What is stress

On this page, we help students to answer the following question: “What is stress?” This is a fundamental concept in the Life Orientation Grade 12 Term 1 curriculum, focusing on “Development of the Self in Society.”

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Quick Answer

Stress Defined:

• The Core: A physical, mental, or emotional response to a perceived challenge or threat.
• The Mechanism: It is the body’s way of reacting to any kind of demand, often triggering the “fight or flight” response.
• The Context: For learners, it often arises when the demands of school and personal life exceed their ability to cope.

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Understanding Stress in Life Orientation

In South African Life Orientation, stress is described as the internal reaction we experience when we face pressure. While it is often viewed negatively, stress is a natural part of human life that can be either helpful or harmful depending on how it is managed.

1. The Biological Response to Stress

When you encounter a “stressor” (the cause of stress), your body reacts by releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.

• This causes your heart rate to increase, your breathing to speed up, and your muscles to tense.
• This is known as the “Fight or Flight” response, an evolutionary survival mechanism designed to help humans react quickly to danger.

2. Two Main Types of Stress

It is important for learners to distinguish between positive and negative stress:

• Eustress (Positive Stress): This is healthy stress that motivates you to act. For example, the pressure you feel before an NSC exam that pushes you to use effective study methods.
• Distress (Negative Stress): This occurs when the pressure becomes too much to handle. It can lead to intrapersonal conflict, anxiety, and a lower quality of life.

3. Common Causes for Matriculants

Matriculants often experience excessive stress due to specific factors in their environment:

• Academic Demands: High expectations to meet university admission requirements.
• Social Pressures: Issues within detrimental relationships or the influence of peer pressure.
• Future Uncertainty: Challenges in career decision-making and researching funding options.

4. Signs and Symptoms of Stress

Stress can manifest in several ways:

1. Physical: Headaches, fatigue, and sleeping problems.
2. Emotional: Irritability, mood swings, and feeling overwhelmed.
3. Behavioural: Withdrawing from friends or changes in eating habits.

To protect your well-being, it is vital to develop effective coping mechanisms to manage these symptoms before they impact your academic results.

Reference for Students:

• Subject: Life Orientation Grade 12
• Source: Life Orientation Grade 11 Source-Based Task Term 1
• Topic: Stress management and personal well-being.