Stress and Coping Mechanisms: A Historical Overview

Abstract

Stress is not new experience to all of us, it’s seen as modern society’s illness, as most people, no matter how well adjusted, will suffer at least short-term distress while they negotiate periods of transition, trauma, challenges and loss. Stress has great impact on one performance and efficiency; however, the intense pressure and the demands of coping determine the consequence of stress on performance. Therefore, this paper discusses on the relationship between stress and coping mechanisms. The purpose of this study is twofold: to understand the history of stress related problems, and to provide suitable model that brings all ways of coping mechanism into one. Eventually, the important variables or factors associated with stress, and their direct or indirect effects on various outcome measures such as mental health, physical health, and performance will be taken into account. The result and the explanations of this literature might help everyone to find out the main reason for their stressors, best way to cope and greatest technique to use in managing stress.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n2s1p479