Discuss social and/or psychological aspects of stress.

Refer to the paper 2 assessment criteria when awarding marks.

The command term “discuss” requires candidates to offer a considered review of social and/or psychological aspects of stress. There is no need for candidates to distinguish between social and psychological aspects of stress.

Relevant research may include, but is not limited to:
• Kemeny et al.’s (2005) social self-preservation theory
• Evans and Kim’s (2007) or Fernald and Gunnar’s (2008) studies on the relationship between poverty and stress
• Taylor et al.’s (2000) theory (tend and befriend) and related studies on gender-specific responses to stress
• O’Driscoll and Cooper’s (1994) study on coping with work-related stress.
• Kamen and Seligman’s (1987) study on attributional style and health levels
• Speisman et al.’s (1964) study on the role of appraisal in stress experience
• Lazarus and Folkman’s (1984) transactional model of stress

Aspects of stress may include, but are not limited to:
• stress in the workplace
• coping strategies
• social support
• mindfulness-based stress reduction
• causes, consequences and/or strategies for dealing with stress.

Discussion may include, but is not limited to:
• cultural and gender considerations
• application of research
• methodological and ethical considerations
• difficulties in distinguishing between social and psychological aspects of stress
• empirical and/or contrary findings or explanations.

Candidates may address a small number of social/psychological aspects of stress in order to demonstrate depth of knowledge, or may address a larger number of social/psychological aspects of stress in order to demonstrate breadth of knowledge. Both approaches are equally acceptable.