Question

Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow. THE SHOCKING POWER OF SOCIAL PRESSURE AS A STRESSOR A new study shows that interacting with others can sometimes lead to more stress than we can ever imagine, since you and your relationships are bound together. Each relationship shapes another relationship in different ways due to the social pressures we place on each other. This implies that when relationships are mutually enhancing, everyone is happy. When people psychologically harm one another though, that is what leads to stress in relationships. [Adapted from www.psychologytoday.com. Accessed on 4 February 2020.] Write paragraphs on stress and stressors. Use the following as a guideline: • Indicate THREE ways how social pressure could be regarded as a stressor for young people in their family relationships. (3 x 1) ● Discuss THREE ways in which building and sustaining good relationships may impact positively on your emotional wellbeing. (3 x 2) Recommend TWO conflict resolution strategies you could implement to resist negative social pressure from your friends in a responsible way. In each answer, also indicate how EACH strategy could help you to protect your rights as an (2 x 3) individual. (3) (6) (6) [15]​

Answer 1

Stress and stressors are common experiences in life. Stress is a physical, mental or emotional response to a perceived threat, challenge or change. A stressor is the stimulus that triggers the stress response. In the above extract, social pressure is described as a stressor that can lead to stress in relationships.

• Social pressure can cause stress in young people in their family relationships in several ways. Firstly, family members might have different expectations and values that could create tension and conflict. Secondly, young people might feel pressure to conform to social norms or expectations from their family, which could lead to feelings of inadequacy or frustration. Thirdly, the pressure to please and maintain relationships with family members could lead to anxiety or emotional exhaustion.

• Building and sustaining good relationships can impact positively on emotional wellbeing in several ways. Firstly, having positive relationships can create a sense of belonging and connectedness, which can promote feelings of happiness and security. Secondly, good relationships can provide emotional support during times of stress, which can help to reduce stress levels. Thirdly, building and sustaining good relationships can help to develop important social skills and positive behaviours, which can contribute to overall wellbeing.

• When faced with negative social pressure from friends, it is important to implement effective conflict resolution strategies. One strategy is assertive communication, which involves expressing your thoughts, feelings and needs in a respectful and direct way. This can help to establish clear boundaries and expectations, which can help to protect your rights as an individual. Another strategy is negotiation, which involves finding a compromise that works for both parties. This strategy can help to resolve conflicts in a constructive and respectful way, which can also help to protect your rights and the rights of others.

In conclusion, social pressure can be a significant stressor in relationships, but building and sustaining positive relationships can have a positive impact on emotional wellbeing. Implementing effective conflict resolution strategies, such as assertive communication and negotiation, can help to resist negative social pressure from friends in a responsible way, while protecting individual rights.