Important consequences of stress are given below:
Stress can have a number of consequences. Eustress can lead to more energy, motivation and enthusiasm. However, negative consequences of stress are a more important matter of concern. Stress can produce individual as well as organizational consequences.
I. Individual Consequences of Stress:
Stress may produce behavioural, psychological and medical consequences in individuals.
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(a) Behavioural Consequences of stress may harm the person under stress as well as others around him. The possible behavioural consequences of stress include indecision, poor concentration, accident proneness, frantic pace, inability to think with clarity, impulsiveness, violence, inability to relax physically, superficial involvement to participate fully in life, absenteeism, appetite disorders, problems with interpersonal relationships, inability to cope with criticism, tendency towards extreme criticism of others, excessive drinking, smoking or eating and inability to cope with frustrating situations.
(b) Psychological Consequences of stress relate to person’s mental health and well-being. Some of these include worries, anxiety, irritability, depression, agitation, boredom, feelings of failure and self-destruction, lack of sleep, low self-esteem, tendency to lose temper, feelings of rejection, concern over minor health problems, pre-occupation and so on.
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(c) Medical Consequences of stress affect a person’s physical well-being. Its examples include heart disease, headaches, backaches, blood pressure problems, ulcers, insomnia, stomach and intestinal disorders, dizziness, excessive fatigue, skin problems such as rashes, acne and hives, muscle tensions or spasms, difficulties in breathing, gum disease, etc.
II. Organizational Consequences of Stress:
The preceding individual consequences of stress affect an organization. Apart from these, there are other direct consequences for organizations. These include decline in performance, withdrawal and negative changes in attitudes.
(a) Decline in Performance:
Relationship between stress and performance has been explained in detail earlier in this chapter.
(b) Withdrawal:
Two of the most significant forms of withdrawal behaviours arising out of stress are absenteeism and quitting. Other more subtle forms of withdrawal include missing deadlines, taking longer lunch breaks or unscheduled tea-breaks, psychological withdrawal in terms of not being concerned about the institution and the job etc.
(c) Attitudes:
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Stress has some direct, negative consequences on employees’ attitudes such as their job-satisfaction, morale and organizational commitment. This may result in employees complaining more about minor, unimportant things and so on.