hassles may sometimes have devastating consequences for the individual who is often the one coping alone with them as others may not even be aware of them as outsiders. The more stress people report as a result of daily hassles, the poorer is their psychological well-being. Traumatic Events These include being involved in a variety of extreme events such as a fire, train or road accident, robbery, earthquake, tsunami, etc. The effects of these events may occur after some lapse of time and sometimes persist as symptoms of anxiety, flashbacks, dreams and intrusive thoughts, etc.
Severe trauma can also strain relationships. Professional help will be needed to cope with them especially if they persist for many months after the event is over. E FFECTS OF S TRESS ON P SYCHOLOGICAL F UNCTIONING AND H EALTH What are the effects of stress? Many of the effects are physiological in nature, however, other changes also occur inside stressed individuals.
There are four major effects of stress associated with the stressed state, viz. emotional , physiological , cognitive , and behavioural . Emotional Effects : Those who suffer from stress are far more likely to experience mood swings, and show erratic behaviour that may alienate them from family and friends. In some cases this can start a vicious circle of decreasing confidence, leading to more serious emotional problems.
Some examples are feelings of anxiety and depression, increased physical tension, increased psychological tension and mood swings. Box . presents the phenomenon of ‘Examination Anxiety’. Physiological Effects : When the human body is placed under physical or psychological stress, it increases the production of certain hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol.
These hormones produce marked changes in heart rate, blood pressure levels, metabolism and physical activity. Although, this physical reaction will help us to function more effectively when we are under pressure for short periods of time, it can be extremely damaging to the body in the long-term effects. Examples of physiological effects are release of epinephrine and nor - epinephrine, slowing down of the digestive system, expansion of air passages in the lungs, increased