psychology
How does stress change our personality?
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Our personality is not fixed at birth, but continues to develop. But our characteristics can change not only in a positive way – because factors such as stress can also have a negative impact on our personality.
I'm sure we all know this: when we're under a lot of pressure, for example at work, we get angry easily and are quick to criticize our partner at the breakfast table if we don't like something. And this, even if we're a relatively patient person. He sees these as usually just short-term shifts in our personality traits If stress continues for a longer period of time, it is also possible for these ugly characteristics to increase.
Study: Stress makes us more pessimistic
When we’re stressed, we look at the world through a whole new lens. This negative outlook is practically the opposite of rose-colored glasses—our overly positive outlook on everything when we’re in love. If things aren’t going well for us and we feel under a lot of pressure, we easily transfer that negativity to other areas of our lives. This can turn even the kindest, most patient, and optimistic person into a grumpy, mean person.
one Studying Psychologists Dr. Grant Shields, Lorraine L. Toussaint, and Dr. George M. Slavich of the University of California conducted research on how stress affects our personality. They examined 332 adults of various ages to find out their levels of stress and pessimism, as well as the relationship between the two over time. Scientists have concluded that changes in stress levels affect personality and that more stress ultimately makes us more pessimistic.
The good thing is: we can do something about it. Just realizing that our personality is slowly but surely changing due to external circumstances can help. And anyone who can think about this fact is already on the right track.
Why does stress affect our behavior?
Stress is part of life. Strictly speaking, we need it and the stress hormone cortisol to get through difficult situations. When we feel stressed, our body releases cortisol, among other things, which provides us with short-term energy. For example, we have enough strength to meet a deadline at work. The problem: if our body produces too much of this messenger substance over the long term, it causes fatigue, poor concentration and makes us hypersensitive. If we are exposed to it over a longer period of time, it can change our personality for the worse and we simply put ourselves in a worse mood.
In the long run, we can and should make sure that we reduce the stress level in our lives to a healthy level. Of course, this sounds easier said than done. But ultimately, it’s about our health and our relationships. And it’s a vicious cycle: if our personality turns into that of a grumpy old bear because of stress, our loved ones may turn away from us. Building strong personal relationships and social networks is an important way to combat stress. So what do you do?
Brigitte's “Stress Out” File
Want to know how you can better handle stressful situations? Looking for routines to help you switch off? Want to finally fall asleep or sleep well again? Wondering what role your biorhythm plays in times of stress? We answer these questions and more in our “Stress Out” file. Here you will find useful information and daily tips on the topic of stress and stress management.
You can read our paid PDF at home on your laptop or on the go on your smartphone and start reading right away.
3 Strategies Against Acute Stress
If you feel like you can no longer handle your stress levels on your own, it may make sense to talk to a therapist. Some initial tips for dealing with stress:
- Identify what stresses you out and actively work to reduce those stressors. For one person, it may be too many appointments, and for another, it may be too much screen time. Listen carefully to yourself and pay attention to your needs.
- Set priorities. There are no five topics that all have priority 1. Decide what is currently the most important item on your list and consciously postpone the less urgent things.
- Ask your loved ones for help. Talk to your friends and family and explain what's stressing you out. In the worst-case scenario, you've just gotten your problem off your chest – and in the best-case scenario, someone might offer you some good advice or even take some of the weight off your shoulders.
Sources used: Denkenwelt.de, healthline.com
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