By Donna Dunning
This is the fourth post in a nine part series describing typical stress response patterns linked to personality type preferences.
The information in these posts shows you how to assess your stress levels, identify your stressors, and build resilience to stress. When you understand your stress response you can learn to note the first signs of stress, implement changes to build resilience, and avoid the unpleasant experience of stress taking over.
For more information read the series introductory post Personality Type and Building Resilience to Stress.
First signs of stress for Contributors:
- Attempting to force harmony without checking if people are interested
- Trying to champion everyone and solve all problems
- Becoming overwhelmed by multiple responsibilities to help others
When stress takes over:
- Make sweeping and excessive criticisms of self and others
- Engage in all-or-none, rigid, logical thinking
- Seek the ultimate “truth”
Common stressors:
- Being forced to conform to unacceptable views
- Discordant relationships or pressure to act impersonally
- Time pressures that interfere with working cooperatively
Deal with stress by:
- Arranging time alone to think the situation through
- Reconnecting with what is important
- Linking with supportive people who are not involved in the negative situation
- Engaging in self-care activities
The fifth post in this series explores the typical stress pattern for people who have ESTJ and ENTJ preferences.
The material in this series has been adapted from In the Grip by Naomi Quenk. This is a useful booklet for anyone who wants to understand his or her stress response in more detail.
The photos accompanying this series are “signs of stress”, everyday cautions and warnings we see in the world around us.
Not sure of your personality type preferences? Visit the 8 Ways of Working page.
Do you have preferences for ESFJ or ENFJ and want more information about your type? Check out the Contributor tag.
