Environmental Stressors

Essay by Manuels1999College, UndergraduateA, January 2010

download word file, 7 pages 0.0

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effects of environmental stressors people share. The concept of stress and psychological explanations are examined. Both the physiological and psychological aspects of these environmental stressors will be addressed. Atmospheric environmental stressors such as temperature, humidity, and chemical pollution are discussed. The intent is to demonstrate the affects of environmental stress relating to overpopulation and strategies to manage those environmental stressors. Stressors can be emotional, internal, or external irritants.

Stress is a term that represents the body's response to any situation that poses a demand, constraint, opportunity, or any stimulus that evokes a stress response. Stress can act as a motivational force that can drive people to achieve the highest and most complex goals. On the other hand, chronic or traumatic stress commonly known as distress can potentially be destructive and "deprive people of the physical and mental health, and at times even life itself" (Bryce, 2001).

Stress can be a serious health issue as it causes it many debilitating health problems including high blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks, and memory impairment. Stress can also lead to depression, anxiety, menstrual problems, and even an increased vulnerability to cancer.

Some examples of life stressors include physical or environmental stressors such as inadequate ventilation, pollution, overcrowding, and noise. Other examples of life stressors would include natural or manmade disasters. Major life changes such as marriage, death, and divorce are stressors. Another concern that relates to stressors includes personality-related issues such as poor self-concept, an inability to set realistic goals, lack of flexibility, and bad social skills. This would include anything from personal to professional matters and can add to daily aggravation and induce stress.

The cause of stress varies but is the result of a variety of situations and...