Stress continues to have a significant impact on health during adulthood. Psycho-neuro-immunologists, who studies the relationship between the brain, immune system, and psychological factors, conclude that stress produces three main consequences.
Identify the three main consequences of stress.
Discuss the cultural factors that may influence the body's reaction to stress
Discuss the gender differences that influence how someone manages stress.
Full Answer Section
- Cultures that value stoicism: People from cultures that value stoicism may be more likely to suppress their emotions when they are stressed, which can lead to increased physical and psychological problems.
- Cultures that value social support: People from cultures that value social support may be more likely to reach out to others when they are stressed, which can help them to cope more effectively.
- Cultures that have different understandings of stress: Different cultures may have different understandings of what stress is and how it manifests itself, which can affect how people respond to stress.
Gender differences that influence how someone manages stress:
- Women are more likely to experience stress than men: Studies have shown that women are more likely to experience stress than men. This may be due to a number of factors, including the fact that women are more likely to be caregivers and to have multiple roles in their lives.
- Women are more likely to use emotion-focused coping strategies: Women are more likely to use emotion-focused coping strategies to deal with stress, such as talking to friends or family, seeking social support, or engaging in relaxation techniques. Men are more likely to use problem-focused coping strategies, such as trying to solve the problem that is causing the stress.
- Men are more likely to engage in risky behaviors: Men are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as drinking alcohol or using drugs, when they are stressed. This may be a way for men to cope with stress or to numb the emotional pain that they are feeling.
It is important to note that these are just general trends and that there is a great deal of variation within both genders. Not all women will experience stress in the same way, and not all men will use the same coping strategies.