Positive and Negative Stress as determinants of quality of life.

On this page we tacke the following Life Orientation Grade 12 Source-based task for term 1, which is:

“Differentiate between positive and negative stress as determinants of quality of life.”

In order to answer the above question correctly, read Grade 12 Life Orientation Chapter 1: Development of the self in society. Covering “Life skills required to adapt to change as part of healthy lifestyle choices: identify stress, assess and manage stress.”

Then, you will have a good understanding of what positive and negative stress are, and also be able to differentiate them.

What is Positive Stress (Life Orientation Subject)?

In Life Orientation Grade 12, positive stress is called eustress. This is a good stress that you need to get motivated, and encouraged, and force you to push yourself to get better results.

Examples of positive stress include:

• Presenting a report to the class,
• writing an exam,
• going for an interview

What is Negative Stress (Life Orientation Subject)?

On the other hand, the negative stress is called distress. This is a bad stress that reduces performance and causes difficulty in thinking.

Examples of negative stress include:

• Prolonged worry about an upcoming exam which leads to fatigue
• Illnesses as a result of stress

Differentiating between Positive and Negative stress

Based on Grade 12 Life Orientation prescribed content, the following are the differentiating factors between positive and negative stress:

Aspect	Positive Stress (Eustress)	Negative Stress (Distress)
Definition	Stress that motivates and encourages action.	Stress that is harmful, unpleasant, and overwhelming.
Impact on Performance	Enhances performance and brings out the best in you.	Reduces performance and causes difficulty in thinking.
Examples	Presenting a report, writing an exam, going for an interview.	Prolonged worry about an exam, unresolved personal issues.
Effects on Health	Boosts energy and focus for short-term challenges.	Causes fatigue, illnesses, and weakens the immune system.
Lifestyle Choices	Promotes healthy actions like preparation and focus.	Can lead to unhealthy habits, like alcohol abuse.
Overall Quality of Life	Improves motivation and productivity.	Leads to unhappiness, depression, and unproductivity.

Stress is a normal and necessary part of life if you can cope with and manage it.
Stress can motivate and make you ready for action as it releases adrenaline into the blood stream to give you the energy to take action. Positive or good stress is called eustress. Eustress is good for you as it can motivate you, encourage you and make you push yourself. Positive stress such as presenting a report to the class, writing an exam, or going for an interview, can bring out the best in you.

However, when your stress becomes more than you can cope with, it becomes unhealthy, unpleasant and can be dangerous. If you are in stressful situations for too long and too often, you release too much adrenaline, which can be harmful.

This type of stress is called distress and is negative or bad stress. Too much stress can reduce your performance level. For example, if you are too stressed about an exam or test you may not be able to think clearly. Negative stress can also affect your quality of life. It can make you ill, unhappy, depressed and unproductive. It can also make you choose unwise lifestyle choices. For example, when some people are distressed, they start abusing alcohol, which only makes their stress worse and damages their health.
In order to manage your stress, you first need to find out how stressed you are.