Stress hardiness
Some people seem to be less affected by stressful situations and more resilient in adjusting to change. This quality is called stress hardiness. Personality factors that stand out in stress-hardy people include:
- Having a strong commitment to self, work, family, and their personal values. A strong sense of commitment allows people to see problems through without being too disrupted by stress.
- Having a sense of control over their lives. They know they cannot control every detail of their lives (for instance, their supervisor's personality), but they see where they do have control, such as their reaction to their supervisor's personality.
- Generally seeing change as a challenge rather than a threat. Change is inevitable. When change is viewed as a threat, stress levels rise. By viewing change as a challenge, stress-hardy people avoid the stress associated with threats.
- Participating in activities that promote creativity and their own uniqueness.
- Having a strong network of support and close relationships. Believing you are alone in the world makes the effects of everyday stress much worse.
To determine your stress hardiness, read the following statements. Which set of statements comes closer to describing the way you view the world and your place in it?
High level of stress hardiness
- Trying my best at work makes a difference sooner or later.
- I usually wake up eager to start the day.
- I would sacrifice financial security in my work if another opportunity that was really challenging came along.
- I believe an average citizen can have an impact on politics.
- I'm a free person who makes a valuable contribution to the world.
- Encountering new situations is an important priority in my life.
Low level of stress hardiness
- Sometimes all I can do in a relationship is hope for the best. People don't change.
- My work doesn't really make a difference in the world.
- I prefer a predictable routine every day; change usually is unpleasant for me.
- Without the right breaks, it is hard to be successful in my field.
- Getting close to people puts me at risk of being obligated to them.
- When I have free time, I like to do nothing at all.
| Author: | Jeannette Curtis | Last Updated: April 25, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Paul J. Rosch, MD | |
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