Sigmund Freud famously said that “love and work are the cornerstones of our humanness.” How does contemporary research on the sources of stress lend credence to Freud’ statement?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Love and work are not only the sources of many of our positive experiences, but also the wellsprings of much of the stress in our lives, further attesting to the centrality of these domains--their status as “cornerstones.” One-third of college students’ stressful experiences are caused by relationships; 80% of the stress experienced by married couples reflects conflict between the partners. Of course, major negative family events such as illness or divorce can cause stress, but so can positive changes in family life, such as a child leaving for college. Parenting, finally, is stressful--especially for mothers.
Long hours, deadline pressure, burnout, and a lack of control over one’ work all conspire to make work a stressful experience. Responsibility for others contributes to burnout in the helping professions. Research suggests that the more direct contact that doctors and nurses have, the more stress they experience.
Entry-level service industry positions are also stressful because they combine the need to satisfy others with a complete lack of control over how that is accomplished.