Stress comes in many forms, from quick bursts to long-lasting pressures. Some stressors are big life changes, while others are daily hassles. Understanding these different types helps us recognize and manage stress better.

Work can be a major source of stress for many people. Job strain happens when demands are high but control is low, while burnout is a state of total exhaustion from ongoing work stress. Knowing the difference can help us address work-related stress more effectively.

Types of Stressors

Chronic vs Acute

• Acute stressors are short-lived, intense situations (giving a speech, arguments, minor car accidents)
• Chronic stressors persist over extended periods, can be constant or intermittent (poverty, unhappy marriage, discrimination, caring for chronically ill family member)

Major Life Events

• Positive events (marriage, birth of child, new job) and negative events (death of loved one, divorce, job loss) can increase stress levels
• Require adaptation and adjustment to new circumstances
• Cumulative effect: experiencing several major life events within short period leads to higher stress levels

Social Readjustment Rating Scale

• Developed by Holmes and Rahe, assigns Life Change Units (LCUs) to life events
• Higher LCUs indicate greater stress and readjustment required
• Examples:
  • Death of spouse (100 LCUs)
  • Divorce (73 LCUs)
  • Marriage (50 LCUs)
  • Retirement (45 LCUs)
• Cumulative LCU score over a year predicts likelihood of stress-related health problems
  1. Score of 150+: 50% chance of illness
  2. Score of 300+: 80% chance of illness

Work-Related Stressors

Job Strain vs Burnout

• Job strain occurs when job demands are high and job control is low
  • Characteristics: excessive workload, time pressure, lack of autonomy and decision-making power
  • Can lead to physical and psychological health problems
• Job burnout is state of emotional, mental, physical exhaustion caused by prolonged work stress
  • Characteristics: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization (detachment from job and coworkers), reduced personal accomplishment
  • Common in helping professions (healthcare, social work, teaching)
  • Can result in decreased job performance and increased absenteeism