Psychological and physical reaction to certain life events or situation

(Aamondt,2007)

Stress is the non-specific responses of the body to any demand made on it .

(Hans Selye,1930 in Huffman,2007)

 General term describing psychological and physical response to a stimuli that alters the bodys equilibrium
(Lazarus & Folkman,1984 in Kosslyn & Rosenberg,2006)

Stress may be defined as A STATE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL OR PHYSIOLOGICAL IMBALANCE resulting from the disparity between situational demand and the individuals ability and or motivation to meet those demands

 The stimulus that throws the body out of its equilibrium state is called STRESSOR. A Stressor is any stimulus or event capable of producing physical or emotional stress The bodys response to a stressor is the stress response This response consist of bodily changes that help us to cope up with the stressor
(e.g Production of endorphins and enkephalins when we get a puncture wound )

Factors that cause stress are called "Stressors." The following are the sources or causes of an organizational and non-organizational stress.
INDIVIDUAL LEVEL STRESSORS:

1)

Career Changes: When a person suddenly switches over a new job, he is under stress to shoulder new responsibilities properly. Under promotion, over promotion, demotion and transfers can also cause stress.

2) Career Concern : If an employee feels that he is very much behind in corporate ladder, then he may experience stress and if he feels that there are no opportunities for self-growth he may experience stress. Hence unfulfilled career expectations are a major source of stress. 3) Role Ambiguity: It occurs when the person does not known what he is supposed to do on the job. His tasks and responsibilities are not clear. The employee is not sure what he is expected to do. This creates confusion in the minds of the worker and results in stress .4) Role Conflict: It takes place when different people have different expectations from a person performing a particular role. It can also occur if the job is not as per the expectation or when a job demands a certain type of behaviour that is against the persons moral values

5) Role Overload: Stress may occur to those individuals who work in different shifts. Employees may be expected to work in day shift for some days and then in the night shift. This may create problems in adjusting to the shift timings, and it can affect not only personal life but also family life of the employee. 6) Frustration: Frustration is another cause of stress. Frustration arises when goal directed behaviour is blocked. Management should attempt to remove barriers and help the employees to reach their goals. 7) Life Changes: Life changes can bring stress to a person. Life changes can be slow or sudden. Slow life changes include getting older and sudden life changes include death or accident of a loved one. Sudden life changes are highly stressful and very difficult to cope. 8) Personality:

People are broadly classified as Type A and Type B. Feels guilty while relaxing. Gets irritated by minor mistakes of self and others. Feels impatient and dislikes waiting. Does several things at one time. While the Type B people are exactly opposite and hence are less affected by stress due to above mentioned factors

GROUP LEVEL STRESSORS: 1) Managerial Behaviour : Some managers creates stress for employees by Exhibiting inconsistent behaviour Failing to provide necessary support Providing inadequate direction Showing lack of concern and Creating high productivity environment. 2) Lack of Group Cohesiveness: Every group is characterized by its cohesiveness although they differ widely in degree of cohesiveness. Individuals experience stress when there is no unity among the members of work group. There is mistrust, jealously, frequent quarrels, etc., in groups and this lead to stress to employees. 3) Lack of Participation in Decision Making: Many experienced employees feel that management should consult them on matters affecting their jobs. In reality, the superiors hardly consult the concerned employees before taking a decision. This develops a feeling of being neglected, which may lead to stress.

4) Interpersonal and Intergroup Conflict : Interpersonal and intergroup conflict takes place due to differences in perceptions, attitudes, values and beliefs Quantitative work overload arises when number of activities to be performed in the prescribed time is many. 5) Lack of Social Support: When individuals believe that they have the friendship and support of others at work, their ability to cope with the effects of stress increases. If this kind of social support is not available then an employee experiences more stress. 6) Workplace violence: Workplace violence is a very serious interpersonal stressor. Individuals who experience violence have symptoms of severe distress after the violent event. Workplace violence is also stressor for those who observe the violence.

7) Sexual Harassment: This refers to un-welcome conduct of a sexual nature that affects the job related performance of an employee adversely.

ORGANISATIONAL LEVEL STRESSORS :1) Organizational Climate: A high pressure environment that places chronic work demands on employees fuels the stress response. 2) Organizational Structure: It defines the level of differentiation, the degree of rules and regulations and where decisions are made. Excessive rules and lack of participation in decisions that affect an employee are examples of structural variables that might be potential stressors.

3) Organizational Leadership: Represents the managerial style of the organization's senior executives. Some chief executive officers create a culture characterized by tension, fear and anxiety.
4) Organizational Changes: When changes occur, people have to adapt to those changes and this may cause stress. Stress is higher when changes are major or unusual like transfer or adaption of new technology. 5) Occupational Demands: Some jobs are more stressful than others. Jobs that involve risk and danger are more stressful. Research findings indicate that jobs that are more stressful usually requires constant monitoring of equipments and devices, unpleasant physical conditions, making decisions, etc.

6) Work Overload: Excessive work load leads to stress as it puts a person under tremendous pressure. Work overload may take two different forms
Qualitative work overload implies performing a job that is complicated or beyond the employees capacity. Quantitative work overload arises when number of activities to be performed in the prescribed time is many.

7) Work Under load: In this case, very little work or too simple work is expected on the part of the employee. Doing less work or jobs of routine and simple nature would lead to monotony and boredom, which can lead to stress.

8) Working Conditions: Employees may be subject to poor working conditions. It would include poor lighting and ventilations, unhygienic sanitation facilities,

EXTRA- ORGANISATIONAL STRESSORS:

1) Technological Changes: When there are any changes in technological field, employees are under the constant stress of fear of losing jobs, or need to adjust to new technologies. This can be a source of stress. 2) Civic Amenities: Poor civic amenities in the area in which one lives can be a cause of stress. Inadequate or lack of civic facilities like improper water supply, excessive noise or air pollution, lack of proper transport facility can be quite stressful. 3) Caste and Religion Conflicts: Employees living in areas which are subject to caste and religious conflicts do suffer from stress. In case of religion, the minorities and lower-caste people (seen especially in India) are subject to more stress. 4) Economic Factors: Changes in business cycle create economic uncertainties. When the economy contracts, people get worried about their own security. Minor stress also cause stress in work force.

It cause the relationships between stressors, perceived stress and outcomes to be weaker for some and stronger for others. An awareness of moderators helps managers identify those who are more likely to experience stress and negative outcomes. Cognitive Appraisal of Stressors Cognitive appraisal of stressors reflects an individuals overall perception or evaluation of a stressor. Primary Appraisal determining whether a stressor is irrelevant, positive, or stressful. Secondary Appraisal assessing what might and can be done to reduce stress

Physiological consequences

50%-75% of all illnesses Lower for women cardiovascular diseases ulcers sexual dysfunction headaches Burnout

Cognitive Consequences
Poor concentration inability to make sound decisions or any decisions at all mental blocks

Behavioral consequences
work performance, accidents decisions making absenteeism due to sickness and flight o workplace aggression

Psychological Consequences
Anxiety Frustration Apathy Lowered self-esteem Aggression Depression Moodiness emotional fatigue
INDICATORS OF BURNOUT: Emotional Depersonalization Low Personal Accomplishment Exhaustion Feel drained by work Have become calloused by job Cannot deal with problems effectively Feel fatigued in the Treat others like objects Do not have a positive influence on morning others Frustrated Do not care what happens to Cannot understand others problems other people or identify with them Do not want to work Feel other people blame you No longer feel exhilarated by your job with other people

Burnout A psychological process resulting from work stress that results in: Emotional exhaustion Depersonalization Feelings of decreased accomplishment

EUSTRESS Stress
Resulting from pleasant events or conditions is called eustress.Eustress can be defined as a pleasant or curative stress. We cant always avoid stress, in fact, sometimes we don't want to. Often, it is controlled stress that gives us our competitive edge in performance related activities like athletics, giving a speech, or act

DISTRESS Stress
Resulting from unpleasant events or conditions is called distress. Bad stress If a stimulus we react to is negative, we are actually feeling distress though we label it as stress. e. g. death of a close friend. Acute stress Acute stress is usually for short time and may be due to work pressure, meeting deadlines pressure or minor accident, over exertion, increased physical activity, searching something but you misplaced it, or similar things. Chronic stress Chronic stress is a prolonged stress that exists for weeks, months, or even years. This stress is due to poverty, broken or stressed families and marriages, chronic illness and successive failures in life. People suffering from this type of stress get used to it and may even not realize that they are under chronic stress. It is very harmful to their health.

EXTERENAL SOURCES and INTERNAL SOURCES Of STRESS INTERNAL STRESS Internal stress generally happens when individuals worry about things outside their control. The personality of an individual plays a vital role in stress management. Every individual can be categorized into two type A and type B personalities . An individual of type A personality has a continual sense of urgency and has an excessive competitive drive. He she is always in a hurry and is impatient . People with type A personality are obsessive about winning and do not have the ability to spend leisure time productively. These people are likely to be under stress even in minor situation. People with type B personality never sense the urgency of time. They work at their own pace. With no need to prove their achievements. These people are less likely to be under stress.

External Stress This type of stress is the result of environmental influence on an individual. External stress is a result of stress from the environment. This can be stress from family , work , peers and friends . Physical conditions such as poor lighting , loud noise . Poor seating arrangements and extreme workplace temperatures (a too hot or too cold cabin ) are also stressors. Even the climate where one resides can be a significant contributor to ones stress level. In particular , living in extreme climates can heighten an individuals stress level. Temperature extremes and the amount of sunshine that exists on a daily , weekly , or monthly basis can affect the level of stress experienced.

Fatigue Headache Insomnia Heart Palpitation Decrease in concentration/memory Loses of Sense of humor Anxiety Depression Anger Irritability Increased/decreased eating Crying Yelling

Hans Selyes Model of Stress

Stressors like heat, pain, toxins, viruses, cause the body to respond with a fight-or-flight response. Stress consists of physiological reactions that occur in three stages

Alarm

Upon encountering a stressor, body reacts with fight-or-flight Phase response and sympathetic nervous system is activated. Hormones such as cortisol and adrenalin released into the bloodstream to meet the threat or danger. The bodys resources now mobilized Parasympathetic nervous system returns many physiological functions phase to normal levels while body focuses resources against the stressor. Blood glucose levels remain high, cortisol and adrenalin continue to circulate at elevated levels, but outward appearance of organism seems normal. Increase HR, BP, breathing Body remains on red alert If stressor continues beyond bodys capacity, organism exhausts Phase resources and becomes susceptible to disease and death

Resistance

Exhaustion

A
Story

About
Stress

A Professor began his class by holding up a glass with some water in it. He held it up for all to see, and asked the students How much do you think this glass weighs? The Students answered 50gms! 100gms! 120gms! I really dont know unless I weigh it said the professor but, my question is:

What would happen it I held up this like this for a few second? Nothing! the students said Ok, what would happen if I held up this for an hour? the professor asked Your arm would begin to ache said one of the student Youre right, now what would happen if I held it up for a day?

Your arm could go numb, you might have severe muscle stress and paralysis and have to go to hospital for sure!
. Ventured another students and all the student laughed Very Good!, But during all this, did the weight of the glass change? asked the professor NO!,

Then what caused the arm ache? And muscle stress? Students were puzzled What should I do now to come out of pain? Asked the professor again
Put the glass down! said the student EXACTLY! said the Professor

Lifes Problem are something like this How it for a few minutes in your head, and they seem ok Think of them for a long time they begin to ache Hold it even longer they begin to paralyze you. You will not be able to do anything Its important to think challenges and problem in life but EVEN MORE IMPORTANT is TO PUT THEM DOWN at the and of the day before you to sleep

That way you are not Stressed, you wake up everyday fresh and strong and can handle any issue, any challenges that comes in your way SO WHEN YOU LEAVE THE SCHOOL TODAY, REMEMBER FRIENDS TO PUT THE GLASS DOWN TODAY!