Look at the following descriptions in order to determine your normal reactions to stress.

Under pressure this individual tends to be immobilized.  He/she fears making the wrong decision to such an extent that no decision is likely to be made at all.  Checking with others as to what to do is a common strategy, but even then he/she may remain stuck.  There is usually a deep desire for someone else to take over control and responsibility.  Normal problem-solving skills are forgotten or not able to be utilized.  There is a tendency to feel overwhelmed by multiple options that are being presented.  This inclination may operate to such an extent that usual abilities that allow for prioritizing and weighing of options are not accessible.   No answers or short answers are usually demonstrated in communication.  Fear of letting go of projects because they might not be perfect is likely.  Excessive checking and rechecking of figures, files or written correspondence is common.  In performance circumstances this individual will have a tendency to not move, speak or remember what they are to do.  Increasing pressure only immobilizes them more.

Stress produces a desire to run.  The individual fears being trapped or attacked.  Avoidance of stress-producing problems or people is his/her style of dealing with difficulties.  Tendency is to leave responsibilities for others to finish.  When unable to physically escape, may retreat into fantasy world or TV.  May be unreliable; tendencies to have problems with absenteeism and may have an unstable work history.  Procrastination with tasks and projects is common when stressed.  May use smoking as an excuse to get away from people or get people to move away from him or her.  Panic attacks may result if escape is thwarted.  Sickness is often used as an excuse for not being involved in whatever performance in which he/she is involved.

Under pressure the individual tends to be aggressive and become involved in conflicts.  Fears produce a reaction in which he or she takes the offensive in order to get others to give way.  Blame is often placed upon others before others have an opportunity to blame the fighter.  Past mistakes of others are likely to be raised and gossip or undermining of the reputation or support of individuals seen as threatening to safety is often utilized.  Subtle or blatant intimidation is used to find safety.  Though appearing to be strong and self-assured, this individual usually has many self-doubts.  In performance settings, this person will have a tendency to blame things on other people, lighting, sound system and the like.  Hard to get along with, intimidating and bossy under stress.

A stressed submitter gives into the wishes of others in order to remove the stressful circumstances.  The individual is likely to be a caretaker who wants everyone to be happy and is therefore willing to sacrifice him or herself for the sake of that perceived good.  This takes a toll on the person and extended periods of stress can produce mild to severe depression.  Subsequent resentment can produce passive-aggressive behavior where the individual sabotages the success of projects by "forgetting" to do one thing or another.  Individuals with this style of dealing with stress want to be appreciated for their sacrifices and they get their feelings hurt if not appreciated.  This style often stems from oppressive upbringing and may lead to a timid nonassertive personality.  Inability to set healthy boundaries with others is a common problem.  In performance, he/she is likely to go through the motions without much passion.  The person becomes a follower instead of a leader which leads to chaos if this individual is looked to for leadership.

 

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