write an essay of about 1500 words,
Stress in Adulthood
For this assignment, create a hypothetical adult of any age and provide a brief background description of that person in about 200 words. Describe the individual’s gender, age, race, personality, socioeconomic status, and physical and mental health. Men and women have different sources of stress and different reactions. Men respond with “fight or flight” and women respond with “tend and befriend.” As you answer the questions in this assignment, consider the impact that a major life event, such as an earthquake, might have on the individual you created.
Read Chapter 10 “Stress, Coping, and Resilience” of your textbook and any other available current information.
Recommended Readings:
(Substitutions for readings are permissible)
Almeida, D. M., Piazza, J. R., Stawski, R. S., & Klein, L. C. (2011). The speedometer of life: Stress, health and aging. In K. W. Schaie & S. L. Willis (Eds.). Handbook of the psychology of aging, (7th ed., pp. 191-206). San Diego, CA: Elsevier Academic Press. (TRU Library - Online Access)
Reed, S. C., Haney, M., Manubay, J., Campagna, B. R., Reed, B., Foltin, R. W., & Evans, S. M. (2019). Sex differences in stress reactivity after intranasal oxytocin in recreational cannabis users. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 176, 72-82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pbb.2018.11.008 (TRU Library)
Youssefa, R. F., Bachewa, R., Bissessar, S., Crockett, M. J., Faber, N. S. Sex differences in the effects of acute stress on behavior in the ultimatum game. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 96, 126-131. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.06.012 (TRU Library)
After you complete the readings, write an essay that includes answers to the following:
Describe the type of stress the individual would face as well as the effect that this stress would have on his or her well-being. Describe the gender differences in response to stress.
What coping strategies could the individual rely on to work through his or her experience? How would these be beneficial?
Do you think the individual would be more or less affected by the event if he or she was younger or older? Explain.
Title: Stress in Adulthood: Exploring Gender Differences and Coping Strategies
Introduction: Stress is an inevitable part of adulthood, and its impact on individuals’ well-being can vary depending on various factors such as gender, age, and personal characteristics. In this essay, we will examine the hypothetical case of an adult who experiences a major life event, such as an earthquake, and analyze the type of stress they would face and its effect on their well-being. We will also explore gender differences in response to stress and discuss coping strategies that the individual could rely on to navigate through this experience. Furthermore, we will consider how age might influence the individual’s susceptibility to the event.
Hypothetical Individual Description: The individual in question is a 35-year-old woman named Sarah. She is of Asian descent, holds a middle-class socioeconomic status, and works as a marketing executive. Sarah is known for her outgoing and ambitious personality, often taking on numerous responsibilities simultaneously. She is physically active and maintains a healthy lifestyle. However, she occasionally experiences anxiety related to work demands and family responsibilities.
Type of Stress and Impact on Well-being: In the case of an earthquake, Sarah would encounter acute stress due to the sudden disruption of her physical environment and potential threat to her safety. This type of stress can lead to increased anxiety, fear, and a sense of loss of control. It may also trigger physical symptoms such as increased heart rate and difficulty sleeping. Consequently, Sarah’s overall well-being could be significantly affected, causing emotional distress and potentially impairing her ability to function optimally in various areas of life.
Gender Differences in Response to Stress: Men and women tend to respond differently to stress due to biological and sociocultural factors. Men often exhibit a “fight or flight” response, characterized by increased aggression or withdrawal. On the other hand, women commonly display a “tend and befriend” response, involving nurturing behaviors and seeking social support. In Sarah’s case, she may prioritize the safety of her loved ones by ensuring their well-being while also seeking support from her social network.
Coping Strategies: Sarah can rely on several coping strategies to navigate through the stress caused by the earthquake:
Seeking social support: Connecting with family, friends, or support groups can provide emotional validation, practical assistance, and a sense of belonging.
Engaging in self-care activities: Prioritizing activities that promote relaxation and well-being, such as exercise, mindfulness meditation, or engaging in hobbies, can help alleviate stress.
Practicing problem-solving skills: Identifying practical solutions to address immediate concerns related to the earthquake can help regain a sense of control and reduce anxiety.
Seeking professional help if needed: If Sarah experiences persistent distress or struggles with managing her stress levels, seeking guidance from mental health professionals can be beneficial.
Influence of Age on the Individual’s Response: The impact of the earthquake may differ depending on Sarah’s age. If she were younger, she might be more resilient due to greater adaptability and a stronger support network. Younger individuals often possess more energy and optimism, which can aid in coping with stress. Conversely, if Sarah were older, she might face additional challenges related to physical health concerns or financial stability. Older adults may have accumulated more valuable life experiences to draw upon for resilience, but they may also face greater difficulties in rebuilding their lives after a major event.
Conclusion:
Stress is an inevitable part of adulthood, affecting individuals differently based on factors such as gender and age. In the hypothetical case of Sarah facing an earthquake, the acute stress she experiences would impact her well-being emotionally and physically. By relying on coping strategies such as seeking social support, engaging in self-care activities, practicing problem-solving skills, and seeking professional help if needed, Sarah can work through her experience effectively. The impact of the event may vary depending on age, with younger individuals potentially demonstrating greater resilience but older individuals facing unique challenges. Overall, understanding gender differences in stress response and employing effective coping strategies are crucial for individuals to navigate through stressful events and maintain their well-being in adulthood.