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PSYCHOLOGICAL
STRESS AND IDENTITY
Robert
A. Dato, Ph.D., NCPsyA
If
we view the phenomenon of stress from the broad perspective
afforded us by evolution, we cannot help but surmise that
stress serves some evolutionary purpose. Otherwise, it would
have been extinguished eons ago through the process of Natural
Selection. For Nature is practical and elegant, and elegance
excludes excess.
It is not difficult to delineate at least one purpose of
stress, that of helping us to survive. On some level, we
are all aware that stress is inversely proportional to survivability.
That is, the greater our stress, the less chance we have
of surviving. We seem to instinctively use stress to monitor
the conditions of pressure that affect us, as well as our
adaptability to these pressures. As a result, we are able
to accomplish the most crucial task of life, self-preservation.
But living entails much more than surviving. We are here
not only to survive, but to thrive. Each of us has a unique
contribution to make to the evolving, creative force we
call civilization. Each of us is obligated to discover an
identity in order that we may fulfill the true requirements
of life and give it meaning.
Stress can and does play an important role in this scenario.
As we move through life in pursuit of the singularly exciting
experience of finding out who we are, it is impossible to
avoid the impact of our surroundings. We are intrigued by
its challenges, just as we are awed by its complexity and
beauty. Time and time again we test our strengths and skills
in this vast arena. We learn what we can and cannot do.
Success brings satisfaction, but failure only stress. Success
tells us who we are, and stress, who we are not.
Thus, stress can be a very positive force in life. It can
keep us out of danger as well as help us to become who we
are. Its role in identity formation may be indirect; nevertheless,
it is surely not inconsequential. But for the marble on
the floor, the sculpture would have no form.
©
1983Dr. Robert Dato, Dato Leadership Institute
www.dato-leadership-institute.com
All Rights Reserved.
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