Svenson: stress (& psychological causality)

Stress has been called a national epidemic. Is it a modern disease? Haven’t people always had stresses? The answer to both questions is yes. Humankind has always had problems, and many of them were caused by stress. Yet our current stress plague differs dramatically from the experience of our ancestors. Conditions of modern living overstimulate our stress response more than in previous times, and many of the issues are too complex for successful  resolution. (loc 627)

 

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In one study, a patient was first given a cardiac treadmill exam. Despite vigorous physical exercise, the patient’s cardiovascular status remained normal throughout. He then was asked to subtract seven from 777 serially for three-and-one-half minutes. His blood pressure went up forty points. Similar results have been achieved in other studies. Certain biochemical stress parameters are more affected by psychological stressors than by physical stressors. Chronic uncertainty, sustained levels of increased vigilance, or struggling with a mental task are more stressful than chopping wood. (loc 642)

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Individuals differ significantly regarding how much stress is desirable or what types of events are distressing. What strains some does not bother others. I, for example, do not mind waiting in lines but don’t enjoy going to formal parties. Another person might react the opposite—despising lines but loving parties. A stressor that for one might be pleasure, for another might be pain. For one, 

the spice of life; for another, the kiss of death.

Margin