Individual differences in responses to stress

Individual differences highlight how people react variably to the same stressful situations.

Personality types and their link to stress levels

Personality influences how individuals perceive and manage stress, with certain types showing higher vulnerability to stress-related conditions.

Characteristics of main personality types

• Type A - Individuals who are competitive and ambitious.
• Type B - People who are non-competitive, relaxed, and easy-going.
• Type X - A balanced mix of Type A and Type B traits.
• Type C - Mild-mannered individuals who suppress emotions, and seem to have a higher risk of cancer.

Friedman and Rosenman (1974) study on Type A personality and illness

• Aim - This research explored the connection between personality and coronary heart disease (CHD) in middle-aged men.
• Method - Approximately 3000 American males aged 39-59, all initially free from CHD, were classified as Type A, Type B, or Type X through interviews and observations.
• Results - Eight years later, 257 participants developed CHD, with 70% classified as Type A. Type A traits included being 'workaholic', extremely competitive, hostile to others, and always in a rush. Type B individuals had half the rate of heart disease of Type A, even when accounting for factors like weight and smoking.
• Conclusions - Type A personalities appear more prone to stress-related illnesses such as CHD.
• Evaluation:
  • Limiting personalities to just three types may oversimplify human behaviour.
  • The study suggests a link but does not confirm causation; stress might shape personality rather than the reverse.
  • The sample was restricted to middle-aged American males, limiting generalisability to other groups.
  • Social desirability bias could have influenced responses, as participants might have presented themselves favourably.

Hardiness as a factor in stress responses

Hardiness refers to a resilient personality trait that helps individuals cope with stress effectively.

Kobasa (1979) outlined three core elements of hardy personalities

• Commitment - Very involved in what they do, showing high level of commitment.
• Challenge - Perceiving changes and stressors as opportunities for personal development rather than threats.
• Control - A strong sense of personal influence over life events, aligned with an internal locus of control.

Traits of non-hardy personalities

• View life events in a more negative way.
• Feel external agencies have control over what happens to them.
• Tend to give up easily and don't see value in trying to change circumstances.

Evaluation of hardiness concept

Hardiness is challenging to measure objectively. Causation is unclear; low stress might foster hardiness rather than hardiness reducing stress. Hardiness levels can fluctuate, particularly during intense stressors like loss of a loved one.

Research on hardiness and stress

Studies have examined how hardiness affects outcomes in stressful environments, showing its protective role.

Maddi et al (1987) study on hardiness during workplace downsizing

• Aim - This research investigated stress responses in a US telecommunications firm facing redundancies.
• Method - Employees were observed over a period of organisational change.
• Results - Two-thirds suffered stress-related health problems, while one-third thrived and were more likely to have hardy personalities.
• Conclusions - Hardy personalities are more likely to handle stress without health deterioration.

Lifton et al (2006) study on hardiness in university students

• Aim - This study assessed hardiness and academic persistence.
• Method - Hardiness was measured in 1432 students at the start of their degrees.
• Results - Those with high hardiness were significantly more likely to complete their degrees, whereas dropouts often scored low on hardiness.
• Conclusions - Hardiness supports resilience in educational challenges, reducing dropout rates.

Gender differences in stress responses

Males and females often exhibit distinct stress reactions due to biological, social, and cognitive factors.

Biological explanations for gender differences

Evolutionary adaptations may shape responses. Males may have developed stronger 'fight or flight' response, while females, according to Taylor et al (2000), produce a calmer 'tend and befriend' response due to oxytocin release during stress, making them more likely to seek social support.

Social explanations for gender differences

Cultural norms in Western societies mean men are expected to be less open about feelings, making them less likely to discuss stressful experiences and more prone to harmful coping methods like smoking and drinking. Women, as per Carroll (1992), generally make more use of social support. Coronary heart disease has increased in women, possibly due to changing social roles making drinking and smoking more acceptable for women.

Cognitive explanations for gender differences

Vogele et al (1997) noted women better control anger and respond more calmly to stress, while men may view anger as an acceptable response and feel stress if unable to express it. These patterns could arise from biology, socialisation, or both.

Psychology emphasises both gender-based trends and the importance of recognising unique individual responses to stress.