: Routledge.

Mangal, S. (1984). Abnormal Psychology. New Delhi, India: Sterling Publishers.