CheckPoint Reaction to Stressors Appendix D

Axia College Material

Appendix D

The following table describes five situations in which a person reacts to stress in an unhealthy manner. For each:

1. Identify the stressor(s).
2. Briefly explain why the person's reaction is an unhealthy choice.
3. Briefly describe one healthy alternative way of reacting and why you consider this approach a healthy choice.
4. Identify two possible moderators of stress for this situation.

Situation	Source(s) of Stress	Unhealthy Reaction	Healthy Reaction	Two Possible Moderators of Stress
Every morning, as she prepares for her two-hour drive to work, Carole gets a headache.	The two hour drive to work each morning.	She spends so much time preparing herself, that she gives herself headaches	Not stressing so much on the actual drive itself, and take in some scenery.	1: Head to work a little earlier in the morning. 2: Try doing some meditation before leaving for work; it would help calm the nerves.
Jim hates attending meetings at which he might be asked a question. His hands begin to shake at the thought of not having the right answer.	The possibility of being called on at a big meeting and not knowing the right answer.	Deciding not to go to the meetings at all. It could help create a phobia.	Answering the question whether it be right or wrong, and taking	1: Prepare for the meeting by going over the materials needed. 2: Maybe try taking some deep breaths and having confidence that he knows the answers.
Lori's stomach hurts constantly. Lori was married eight months ago, is expecting her first child in five months, and just started a new job after finishing her graduate degree.	She is pregnant, with work related stress.	Having doubts that she is capable of doing a good job at her new job.	Having better confidence that she knows what she is doing and going to that job stress-free!	1: Again, here I recommend meditation. I think it might help relax her and her baby enough to where her stomach wouldn’t hurt.
Dalene feels paralyzed with two choices: (a) stay in a job where the boss is overbearing and abusive, but where she has a steady paycheck or; (b)pursue a business opportunity and risks the security of a steady paycheck.	Do I stay or do I go? Her stress comes with the feeling of uncertainty.	To do nothing at all would be unhealthy in this situation.	Realize that regardless what choice she makes, it will all work out.	1: Be Positive. 2: Sit down and write all the pros and cons to keeping her job, and getting a new one. This might also help her get a better game plan together!
Harold sees his coworkers as inconsiderate, unsupportive, and lazy. He hates his job.	His perception of his coworkers.	Continuing to function in this stressful environment.	Not quitting till another job is found. That way there is no stress of money.	1: Try to get to know them and find out if he is just making a pre-judgment of the person or not. 2: Find a different place of employment. If it’s so bad there and nobody likes him, then maybe a change of scenery would be best.

In all the scenarios above I chose the healthy reaction to each person because, if I were to be in the exact same situation, that is what I would personally do!