Theories of Stress A. Biological theories of stress 1. 2. B. A.

Somatic-weakness theory Specific-reaction theory

Psychological Theories

Biological Theories of Stress

These theories explain psychological disorders in terms of specific weakness or hyperactivity of an individual organic system as and when she or he responds to a stressful experience. The Stress is explained as a responds either the paucity or abundance requisite quantum of biochemical material. 1. Somatic-weakness Theory The fundamental assumption of somatic-weakness theory is that weak bodily organs are pre-disposed to generate a specific kind of stress, leading to a particular physiological disorder. A particular organ system may remain weak in view of several factors vis--vis genetic deficiency, undetected juvenile illness or diet imbalance deficiency etc. these factors may cumulatively disrupt a particular organ system making it weak and vulnerable to stress e.g., severe ulcers might be generated owing to a weak digestive system, which ulcers in their true may lead to serious stressful events and consequent psychological disorders. 2. Specific-reaction Theory According to specific-reaction theory, no hard and fast explanation can be categorically branded as the prime mover or shaker of stress. Different individuals respond to stress differently and every organic system has its own idiosyncrasies way to cope up with on going situational pressures. This theory maintains that the body system that is the most responsive may most likely become the locus of a particular psycho-physiological disorder

e.g., high blood-pressure may be more amenable to hypertension.

B.

Psychological Theories theories explain the development of various psycho-

These

physiological disorders in terms of such factors as: unconscious emotional states, personality traits, cognitive appraisal and specific styles of coping with stress. 1. Psychoanalytic theory Psychoanalytic theories explaining the development of stress undermine the role of conscious-emotional states specific to each disorder. According to Alexander (1950) various psycho-physiological disorders can be explained as a function of our unconscious emotional states. Alexander has further argued that repressed hostile impulses

invariably lead to chronic emotional states. Such states, in turn, are responsible for hypertension, anxieties and worries and depression. "The damming up of such hostile impulses if continues might develop stronger defensive measures in order to keep pent-up aggression in check-because of the marked degree of their inhibition. These patients are less effective in their occupational activities and for that reason tend to fail in competition and.hostile feeling towards more successful, less inhibited, competitors are further intensified" Alexander's hypothesis of unexpressed anger or anger-in theory was formulated on his first hand observations of patients undergoing psychoanalysis. 2. Cognitive and behavioral theory Cognitive and behavioral theories explained stress as a function of

cognitive and behavioral factors. The perceptions and experiences stimulate sympathetic system activity. However, psychological resentments and regrets are too embedded to be easily tossed out of one's system. They are not as readily escapable as are the perceived or real external threats. Nor can they be readily explained away, often they keep our sympathetic system aroused. Such an arousal keeps the body in a continuous state of emergency. It is unbearable to sustain a balanced behavioral pattern for long in such circumstances. The necessary balancing of sympathetic and parasympathetic action are so gets tougher by the day. More often that not, the equilibrium is lost and one is overtaken by distress. Such a bodily changes that can last longer that they were meant to. This further contributes to an imbalance between sympathetic and parasympathetic activity going on in our system. Some psychologists have assumed that man's higher mental faculties out-compete his physiological endowments. This is the inbuilt dichotomy operating in human's albeit, very subtly and silently. Moral, valuation or attitudinal changes may be experienced at very higher or deeper levels of consciousness and our bodies may not be attuned to such experiences easily and readily. In fact, it is pointed out that our bodies are not designed to cope up with the outgoing pressures of our higher mental faculties. They are not built to withstand the storms brought about by our mental capacities. Thus, life-experience of human beings seems continuously to be exceeding their resources or capacities to cope with them. Such a dichotomous state of affair is inherently germane to the fructification of chronic stresses and conducive to the development of psycho-physiological disorder. Therefore, most humans are prone to this or that kind of stress-related disorder. Causes of Work Place Job stress may be caused by a complex set of reasons. Some of the most visible causes of workplace stress.

Job Insecurity Organized workplaces are going through metamorphic changes under intense economic transformations and consequent pressures. Reorganizations, takeovers, mergers, downsizing and other changes have become major stressors for employees, as companies try to live up to the competition to survive. These reformations have put demand on everyone, from a CEO to a mere executive. High Demand for Performance Unrealistic expectations, especially in the time of corporate reorganizations, which, sometimes, puts unhealthy and unreasonable pressures on the employee, can be a tremendous source of stress and suffering. Increased workload, extremely long work hours and intense pressure to perform at peak levels all the time for the same pay, can actually leave an employee physically and emotionally drained. Excessive travel and too much time away from family also contribute to an employee's stressors. Technology The expansion of technology - computers, pagers, cell phones, fax machines and the Internet - has resulted in heightened expectations for productivity, speed and efficiency, increasing pressure on the individual worker to constantly operate at peak performance levels. Workers working with heavy machinery are under constant stress to remain alert. In this case both the worker and their family members live under constant mental stress. There is also the constant pressure to keep up with technological breakthroughs and improvisations, forcing employees to learn new software all the times. Workplace Culture Adjusting to the workplace culture, whether in a new company or not,

can be intensely stressful. Making oneself adapt to the various aspects of workplace culture such as communication patterns, hierarchy, dress code if any, workspace and most importantly working and behavioral patterns of the boss as well as the co-workers, can be a lesson of life. Maladjustment to workplace cultures may lead to subtle conflicts with colleagues or even with superiors. In many cases office politics or gossips can be major stress inducers. Personal or Family Problems Employees going through personal or family problems tend to carry their worries and anxieties to the workplace. When one is in a depressed mood, his unfocused attention or lack of motivation affects his ability to carry out job responsibilities.

Effects of Stress on an Individual

Psychological Affects : Difficulty in concentrating Unable to spend leisure time productively Always anxious Bad decision making Mood swings Increased usage of food, cigarettes, alcohol and drugs Developing fears and phobias Feeling out of control and confused