Question

Check your understanding of the major sources of stress by indicating which type or types of stress are at work in each of the examples below. Bear in mind that the four basic types of stress are not mutually exclusive. There's some potential for overlap, so a specific experience might include both change and pressure, for instance. The answers are in Appendix A. $$ \text { Jose has just graduated from business school and has taken an exciting new job. } \quad \quad\quad\quad\quad \text { a. frustration } $$ $$ \text { } \quad \quad\quad\quad\quad \text { b. conflict } $$ $$ \text { } \quad \quad\quad\quad\quad \text { c. change } $$ $$ \text { } \quad \quad\quad\quad\quad \text { d. pressure } $$

Short answer

Answer: Change and pressure.

Step-by-step solution

Read and understand the situation

Read the given situation carefully: "Jose has just graduated from business school and has taken an exciting new job."

Identify the presence of frustration

Analyze if there is any frustration in the situation, which is the reaction to the inability to fulfill a need or achieve a goal. In this case, there is no mention of unfulfilled needs or unachieved goals, so frustration is not present.

Identify the presence of conflict

Analyze if there is any conflict in the situation, which is the result of two or more opposing needs, goals, or desires. In this case, there is no mention of opposing needs, goals, or desires, so conflict is not present.

Identify the presence of change

Analyze if there is any change in the situation, which is the reaction to adjustments or alterations in one's familiar environment or lifestyle. In this case, graduating from business school and starting a new job indicate a significant change in Jose's life. Therefore, change is present.

Identify the presence of pressure

Analyze if there is any pressure in the situation, which is the feeling of urgency or tension induced by external or internal events or expectations. In this case, taking an exciting new job can bring a sense of urgency, tension, or high expectations from oneself or others, so pressure is present.

Choose the correct answer(s)

Based on the analysis in the previous steps, the correct answer includes both change (c) and pressure (d).

Key concepts

Psychological Stress

Stress is an unavoidable component of life, and psychological stress refers to the emotional and physiological reactions we experience when faced with demands that exceed our coping abilities. It originates when an individual perceives a discrepancy between the demands of a situation and their own resources to deal with it. This discrepancy triggers a host of mental and physical responses, designed originally to help us act in the face of threats.

For example, when Jose starts an exciting new job after graduating, he's likely to experience a wave of emotions and feelings, such as excitement, but also uncertainty and anxiety about meeting new expectations. His body and mind will react to these perceived challenges with increased alertness and readiness, a state that can be constructive if managed well but detrimental if it leads to chronic stress. It's important to understand that stress can be both positive, known as 'eustress,' which is motivating and improves performance, and negative, called 'distress,' which can be overwhelming and reduce performance.

Effective stress management techniques are vital to convert the potentially harmful effects of psychological stress into challenges that can lead to personal growth and development. These techniques might include relaxation practices, time management, and seeking social support.

Stress Management

Stress management is crucial for maintaining both physical and mental health, as chronic stress can lead to serious health issues. It involves the use of tools and techniques to control an individual's level of stress, especially chronic stress, in order to improve everyday functioning. The strategies for managing stress are numerous and varied, tailored to fit different personalities and situations.

Effective stress management might include practicing mindfulness, engaging in regular physical activity, and ensuring adequate rest and healthy nutrition.

Techniques such as deep breathing

and meditation can also calm the mind and reduce the physiological effects of stress.

Time management skills

help in organizing and prioritizing tasks to reduce the overwhelm. Moreover, talking to friends, family, or professionals can provide emotional support and offer new perspectives.

It's essential for students to learn these techniques early on, as they provide a toolkit for coping with the many challenges that life presents. In Jose's case, adopting stress-management strategies could help him adjust to his new job more smoothly, maintaining enthusiasm while minimizing anxiety.

Coping with Change

Coping with change is a dynamic process that individuals undergo when they adapt to new circumstances, such as transitioning after graduation or moving to a new city for a job. Change often necessitates letting go of the familiar and the secure, which can induce stress, but developing coping mechanisms is key to managing this stress effectively.

Coping strategies encompass a wide range of behaviors and thoughts, which can be classified into two main categories: problem-focused coping and emotion-focused coping. Problem-focused coping involves taking action to modify the stressful situation, such as planning or learning new skills. Emotion-focused coping involves managing the emotional distress that accompanies change, which can include seeking support, reinterpreting the situation positively, or engaging in relaxation techniques.

For those like Jose, acknowledging the stress associated with change and viewing it as a normal part of the adjustment can be empowering. By directing energy toward proactive steps, such as setting short-term goals and celebrating small achievements in the new job, he can navigate through this period of change more smoothly and with less anxiety.