Describe the nature of hindrance stressors, and give one example each of three different hindrance stressors.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Student answers and examples will vary but should demonstrate understanding of hindrance stressors. A sample answer follows.

Hindrance stressors are stressful demands that people tend to perceive as hindering their progress toward personal accomplishments or goal attainment. Hindrance stressors most often trigger negative emotions such as anxiety and anger. Work hindrance stressors include role conflict, role ambiguity, role overload, and daily hassles. Nonwork hindrance stressors include work-family conflict, negative life events, and financial uncertainty.

One example of the work hindrance stressor role overload is a lawyer who has so many clients that she ends up working late every night and every weekend to keep up with her workload. An example of the nonwork hindrance stressor negative life events is an employee going through a divorce that affects her attitude at work and results in negative emotions. An example of the work hindrance stressor role conflict is a grocery cashier who is required to check out customers as quickly as possible but who is also asked to be polite and sociable with customers. Talking leisurely with customers, while fostering a warm atmosphere in the store, can work against the goal of fast checkout.