Final answer:
Low self-esteem can make individuals more vulnerable to stress, whereas resilient personality traits, strong support networks, and effective coping mechanisms can help manage stress effectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the textbook, low self-esteem might make individuals especially vulnerable to the effects of stress. This is because self-esteem, or the level of confidence in one's own abilities, significantly impacts how we perceive and respond to stress. Low self-esteem may hinder our capacity to employ effective coping strategies, thus making us more susceptible to the negative effects of stress. Resilient personality, strong support networks, and effective coping mechanisms are all factors that contribute positively to managing stress and would, therefore, be unlikely to increase vulnerability.
Studies have shown that social support can buffer the effects of stress, including discrimination, leading to less psychological distress for those who have a network of emotional support. Additionally, having a resilient personality and effective coping styles, such as problem-focused and emotion-focused coping, can further diminish the impact of stressors. However, individuals with traits like high neuroticism or an external locus of control may find stress more challenging to manage. For building career resilience, developing positive factors, such as flexibility and a strong belief in one's capacity to deal with adverse situations, is key.