Omar Bennett
Horizontal stressors are external factors that occur in everyday life and impact an individual's experiences and relationships. They are out of one's control and are distinct from vertical stressors, which are tied to specific developmental or life history events. While family secrets, ethnic loyalties, and the birth of a child with a disability can all introduce significant stress, the birth of a child with a disability is considered a horizontal stressor due to the ongoing care, concern, and adjustments it entails, affecting an individual's daily life and immediate environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| External stressors that occur in everyday life | Continuous life changes and challenges |
| Impact an individual's ongoing experiences and relationships | Daily stress management and coping strategies |
| Arise from external sources | Birth of a child with a disability |
| Become part of normal life challenges | Family secrets |
| N/A | Ethnic loyalties |
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What You'll Learn
Family secrets
However, it is important to note that family secrets may not present a consistent external source of stress in daily life. They can be more situational and may not have a continuously detrimental impact.
The distinction between horizontal and vertical stressors is important to understand. Horizontal stressors are external and arise from everyday life challenges, often occurring unpredictably and impacting an individual's ongoing experiences and relationships. On the other hand, vertical stressors are connected to the specific dynamics of an individual's life, including the values, beliefs, secrets, and myths passed down through generations.
While family secrets can be considered a horizontal stressor, they may also exhibit characteristics of vertical stressors. They can be deeply rooted in family dynamics and passed down through generations, impacting an individual's life experiences and relationships.
In conclusion, family secrets can act as a form of horizontal stressor, creating tension and influencing relationships within families. However, their impact may vary depending on the specific situation and the individuals involved. Understanding and addressing these stressors can help individuals manage and cope with the challenges they present.
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Ethnic loyalties
The rise of ethnic nationalism and "tribalism" in various parts of the world underscores the increasing importance of ethnic loyalties. This phenomenon is observed not only in so-called "primitive" countries but also in developed nations like Canada, Belgium, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Ethnic loyalties can shape political interests and social relations, influencing group dynamics and individual behaviors.
While ethnic loyalties themselves may not be horizontal stressors, they can contribute to stress in certain situations. For example, in a multicultural society, individuals from minority ethnic groups may experience cultural stressors related to racial microaggressions, discrimination, or suppression of their language and cultural heritage. These cultural stressors can induce stress and impact the mental health of individuals within these groups.
In summary, while ethnic loyalties are not horizontal stressors in themselves, they can intersect with daily life challenges and contribute to stress, particularly for individuals from minority ethnic backgrounds facing cultural or racial biases. Understanding the role of ethnic loyalties in stress management is essential for promoting well-being within diverse communities.
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Birth of a child with a disability
The birth of a child can be a life-altering experience for parents, and when the child is born with a disability, it introduces an element of ongoing care and adjustment that affects daily living. This constitutes a horizontal stressor, imposing daily stress and requiring regular management and adaptation.
Impact on Parents
The birth of a child with a disability can significantly impact a parent's life. Studies show that parents of children with chronic physical problems, such as cerebral palsy or blindness, experience higher stress levels than parents of children without disabilities. The fears and worries that all parents have are often magnified when their child has a disability. Practical aspects of caregiving, public outings, schooling, balancing household responsibilities, and making the home safer and more accessible can be challenging.
Emotional Challenges
In addition to the practical challenges, parents of children with disabilities also face significant emotional challenges. They may experience difficult emotions such as guilt, anxiety, depression, anger, or feelings of abandonment if they feel they are not receiving adequate support. Research indicates a "transactional" connection between a parent's stress levels and a child's behavioral problems, where elevated parental stress can worsen a child's behavior.
Coping Strategies
To cope with the stress and challenges of having a child with a disability, parents can employ various strategies:
- Consistency and praise: Using consistent rules and consequences for children and offering praise and rewards to encourage good behavior.
- Stress management: Managing their own stress and emotions is crucial for parents. This can include maintaining a healthy diet, staying connected with support systems, and making time for personal activities and hobbies.
- Support systems: It is essential to have a strong support system in place, whether through friends, family, therapist, or caregiver support groups.
- Identifying roadblocks: Anticipating potential challenges and determining how to adapt to them is an essential part of the parenting journey.
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Loss of loved ones
The loss of a loved one is one of the most painful experiences a person can go through. Bereavement, grief, and mourning are all natural responses to the death of someone important to us, and they can affect us both physically and emotionally. The more significant the loss, the more intense the grief may be, and the death of a loved one is one of the most significant losses a person can experience.
Grief is a process that affects everyone differently. It can be emotionally draining, making it hard to do simple things or even leave the house. People may experience waves of intense and difficult emotions, ranging from profound sadness, emptiness, and despair to shock, numbness, guilt, or regret. They may also feel angry at the circumstances of the death, or even rage at themselves, doctors, other loved ones, or a higher power. Some may even wish they had died with their loved one. These feelings are all normal, and there is no right or wrong way to mourn.
For some people, mourning can go on for so long or be so distressing that it becomes unhealthy. This prolonged and intense reaction to loss is known as complicated grief, and it may manifest as psychological trauma or PTSD. People with complicated grief may be unable to comprehend or accept the loss, experience overwhelmingly negative emotions, and have trouble resuming their lives and making plans for the future. Complicated grief can lead to significant emotional damage, life-threatening health problems, and even suicide. However, with the right guidance, healing changes can be made, and those affected can move on with their lives. Seeking help from a mental health professional is crucial in such cases.
There are healthier ways to come to terms with the loss of a loved one. Continuing to do things that were done with the departed, such as going to sports events, listening to music, or taking walks, can bring comfort. Simple acts like lighting a candle, visiting a favorite place, or marking an important date can aid the healing process. Starting a campaign or fundraiser in the loved one's name, volunteering for a cause they supported, or donating to a charity they cared about can help find meaning in the loss and add a sense of purpose as one moves forward.
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Natural disasters
Secondary stressors often arise after natural disasters, encompassing economic challenges, such as financial assistance, insurance claims, and the rebuilding process. Health-related stressors, educational disruptions, and media reporting can also play a role in amplifying stress. The impact of a disaster on an individual's perception of themselves and the world can lead to psychological and social stressors, affecting family dynamics and social support networks.
The United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UN-IDSR) defines a disaster as a serious disruption to a community's functioning, resulting in widespread human, material, economic, or environmental losses that exceed the community's capacity to cope using its own resources. Developing countries are particularly vulnerable to disasters due to challenges such as poverty, lack of resources, inadequate infrastructure, and limited trained manpower.
Coping with the stress of natural disasters is essential for maintaining mental health and well-being. Effective coping strategies include accepting the situation, finding ways to overcome suffering, and seeking social support. Engaging in positive activities, such as volunteering in rebuilding efforts, can provide a sense of purpose and help manage stress. Additionally, it is crucial to avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as excessive drug and alcohol use, as they tend to exacerbate stress in the long run.
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Frequently asked questions
The birth of a child with a disability. This constitutes a horizontal stressor as it involves ongoing challenges and adjustments in daily life, imposing daily stress and requiring regular management.
Horizontal stressors are external stressors that occur in everyday life and typically impact an individual's ongoing experiences and relationships. They are out of our control but can have some value over time.
Horizontal stressors can include the birth of a child with a disability, family secrets, ethnic loyalties, loss of loved ones, health crises, and natural disasters.
