Answer the following question in a discussion post of at least 250 words: Do you know people who are happy in one way but not in others? People who are high in life satisfaction, for example, but low in enjoying life or high in negative feelings? What advice would you give them about ways to manage stress, prevent stress, and cope with stress? Use specific theories and examples from your reading and/or outside sources. Make sure to cite your references.
Stress is an inevitable part of human experience, and different individuals respond to it in diverse ways. It is not uncommon to come across people who display paradoxical patterns of happiness. For instance, some individuals may report a high level of life satisfaction, but simultaneously struggle with low levels of enjoying life or experience higher negative feelings. In such cases, providing them with appropriate advice on managing, preventing, and coping with stress is crucial. In this discussion post, I will draw on relevant theories and examples from various sources to offer suitable recommendations.
One important theory that can guide us in understanding and addressing this paradoxical pattern of happiness is the transactional theory of stress and coping proposed by Lazarus and Folkman (1984). According to this theory, stress is not merely a result of external events but also depends on how individuals perceive and evaluate these events. The appraisal process involves two key dimensions: primary appraisal, which evaluates whether the event is perceived as a threat or a challenge, and secondary appraisal, which assesses the available coping resources to deal with the stressor.
For individuals who experience high life satisfaction but low enjoyment or elevated negative feelings, it is essential to assess and modify their cognitive appraisal process. Cognitive reframing, a technique utilized in cognitive-behavioral therapy, can be helpful in this regard. By challenging and modifying their negative beliefs and thought patterns, individuals can alter their perception and appraisal of stressful situations. For example, a person who is highly satisfied with their life overall but struggles with enjoying life may benefit from reframing their negative thoughts about specific activities or experiences. By consciously focusing on the positives and reinterpreting negative experiences in a more constructive light, they may enhance their ability to derive enjoyment and satisfaction from various aspects of life.
Furthermore, engaging in stress management techniques can also be beneficial for individuals with paradoxical patterns of happiness. One effective strategy to manage stress is practicing mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). MBSR involves cultivating present-moment awareness and acceptance of one’s thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations, without judgment. Research studies indicate that practicing mindfulness can reduce stress, enhance well-being, and improve emotional regulation (Khoury et al., 2013).
For instance, a person who is highly satisfied with their life in general but struggles with negative feelings could benefit from a regular mindfulness practice. By attending to their negative emotions with openness and nonreactivity, they can develop greater emotional resilience and reduce the negative impact of stress on their overall well-being. This approach aligns with the transactional theory of stress and coping, as it involves modifying the appraisal process and enhancing coping resources.
In addition to managing stress, preventing stress is also crucial for individuals experiencing paradoxical patterns of happiness. One preventive strategy supported by empirical research is engaging in regular physical exercise. Exercise has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood by releasing endorphins, which are natural mood-enhancing chemicals in the brain (Dunn et al., 2005). Furthermore, physical exercise can also serve as a distraction, providing individuals with a break from stressors and contributing to a more positive mindset.
For example, a person who experiences high life satisfaction but struggles with low enjoyment may benefit from incorporating regular exercise into their routine. By engaging in activities that they find enjoyable and rewarding, such as dancing, hiking, or team sports, they can not only improve their physical fitness but also enhance their ability to experience pleasure and reduce stress levels.
In conclusion, individuals who display paradoxical patterns of happiness, such as high life satisfaction but low enjoyment or elevated negative feelings, can benefit from various strategies to manage, prevent, and cope with stress. Drawing on Lazarus and Folkman’s transactional theory of stress and coping, cognitive reframing, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and regular physical exercise offer specific ways to modify the appraisal process, enhance coping resources, and alleviate stress. By implementing these strategies, individuals can cultivate a more balanced and fulfilling experience of happiness in different domains of their lives.
References:
Dunn, A. L., Trivedi, M. H., & O’Neal, H. A. (2005). Physical activity dose-response effects on outcomes of depression and anxiety. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 37(1), S587-S596.
Khoury, B., Lecomte, T., Fortin, G., Masse, M., Therien, P., Bouchard, V., … & Hofmann, S. G. (2013). Mindfulness-based therapy: A comprehensive meta-analysis. Clinical psychology review, 33(6), 763-771.
Lazarus, R. S., & Folkman, S. (1984). Stress, appraisal, and coping. Springer Publishing Company.