stress risk factor

Question 1

How is stress a risk factor for addiction?

Answer 1

• Stress appears to be a consistent trigger for addiction.

Chronic and unmanaged stress is correlated with onset of addiction.

It is suggested that
stressful events are certain points of development can have damaging effects upon the brain.

• The tension-reduction hypothesis suggests that people engage in addictive behaviours to relieve stress/anxiety. For example, having a drink at the end of a hard work day. This then develops from wanting a drink to needing one.
• A key element to combating stress is to have hardiness as an individual.
• In relation to hardiness, Kobasa (1979) mentioned the 3C’s
  Commitment - (strong sense of purpose)
  Control - (those with an internal LoC believe they can avoid becoming addicted.
  Challenge - (individuals see addictions as a challenge to beat rather than a threat.

Question 2

what is some evidence related to stress as a risk factor for addiction?

Answer 2

• Driessen et al found that traumatic events exposed individuals to addictions. 30% of drug addicts and 15% of alcoholics had some form of early trauma in their lives.
  Also, prenatal stress has also been linked to susceptibility to addictions through dopamine receptor development.
• Tavolacci’s (2013) research in France found that not only was perceived stress associated with known risks such as alcohol misuse, but also with new risks such as eating disorders and cyber addiction.
  A clear example of this in the younger generation is gaming making students feel better whilst they play as a form as escapism from daily stressors.

Question 3

what is a strength of an evaluation for stress as a risk factor?

Answer 3

• One strength of stress as an explanation for addiction is research support. For example, Kobasa (1979) said some people have a “hardy personality” If someone has high Hardiness they have a strong defence against the negative effects of stress. Key features of this personality include being high in control (see themselves as being in control of their lives) commitment (strong sense of purpose ) and challenge (eager to overcome challenges rather than see them as a source of stress). This personality trait could be seen to be a protective factor against addictions. This brings face validity to the explanation as it explains those who suffer stress but not addictions.
• One strength of stress as an explanation for addiction is that there is research support. Tavolacci’s (2013) research in France found that not only was perceived stress associated with known risks such as alcohol misuse, but also with new risks such as eating disorders and cyber addiction. A clear example of this in the younger generation is gaming making students feel better whilst they play as a form as escapism from daily stressors. This highlights that stress is a key factor in developing addictions in people of all ages, therefore providing credibility for the explanation.
• One strength of stress as an explanation for addictions is that it has led to useful practical applications. For example since stress has been identified as a risk factor for developing addictions, there has been in increase in stress management therapy. This allows individuals to learn to manage their stress in a healthy way without turning to unhealthy coping strategies i.e. smoking. This means that people can prevent addictions and also support individuals who may be at risk.

Question 4

what are some negative evaluations of stress as a risk factor?

Answer 4

• One weakness of stress as an explanation for addictions is that it doesn’t’ account for individual differences. Many people experience stressful events or struggle to cope with stress, but not all people develop addictions. This suggests that there must be other contributing factors that cause someone to develop an addiction, rather than just stress on its own.
• One weakness of stress as a risk factor for addiction is that cause and effect cannot be established. For example, it is impossible to know whether people who have addictions have developed them because of stress, or if the process of having an addiction is what causes increased stress levels in individuals. Therefore this weakens the credibility of the explanation.