What is stress? How can stress be moderated?

          When an individual is incapable of meeting the demands set forth by suboptimal environmental conditions, then stress results. This imbalance that occurs between individuals' response capabilities and environmental demands is stress (Steg, 2013).Stress has a recognized and accepted link to ailing health that occurs by means of alteration of one's immune system, alterations of inflammatory responses, increased cardiovascular responses, and psychological problems; in particular, deteriorated mental health (Steg, 2013). In one aspect stress can be detrimental to one's physical and psychological well-being, but in another aspect every type of stress is not detrimental to one's physical and psychological well-being and is a necessity of daily functioning or it can help compel one to action.

          To moderate stress one must first become aware of what the cause of his or her stress is or what distresses them. Then one must determine what he or she can change about his or her stressors by either eliminating or avoiding them, or by reducing the intensity of his or her emotional reactions to stress. Then one can moderate his or her physical reactions to such stress. One can also chose an activity to help moderate stress by either exercising, jogging, walking, or by any other means one deems fit.         

What are examples of life stressors? In what ways do individuals differ in their appraisal and ability to cope with life stressors? Do certain personality traits serve to buffer individuals against stressors and stress? Why or why not?

          Life stressors are events that occur in life that cause distress. Examples of stressors are another's death, issues that occur at work, with friends, family, and with an intimate partner. Other examples are pregnancy, personal injury or illness, and financial problems.

          Each individual's value of life stressors and ability to cope with life stressors is unique to him or her and can differ from how another individual values or copes with such stress. Therefore, each individual differs by the means of which they cope with life stressors as a result of his or her personality traits.

          Yes, I believe that certain personality types, such as hardiness, sense of humor, and procrastination serve to buffer individuals against stressors and stress. The reason why is because personality traits enhance one's abilities to cope with stressors and stress.

Reference

Steg, L. (2013). Environmental psychology: An introduction. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Blackwell.