THE EFFECTS OF STRESS

Negative stress can do harm, yet positive stress may motivate for better performance.  The negative effects include physiological, psychological, and social disorders.

Physical disorders.

Stress can contribute to a variety of physical disorders:

• heart disease
•  high blood pressure,
• strokes,
• migraine headaches,
• cancer,
• heart burn,
• asthma,
• diabetes,
• frequent illness,
• insomnia, and
• persistent fatigue.

Psychological disorders.

Stress can evoke feelings of

• frustration,
• fear,
• conflict,
• pressure,
• hurt,
• anger,
• sadness,
• inadequacy,
• guilt,
• loneliness, or
• confusion.

The symptoms of psychological disorders include:

·         anxiety,

·         depression,

·         job dissatisfaction

·          maladaptive behavioural pa terns

·          chemical dependencies,

·         lack of concentration, and alcohol abuse.

Organizational effects.

Unfortunately, the atmosphere at most work places is serious.  Stress-related illness causes about 80 per cent of the lost work days.  Stress also results in more sick days, high employee turnover, conflict between supervisors and the subordinates.  These negative effects are counterproductive and harmful to the organization’s health shape.

SHARED FROM:

 Yi-Ping Lee, Brian H. Kleiner, (2005),"How to Use Humor for Stress Management", Management Research News, Vol. 28 Iss: 11 pp. 179 – 186