UNDERSTANDING STRESS AND ITS IMPACT ON SOCIETY

UNDERSTANDING STRESS AND ITS IMPACT ON SOCIETY Introduction: The Dual Nature of Stress Life is a continuous process of adapting to our circumstances. Failure to adapt can leadto dissatisfaction and illness. Stress can increase the risk of failed adaptation, but it’simportant to note that not all stress is harmful. When we can physiologically toleratestress and it leads us to improve our performance or overcome phases of lethargy, it’sconsidered a positive promoter of adaptation (eustress). However, when stressorsoverwhelm our ability to cope and excessively drain our physical resources withoutadequate recovery time, stress is seen as negative (distress). Perspectives on Stress Stress has been described in various ways by researchers: as a stimulus (stressor), areaction (a biological, emotional, cognitive, or behavioral response), or a cognitive-transactional process. A key distinction is made between acute (temporally limited) andchronic stress. Chronic stress results from long-term stressors (e.g., long-lastingproblems in the workplace, care of a family member) and is particularly relevant forhealth. Health-Relevant Components of Stress Cacioppo and Berntson (2011) differentiate between four health-relevant components ofstress: 1. Exposure : The number of stressors a person is confronted with. 2. Reactivity : The scale of reaction to a potentially stressful occurrence. 3. Recovery : The length of time required for prestressor, baseline levels to be achieved following stress onset. 4. Restoration : The efficiency of anabolic processes, which are responsible for the replenishment of coping resources or the renewal of damaged physiologicalstructures. Societal Impact of Stress Many people report high levels of stress. More than a third of employees experiencetime pressure at work, interruptions, and long working hours. In the service sector,employees often need to regulate their emotions heavily. Work-related stress hasnumerous consequences and entails direct costs (e.g., societal resources used fortreatment, rehabilitation, and care), indirect costs (e.g., loss of production orperformance due to stress-related employee absence), and intangible (human) costs

(e.g., suffering of the affected individuals). Studies conclude that stress-related costsaccount for between 1% and 2.5% of a nation’s gross domestic product.