Question

Explain how the following impact stress and give an example from your own life:

Catastrophes

Hassles

Pressures

Frustration

Aggression

Answer 1

Catastrophic events refer to those events that occur suddenly, cause drastic damage and usually affect numerous individuals simultaneously. I have never personally experienced such an event but an earthquake or a terrorist attack are examples of such events.

Daily hassles tend to function as chronic stressors. These stressors, that do not appear to cause much harm, add up and take a toll on our well-being. Examples of daily hassles in include working late at night, fighting with my parents, getting stuck in traffic jam and the like.

Stress and pressure are separate but related constructs. Pressure occurs when an important outcome is dependent on our performance. However, the greater the pressure to perform, the higher is the chance of experiencing stress. For example, when my parents pressurise me to do well in my exams, I begin to feel even more stressed.

Frustration and aggression maybe regarded as psychological responses to stress. Certain events may typically produce an immediate reaction involving frustration and aggression that eventually tapers off. For instance, being unable to get a good grade can cause frustration, while being bullied constantly can lead to aggression.