Section 18I - Stress Management

Question 1

Why are organizational and personal stress both major concerns for enlisted leaders at all levels?

Answer 1

At the organizational level, it can negatively affect performance, effectiveness and mission accomplishment. At the personal level, experiencing stress over an extended period of time can lead to health problems and affect overall quality of life.

Question 2

Name the two individuals who defined the concept of stress.

Answer 2

Physiologist Walter Cannon and endocrinologist Hans Selye; Selye is widely regarded as the father of stress research.

Question 3

How did Cannon describe the body’s reaction to stress?

Answer 3

As a response to a perceived threat that prepares the body for flight or fight.

Question 4

What conclusion did Selye draw about the body’s reaction to stress?

Answer 4

The reaction is the same regardless of whether the source was good or bad, positive or negative.

Question 5

What is Selye’s definition of stress?

Answer 5

“The nonspecific response of the body to any demand made upon it.” (This demand is commonly called a stressor.)

Question 6

What terms did Selye use to identify the stresses experienced from positive or negative factors?

Answer 6

1) Eustress (exhilarating experiences, the stress of winning and achieving); and 2) distress (negative factors, losing, failing, overworking, not coping effectively).

Question 7

Stressors can be categorized into what two major areas?

Answer 7

1) Organizational stressors, which occur in the work environment; and 2) extra-organizational stressors, which occur outside the work environment, such as family, marital and financial issues.

Question 8

Stress indicators may be isolated reactions or combinations among what three categories?

Answer 8

Emotional, behavioral and physical.

Question 9

The duration, ____ and intensity of the symptoms can indicate the level of difficulty in dealing with stress.

Answer 9

Frequency.

Question 10

Apathy, irritability and job dissatisfaction are ____ symptoms of stress.

Answer 10

Emotional.

Question 11

Frequent illness, weight gain/loss and headaches are ____ symptoms of stress.

Answer 11

Physical.

Question 12

Social withdrawal, substance abuse and neglecting self-care are ____ symptoms of stress.

Answer 12

Behavioral.

Question 13

What does individual stress management attempt to strengthen?

Answer 13

Your ability to manage stressors and your stress response.

Question 14

Organizational stress management methods attempt to alter potential stressors themselves. Why are both vitally important.

Answer 14

They are interrelated and influence each other.

Question 15

Identify the five individual stress management methods.

Answer 15

1) Planning; 2) time-management; 3) overload avoidance; 4) relaxation; and 5) exercise and good nutrition.

Question 16

How can planning help you manage stress?

Answer 16

It can help you look for ways to achieve your goals while avoiding the effects of known stressors.

Question 17

How can time management help you manage stress?

Answer 17

If time management is an issue for you, it will help to use effective time management skills and tools, like developing task lists and prioritizing tasks.

Question 18

How can overload avoidance help you manage stress?

Answer 18

It can help you identify and avoid busy work, and delegate and empower others.

Question 19

How can relaxation methods help you manage stress?

Answer 19

By reducing mind and body tension in your daily routines, you can train your body to respond differently to stress and reduce the negative effects of stress on your health.

Question 20

How can exercise and good nutrition help you manage stress?

Answer 20

Exercise provides an outlet for excess energy and tension caused by stress, and nutritious foods nourish you body. Both help you build resistance to the negative physical results of stress.

Question 21

How can supervisors reduce organizational stress levels?

Answer 21

By identifying potential stressors and developing strategies to remove or reduce them.

Question 22

Name the five organizational stress management methods identified in the PDG.

Answer 22

1) Job design; 2) improving the work environment; 3) improving organizational communication; 4) personnel selection and job placement; and 5) substance abuse programs.

Question 23

What should you consider when examining job design as a potential stressor in the organizational work environment?

Answer 23

Ask yourself if the task is needed and feasible, or if it should be eliminated or restricted to better accommodate the individuals needs and abilities of your Airmen.

Question 24

What physical factors should you consider when trying to reduce stress by improving the organization’s work environment?

Answer 24

Examine factors such as temperature, noise and light levels, and make necessary improvements.

Question 25

What is the best way to improve organizational communication and thus reduce stress in the work environment?

Answer 25

Do your best to keep your subordinates informed about anything that can impact their lives. (Any attempts at improvements can help lower individuals stress levels.)

Question 26

How can your efforts to improve personnel selection for job placement help reduce organizational stress in the work environment.

Answer 26

Though difficult to do, carefully matching the right person to each position will result in satisfied workers.

Question 27

In the organizational environment, why are all supervisors responsible and accountable for managing substance abusers in accordance with applicable directives.

Answer 27

Substance abuse can have a dramatic negative effect on mission, morale and readiness, and people’s health and well-being.