Stress is a feeling of emotional strain, incurred when one perceives being burdened by a demand that exceeds personal resources. The degree of stress one experiences at any point is highly influenced by preconditions, including personal history, interpretation and state of mind.
Fearing the Unknown
A real or perceived change in one's surroundings, role or status provide the grounds for uncertainty, and displaced expectations. Stress may be aroused by these conditions. Fear of being accepted is common for children when graduating into a new school.
Considerations
For an individual to feel stressed, he must believe that not meeting a demand will produce undesirable consequences. Thinking that a lost job will lead to financial ruin, for example, can impose tremendous pressure on the person.
The Need for Control
To one who fears loss of control, trusting in the competence of another can be stressful. A person may find that depending on someone to plan an important event can be very stressful.
Seperation of Self
The recognition of evidence that is contrary to a person's beliefs may create an internal sense of imbalance which, if left unresolved, will evolve into stress. A spouse who stands for lifelong commitment will experience strain if divorce appears to be the best option available.
Cognitive dissonance, the separation of one's actions and beliefs, is often also experienced as stress. A family counselor who doesn't spend time with his own children will suffer the emotional burden of incongruent behavior.
Typical Stress Contributers
Events that frequently surround the stress response in many people include the death of someone close, a new baby, marital difficulties, moving to a new house or town, starting a new job and fear of physical danger.
Tags: