1. People with high blood pressure may commonly present a picture of calmness or nonchalance.
Answer: True
Although high blood pressure is an clear indication of physical as well as emotional stress it is not always obvious and is sometimes referred to as the silent killer.
2. Executives who make decisions frequently experience a higher level of stress than workers who are not called upon to make many decisions
Answer: False
This is a common misconception based on the idea that someone who is used to making decisions can handle them more easily because of their experience. The truth is, depending on the significance of the decision, it makes no difference whether the decision maker is a top level executive or a mail room clerk. Each will feel the stress of their choice to the degree that the decision is based on a matter of consequence. The greater the consequence relative to the person, the greater the stress.
3. Changing the way events in the environment are perceived is one of the most effective ways of managing stress.
Answer: True
This is the basis of the "Stress Management Approach. We feel that the best way to manage stress is to release the issues at their source so that an individual perceives the situation as it is happening rather than being seen through the filter of earlier unresolved issues.
4. Happy events do not cause as much stress as unhappy events.
Answer: False
It is a fallacy to believe that happy events are not stressful. In fact, they can sometimes be more stressful than sad events. For example, a man enters a room unaware that his friends and family are there to give him a surprise birthday. they yell surprise and he drops dead of a heart attack. Or how about the stress that comes from hosting a wedding which by and large is certainly a happy occasion.
5. Each of us has an innate protective mechanism against the effects of stress which allow us to prevent the harmful effects of stress.
Answer: False
There is no innate protective mechanism. Stress is destructive and has an accumulating effect on the physical body such as high blood pressure, weakening of arteries and veins which can eventually lead to heart attacks, strokes and much more. It is also destructive on an emotional level to enjoying life as well as the added pressure it can bring to relationships between families, partners, children, friends, etc.
6. Belief systems have little to do with how a person responds to stressful events.
Answer: False
Belief systems have a great deal to do with how an individual responds to stress. This is very evident where a person is forced to make a choice between something they believe in and what they need to do to survive in a particular situation. For example, a soldier who is told he must follow orders even though he feels them contrary to his beliefs. Another example might be an employee who must follow the dictates of a particular policy or manager she does not agree with. In both cases each person would need to find some sort of middle ground to move through this situation without it creating stress within them.
7. Stress can be generated by any situation that requires a person to adjust their behavior.
Answer: True
Many people are uncomfortable with change and the idea of having to adjust to a new situation can cause them stress. They might wonder if they can handle the change, will it be too challenging? How will it expose them? Will they be held up to ridicule if they can't deal with it? These are just some of the thoughts that an individual might experience. How do you feel about change? Do you see any parallels here?
8. Short term stress is more likely to cause body damage than long term moderate stress.
Answer: False
Stress causes damage regardless if it is short term or long term. In fact, some types of short term stress can actually be more harmful than short term stress because of its intensity. For example, a deadline on a big client's project that could mean the difference between success or failure for the company. Another example might be, an individual who is caught in a situation such as a robbery attempt or hostage situation where their lives could be on the line. These are extreme examples but illustrate the point.
9. Most people are aware of what causes them stress and how their bodies respond to stress.
Answer: False
Most people recognize that they are stressed but many ignore the signals their bodies are sending them. The general thought being "this will pass" or "I'll just have to deal with it"
and are surprised to find out that the continued stress has finally resulted in a stress related ailment.
How did you do?
If you answered all 9 questions correctly - congratulations!
You understand the sources of stress.
If you answered 6 to 8 questions correctly - you're doing very well.
If you answered between 1 and 5 questions correctly -
it would helpful for you to learn more about stress and how it effects you.