Describe the reactions a person might have to a stress episode.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The stress response “is the generalized, patterned, unconscious mobilization of
the body’s natural energy resources when confronted with a demand or stressor.” The
nervous and hormonal systems of an individual are activated producing adrenaline, and
this may result in an elevated heart rate, perspiration, and tightening of the muscles.
This is known as the fight-or-flight response, which is the result of human evolution in
which the response was needed to attack predators or run away from them.
Strains resulting from the stressors reviewed in the previous section trigger a stress
episode as depicted in Figure 15.5. Responses may be physiological, psychological,
and/or behavioral. These strains are listed next with examples found in research on
stress at the workplace (however, one stressful event may trigger one, two, or all three
of the following strains for an employee).
1. Physiological—high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, high cholesterol,
stomach ulcers, compromised immune system
2. Psychological—anxiety, burnout, emotional exhaustion, fatigue, hostility,
irritation, tension, lower self-confidence, and self-esteem
3. Behavioral—accidents and errors, alcohol use, caffeine intake, drug use,
smoking, workplace deviance (e.g., doing inferior work on purpose, stealing, damaging
property)