When a person experiences stress, two things happen. First, these are reactions to the stressors themselves, physiological, psychological or Behavioral relations that are activated by the cognitive appraisal of the situation. These are called stress manifestations.
- Physiological Responses: Bodily functions change when one is stressed. These changes may be immediate or long-term reactions. When a stressor is recognized and immediate biochemical bodily reaction initiated by the brain leads to an increased flow of adrenalin. In response to stressors, blood sugar increases, the heart beats faster, muscles tense, perspiration increases and all senses become sharpened. The long-term physical reactions are, perhaps, more of a problem. As one experiences stress over long periods, the body begins to show signs of wear and tear. Other stress related diseases are ulcers, hypertensions and headaches.
- Psychological Responses: They are thoughts and feelings that may be work — specific or non work — oriented. These are several work — specific responses to stress. For example: Fire fighters who experienced more frequent and intense work stressors were more depressed, had greater work anxiety and were more hostile towards co-workers. Non-work oriented responses are either short-term or long- term changes in the individuals psychological state. When these effects do not go away, they may alter personality, which is in itself is a coping mechanism. Some of the non work psychological responses are lower self-confidence, tension, irritation and depression.
- Behavioral Responses: People may behave differently under stress. Increased use of alcohol, smoking and changes in eating patterns are symptoms showcased by people. Stress has also been linked with increased absenteeism and lateness at work. Stressed individuals are less interpersonally effective. Stressed individuals are more hostile towards others. They are more competitive and group collaboration is reduced. All these reactions may be part of a more general coping syndrome of withdrawal from others, avoiding contact and rejecting influence attempts from those who may be creating pressure.
