Living with stress Some stresses more difficult to cope with

Press, 10 February 1986, Page 8

Living with stress Some stresses more difficult to cope with

The bomb disposal officer on his way to the critical area, digesting information and considering options, the air traffic controller when busy times are approaching, the relative at home caring every day for a handicapped person — each will be under pressure and coping with varying degrees of success with the situation.

Everyone has a limit of stress that can be managed, explains Christchurch psychologist, John Dugdale. Everyone also has an individual level of need for stress. What is stress for one person another may thrive on.

He explains that overseas research has indicated that responsibility for people causes more stress than responsibility

for things. In some occupations of high stress there is a psychological aptitude test before people are accepted for training. Even though the people in these occupations have been accepted as psychologically suitable, to help cope with stress they also apply techniques which others in the community can apply.as well.