Coping with Stress

I am an internal locus of control type of a person since I believe that my personal

behavioral characteristics, abilities, and inherent dispositions are responsible for what I

experience in life. This kind of control is advantageous since I am not likely to be influenced by

other people’s opinions (Buddelmeyer & Powdthavee, 2016). Also, I tend to take proactive

measures to improve situations that are unpleasant in my life. Besides, I tend to learn from my

mistakes to prevent a repeat. Empirical evidence shows that persons in this category that create

explanations for negative events through internal attribution, therefore, there are less likely to

cope with stress. In this regard, this kind of control leads to hopelessness to powerlessness.

Again, individuals in this category tend to control everything pushing away people close to them

ultimately.

The information is essential in stress management since I now recognize the dynamics of

learned helplessness and how to avoid it. Therefore, I can escape shocks and other traumatic

experiences that are most probable to occur in my life. Also, I will be more motivated to attempt

changes to stressful situations in a bid to sustain a happy self. Increased levels of general

positivity will help me overcome stressful situations such as low academic performance. The

knowledge that I possess the control over negative events will help be mitigate health issues such

as depression and trauma. Even though I explain my failures with internal causes, the

information will help devise means to avoid a repeat of the same. Schultz findings show that the

effects of short-term control can be detrimental in the long-term; therefore, I will strive to ensure

that the results are long-lasting (Sparrow, 2008). As a result, I will not see myself as a victim of

circumstances but will take a driving seat of the things that happen in my life; that is,
transforming from a pessimist to an optimist. Losing hope will not be an option after

comprehending the concept of choice and enhanced sense of responsibility.

References

Buddelmeyer, H., & Powdthavee, N. (2016). Can having internal locus of control insure against

negative shocks? Psychological evidence from panel data. J Econ Behav Organ, 122(1),

88-109.

Sparrow, B. (2008). Learned helplessness. [Online]. New York Times.