Q1. In chapter 7 and 8 we learnt about concepts like stress management and observational learning. Now, in this question you are required to reflect on these concepts by linking to it real-life scenarios.
In 500 words, reflect how we learn our stress management styles as a result of observational learning. Your answer must include the factors mentioned in Banduras research (these have beenmentioned below along with hints that will help you form your answer)
Use following pointers to orient your answer:
Do we follow stress management styles of people we perceive as warm and nurturing? Who are these people around you or someone else?
Are they people who are in an authoritative position in our lives- teachers, parents, officers? Can you give examples from real life? Have you seen this authoritative person cope with stress? How has that impacted your stress management style? If you do not want to use personal examples, comment in general.
Next, are they people who are similar to us in age, sex, and interests? Do we get influenced by peers? Which emotion focused coping methods are widely imitated by youngsters due to pressure? Alcohol, drugs, meditation, binge watching TV? Why ?
Are they people we admire or who are of a higher social status? Where do we see them cope with stress? If our favourite celebrity admits using smoking for day-to-day stress management, does it impact our styles?
Do we copy styles when we lack confidence in our own knowledge or abilities? How ?
Do we imitate others styles when our life situation areconfusing, ambiguous, or unfamiliar? How about international students? Do they use same coping styles as that of their seniors? Here, you can write about some of the stress management styles you got introduced to when you arrived here. You can also reflect as to how you chose some options over others?
Did you use Problem solving strategies- Planning, time management etc. or emotion focused coping- distraction, drug use, meditation, humor, exercising etc.? What positive or negative consequences it has posed for your overall stress management style?
