Discuss the Role of Individual Differences in Stress

Authors Avatar
        29/01/2008 8:07 PM One of the criticisms of explanations or contributors of stress when looking at it broadly is that it can vary from person to person - an individual's personality or gender can have an effect not only on the likelihood that they may be stressed in particular situations, but also to what extent that may take place.It has been suggested that the differences between men and women can contribute to what both find stressful and consequently, how they cope in stressful situations.  There are three main possible differences which could be used to explain the differences between males and females and their response to stress.  The biological explanation suggests that males and females have evolved different physiological responses to stress due to their roles in the early evolution of humans.  For example, Taylor et all suggested that when in stressful situations, men are more likely to respond with 'fight or flight' in keeping with their hunter role, whilst women 'tend and befriend' since they had the childcare role.  It is thought that the hormone oxytocin may also
Join now!
play a part in how women respond to stress, thus producing a more protective response in women. Frankenhauser investigated this by performing a study where he told participants that it was to be a study of pain and offered them the chance to either wait alone or together.  Men chose to wait alone in general whilst women sought social comfort to help them cope, which further supports Taylor’s findings.   However, this one situation only takes into account acute stressful situations, rather than looking at longterm stressors.  However, it does also begin to touch on the social explanation of the differences ...

This is a preview of the whole essay

Here's what a teacher thought of this essay

The writer appears to have covered most aspects of stress, gender and personality types. The essay is basic, without too much detail, but is well structured. Also, the referencing needs to be improved so that it is clear which sources have been used. Star rating 3*