You have already understood that individuals differ in their personality characteristics.
Individual
Differences and Stress
You have already understood that
individuals differ in their personality characteristics. These differences
determine the stress levels experienced by the people. Two people may be
exposed to the same sources of stress like meeting a deadline for achieving a
goal. However, in terms of stress levels they may be different.
Some individuals are more prone
to stress than others. It may be on account of demographic differences and
cognitive differences. Demographic differences are related to age, health,
education and occupation. Age causes stress because as people go through the
life stages, certain things are expected of them. As they grow, they have to
shoulder greater responsibilities. Health is another factor influencing stress.
Healthy people can cope with stress more than sick people. Education is also
important in this context. If the person is not educated, he feels unworthy and
that may cause stress. Coming to occupation, it is needless to say that every
occupation involves some kind of stress or other.
Cognitive differences are
satisfaction, locus of control and type of personality. Persons having greater
urge for satisfaction work hard and try to excel others. This may lead to overwork and also
burnout. Locus of control refers to one’s feeling of the extent to which he is
able to control the surrounding world. The greater the person’s perception of
control over the environment, the lesser is his proneness to stress. Another
cognitive factor is personality. As explained earlier, there are two types of
personalities – Type A and Type B. Type A personalities are involved in
struggles to get more and achieve more. Therefore, they are more prone for
stress. On the other hand, Type B personalities are more patient and easy
going. They are interested in achieving goals but follow different ways for the
purpose. As a result, they are less prone for stress.
Tags : Management Concepts & Organisational Behaviour - Stress Management
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