Stress: Individual Differences Type A behaviour pattern Type A behaviour pattern Hardiness Hardiness Locus of control Locus of control

Type A Behaviour Type A Competitive Time urgent Hostile and aggressive Type B Relaxed One thing at a time Express feelings

Type A Behaviour Lots of research e.g. Lots of research e.g. Friedman & Rosenman (1959; 1974), Matthews et al (1977), Ganster et al (1991)Friedman & Rosenman (1959; 1974), Matthews et al (1977), Ganster et al (1991) Hostility seems to be critical factor Hostility seems to be critical factor Relationship probably due to strain on CV system, hormonal effectsRelationship probably due to strain on CV system, hormonal effects Association between TABP and CHD is moderate at best Association between TABP and CHD is moderate at best

Hardiness The tree survives not because it stands up rigidly to the weather, but because it bends with the wind Commitment – engage, don’t avoid Control – try to influence outcomes Challenge – view stress as part of life, a challenge to be learned from

Hardiness Some research support e.g. Some research support e.g. Kobasa et al (1982; 1985), Funk (1992)Kobasa et al (1982; 1985), Funk (1992) Hardy individuals seem to experience fewer stress-related illnessesHardy individuals seem to experience fewer stress-related illnesses Problems with confounding factors (e.g. exercise, social support) and restricted samples Problems with confounding factors (e.g. exercise, social support) and restricted samples Correlational data – problems of cause & effect Correlational data – problems of cause & effect

Locus of Control The extent to which an individual believes they are in control of their destiny (internal LOC) or are at the mercy of events (external LOC)

Locus of Control Interaction of LOC with stress is difficult to predict: Interaction of LOC with stress is difficult to predict: Internals might get more stressed as they feel they should be able to control thingsInternals might get more stressed as they feel they should be able to control things Externals might get more stressed as they feel they can’t do anythingExternals might get more stressed as they feel they can’t do anything Probably depends on intensity and predictability of the stressor Probably depends on intensity and predictability of the stressor