Stress in Life and at Work

Reliable estimates indicate that around 80 per cent of visits to doctors are for stress-related problems or for diseases induced by stress. This is not merely a Western phenomenon; stress levels are on the rise throughout Asia, and India is no exception. Even though more is known about stress than ever before, little headway seems to have been made in solving problems related to stress. Highlighting stress prevention rather than stress management, Dr Rita Agrawal advocates a proactive approach while dealing with stress and emphasises that stress should be studied in the context of all its ramifications. She contends that in order to devise appropriate solutions as also to develop stress management programmes, it is imperative to conduct an in-depth analysis of the dynamics of stress, particularly its sources, processes and consequences. Taking into consideration various facets of daily life-such as work, marriage, and unemployment, as also organizational change and retirement-Dr Agrawal provides a scholarly as well as hands-on understanding of the factors associated with stress. She deals with a large gamut of stress coping techniques ranging from the individual to the organisation, and from the family to society and culture at large. Divided into three sections, the book provides both Eastern and Western perspectives on stress management. The first section highlights important conceptual and historical aspects regarding stress, myths surrounding stress, and stress as precursor of disease. The next section is devoted to work stress and presents, in particular, an in-depth analysis of the problems that arise from a dual career of both working men and women. The last section deals with issues concerning coping with stress. It provides a detailed account of stress management techniques covering both individual and organizational strategies. Also included is a chapter on a much talked about phenomenon-stress due to organisational change. Offering a perspective based on an academic orientation on the one hand, and the more popular literature on the other, this book provides a comprehensive understanding of the etiology, physiology, effects, and dynamics of stress and its management. Written in a jargon-free and accessible style, it will be useful for both professionals and scholars.