EssayClub.com - Free College Essays and Term Papers

Mr

The syndrome known as stress, was first described in 1936 by the Hungarian scientist Hans Selye (Tyler, 1989). Since the mid-20th century the notion of stress has found acceptance both within the discipline of psychology and society more broadly. Current research reflects the prevalence of stress experienced by members of today’s society and has become the focus of many psychologists and doctors (Greens, 2000). Stress is conceptualized as a relationship between the person and the environment that is perceived by the person as taxing or exceeding his or her resources and endangering their well being (Snyder, 1987). The essay will examine stress in both emotional and physiological terms, the causes of stress, and differentiate between the problem focused and the emotion-focused coping strategies. The essay will also comment on individual’s different coping strategies.
Reacting to stress, people respond emotionally first and then resort to previous habits (Snyder, 1987). Studies conducted have shown a strong correlation between stress and a wide variety of emotions. Unfortunately, many of the emotional responses are negative and only heighten stress (Folkman & Lazarus, 1994).   For example when faced with stress the common responses usually include irritation, rage, fear and sadness (Snyder, 1987). After the stressful scenario has been resolved positive emotions are abnormally heightened in contrast to the stressful emotions felt previously.
A study conducted on families who had a member undergo extensive surgery measured emotions being felt before, during and after the operation. Results showed that when an operation is successful all the stress and negative emotions are forgotten and positive emotions arise (Lyall, 1999). In contrast to Lyall (1999), Murphy (2000) demonstrated that positive emotions are not just experienced when the pressure of stress has been resolved. Murphy (2000) believes that the positive emotions are present throughout stress and allow us to...