UNDERSTANDING STRESS

Understanding Stress

Abstract

This paper discusses the importance of social works and the antidiscriminatory practices that are relevant to the subject. Alternatively, it also highlights the forces that cause stress for the social workers and the siginificance of control in managing it.

Table Of Contents

AbstractII

Introduction1

Discussion1

Social Work Values1

Anti discriminatory practices2

Stress2

Stress vs. Strain3

Pressure vs. Stress4

Three dimensions of Stress4

Stressors (Causes of Stress)5

Coping Methods (Tackling Stress)7

Support7

Importance of Control8

CIA framework (Control, Influence and Accept)8

Control8

Influence9

Accept9

Conclusion9

References10

Understanding Stress

Introduction

The profession of social works has great significance for any society, as it attempts to assist those who are weak and vulnerable and would otherwise may suffer at the hand s of poverty, social injustice and other such inequalities. The social workers are often subjected to stress that hinders their performance and demoralizes them. Control proves to be the most effective measure in handling this stress.

Discussion

Social Work Values

The essence of the social work is to improve the quality of human life and fulfill the basic needs of all individuals, with special attention to those who are weak and vulnerable, and are living below the poverty line. Social work concentrates on both the wellbeing of the individual members of a society, as well as, the betterment of the society as a whole (Dominelli, 2004, pp. 45).

The fundamental values of the social work profession are as follows.

1. Humanitarianism

2. Self-determination

3. Privacy

4. Human rights

5. Fair and non-judgmental

6. Co-operation

7. Human dignity and worth

8. Social justice

9. Service to humanity

10. Integrity (Dolgoff, 2008, pp. 23)

Anti discriminatory practices

Anti discriminatory practice is a concept in social work that suggests that social works are regularly subjected to discrimination. Many social work practitioners do not take the actual factors of a situation into consideration, while they provide these services and follow a blind approach that leads to conflicts and discriminations. The framework exists to tackle all such issues. It is about analyzing and understanding differences in the family structures, culture, traditions, religion and ethnic origins that must be considered while making social work decisions. These practices attempt to prevent and minimize discriminations in the social works field by challenging the repressive approach and improving access to services and opportunities too all society segments on an equitable basis (Aymer &Okitikpi, 2009, pp.18). 

Stress

Social work is a job with pressure, not necessarily stress. However because of the demanding work nature, social work can often lead to stress amongst those who offer social work services in a society. Stress is a state that distorts an individual's physical and emotional condition, such as being overburdened with work that results in someone getting overtired or being drawn into an argument with a fellow worker that leads to anger.

The process of job stress involves the response of individuals and groups to the work environment. Whilst at work, some of the happenings are comprehended and interpreted by a person as stressors. Such disruption is most likely to lead to an emotional reaction, which may involve getting into a verbal spat with an insolent customer or uneasy over the assignment of an unfamiliar job. The emotional reaction will further lead to changes in the physical state, which may result in symptoms that include headache and stress over ...