Question

In the 1990s, Alanis Morissette sang that "a traffic jam when you're already late" is ironic. Although it actually may not be ironic, this situation is indeed an:

a) microstressor
b) life change
c) annoyance
d) daily hassle

Answer 1

A traffic jam when you're already late, as mentioned in Alanis Morissette's song, represents a daily hassle. Daily hassles are the minor everyday irritations that can accumulate to cause stress, affecting our overall health and mood.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the 1990s, Alanis Morissette sang about a traffic jam when you're already late as an instance of irony. While it may not fit the traditional definition of irony, this situation is actually an example of a daily hassle. Daily hassles are minor irritations and annoyances that we encounter in our everyday lives, such as rush hour traffic, lost keys, and disagreements with those around us. These can accumulate and cause stress just as significant as major life events can.

Research, including the study by DeLongis, Coyne, Dakof, Folkman, & Lazarus in 1982, has shown that daily hassles can be a better predictor of physical and psychological health than significant life changes. Also, interpersonal conflicts and even modern stressors like social media issues can lead to negative mood states and affect our well-being.

Rush hour traffic, as mentioned in the song, is a common example of a daily hassle. Such incidents can lead to a build-up of stress, having an impact on our emotional and physical health.