INDIVIDUAL PERSPECTIVES ON STRESS

Inventory success in coping: Efficiency, reliability, effectiveness, flexibility, adaptability, patience, sensitivity and altruism are common qualities among those who cope well with stress.

Perception/interpretation: All situations can be viewed differently (e.g. some people love snowstorms while others hate it; pet lovers versus those who are allergic to cats; she loves to travel while he hates it; choice of music may either be stress-relieving or stressful).

Perceptual influences: Greatly affect interpretation of stress (diversity in each person's background might influence extent of stress).

Past experience: Being embarrassed or disciplined harshly once may sensitize one toward extreme fear of situations that might invoke shame or criticism.

Personality: Some are outgoing and trusting of others while others may be shy and wary due to personality differences.

Cultural background: Asian, Hispanic, Caucasian, Black, American Indian and numerous other cultures have unique vulnerabilities to stress and very special ways of coping with it.