external stressors, health, individuals, internal stressors, organisations
Situations which cause or lead to stressful experiences are normally referred to as stressors. These situations put the person under more pressure than they can cope with or, than they perceive that they can cope with. People react to stressors in different ways. Just because a particular situation proves stressful for one person does not mean that it will be stressful for everyone. The converse is also true i.e. just because a situation proves not to be stressful for one person does not mean that it will not prove stressful for others. There are two types of stressor – external stressors and internal stressors.
External stressors
External stressors are pressures placed upon the person by the outside world. They are usually factors which lie outside of the individual’s control. External stressors may include:
- Deaths
- Injuries and serious illnesses
- Relationship breakdowns
- Redundancies
- Being a victim of crime
While the person may not be able to control the external stressor itself, it is important to remember that they can control how they interpret, and react to, the situation.
Internal stressors
Internal stressors are pressures which the person places upon themselves. They usually lie within the control of the individual. Internal stressors may include:
- Having unrealistic expectations of themselves or others
- Misperceptions, misinterpretations and assumptions
- Poor self-discipline e.g. time management
- Anger or resentment
- Fear
Internal stressors can usually be tackled with appropriate coaching, training or therapy.
Companies have legal requirements to identify and
deal with potential stressors in the workplace. Employee welfare has become a major obligation and it is no longer easy to avoid these obligations. Thankfully, many organisations now take a proactive approach to tackling stress and this must be commended. However, individual health is always a responsibility of the individual too. By being aware of potential stressors, individuals can recognise when they are susceptible to stress and take the necessary steps to cope with the situation.
Stressors are stressful situations which may fall inside or outside of the person’s control. However, even where the person cannot control the situation, they can control how they interpret and react to the situation. This enables all stressful situations to be managed to some degree.
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