Grade 11 Personal Development

Prepared by: Ms. Chloe Isobel D. Mercado

CHAPTER 6: Coping with Stress in Middle and Late Adolescence
(SUMMARY OF THE LESSON: Students’ Hand-out)
Defining Stress
Stress is defined as a reaction of the mind and body to a stimulus that disturbs the well-being, state of calm,
or equilibrium of a person. There is a common belief of stress is unhealthy, but discussions among experts
conclude that this is not entirely the case. Psychologist have agreed that small and sporadic amounts of
stress can be helpful and beneficial to individuals, while excessive amounts of stress sustained over a
lengthy period of time can be destructive to both physical and mental health.
 Stress as Stimulus, Response, and Relational
 Stress is also a stimulus, as well a relational condition between persons and the situations they are
in.
 As a stimulus, stress is caused by situations that may be life threatening or life changing, such as
separation, moving into a new home, or having a new job. These called are the stressors.
 Stress as a response is the way the body reacts to challenging situations. This involves the
interactions between the hormones, glands, and nervous system where adrenal gland drives the
production of cortisol or better known as “stress hormones.” The production of cortisol enables a
person’s body to produce the energy it needs to gear action. Another response of the body similar
to the production of the cortisol is the release substance called norepinephrine, which triggers the
body’s reaction, such as an increased heart rate, higher blood pressure, and respiration, to prepare
the body for action.
 The adolescent’s physical response to stress is faster than that of an adult simply because the part
of the adolescent brain, the prefrontal cortex that assesses danger and directs action during stress
is not yet fully developed.
 Stress as a relational is when a person experiencing stress takes a step back look at the situation
that is causing the stress, and assesses it. Assessment here means that when the person allows
reasoning to prevail and weigh the relevance and irrelevance of the situation. If the relevance is
positive, the person will look at the situation in a more positive light. If the relevance is negative, this
will produce negative emotions that made lead to stress. An example of this is a flight delay. A
positive relevance to tis will have the person thinking this is one situation he has no control of and
there may be a purpose or reason why it is happening. A negative relevance will produce agitation
and impatience, blaming the airline or whoever is responsible for the delay, which may result in lost
opportunities.
Healthy Stress
There are certain types of stress that can benefit a person. Stress that is short and sporadic can propel a
person to a necessary action. These types of stress can motivate, energize and spur an individual into a
fruitful action. For example, speaking in front of an audience is a healthy type of stress as it pushes the
speaker to prepare and be an effective speaker. Stage performers are also under stress while performing.
 Kinds of Stress
Eustress – positive stress
Distress – releasing negative stress
Know your Stressor
 School Demands and Expectations
 Quizzes and tests, home works and projects, oral recitation, quarterly and final exams and grades
most especially, epitomize the kind of stressors adolescents have when it comes to studying.
 Selecting a School, College Course, or Career
 A high school student who just graduated faces more demanding challenges and the first of these
are the entrance exams to whatever school or university and the course that they will chose.
 Separation Anxiety
 High school graduation, to some, means a temporary ending or separation from some of their
friends. There is a possible scenario that a best friend might move to another place to study or
move to another school.
 College Life
 The prospect of being by themselves in a new school in college and meeting and adjusting to new
people is another cause of stress for graduating senior students.
Grade 11 Personal Development
Prepared by: Ms. Chloe Isobel D. Mercado
 Romantic Relationship or the lack of it
 Adolescent have a tendency to feel awkward when they are not in a special relationship with
someone. Somehow, having an intimate relationship is a status symbol that says one is good
looking, interesting and attractive.
 Family Demands and Expectations
 To some adolescent, family ties can be a stressor. The adolescent is still learning and yearning for
independence and autonomy, but parents may not be ready to relinquish control over their baby.
 Health Concerns
 To some adolescent, health may be a problem because of too much using of gadgets and eating
unhealthy foods. Demands of social life There is a common thinking among adolescents that it is
embarrassing to be alone. That is why the need to be to belong is significantly important for
adolescents.
 Bullying
 Being bullied can be stressful and can cause emotional and psychological trauma. If you are being
bullied either physical or verbal let your parents and teacher know. If you can handle it try to deal
the bully by fighting back the right attitude and words. How can we avoid stress? We cannot avoid
stress, it is because it is a part of our life, what we will do is to cope up stress.
Coping Stress
1. Conduct creative imagery of the imagery of the problem – look at the stressor as a relational situation
where you can assess and change the way you look at the stressful situation.
2. Seek group or social support – talk to people you know and trust, surround yourself with friends who can
offer you sincere understanding and empathy. Talk to an adult and share your thoughts and feelings.
3. Get into relation activities like breathing exercises regular physical exercises, meditation, yoga,
self-hypnosis, reading a good book, or listening to relaxing music.
4. Create a situation where you can feel more relaxed like a quiet environment or a comfortable position,
and project passive attitude toward the stressor.
5. Learn to manage your time – analyze how time you are spending for studying, for being online for texting
calling, for watching TV, and see where you are spending more time.
6. Eat properly by selecting nutritious, healthy food. Eat regularly and avoid skipping.