Individual difference in modifying the effect of stressors

Not everyone reacts to stress in the same way, Individual differences are important when considering the effects of stressors. Key variable to consider include:

Personality: Type A individual cope less well with stress and are more likely to suffer from coronary heart disease. Type B individuals are more relaxed. Type C individuals may be more prone to cancer because they respond to stress by suppressing their emotions.

Hardiness: Hardly individuals cope better with stress than those who are not hardy.

Gender: Women have smaller physiological reactions than men to some stressful situations. They tend to respond to stressful situations with a tend-and-befriend response whereas men show a fight-or-flight response. The effect of oxytocin (which makes people less anxious) are reduced by male sex hormones but increased by female sex hormones.

Culture: Some cultural practices may reduce stress and increase longevity. Black Americans may have more essential hypertension than white Americans which may be because of psychological factors, or because they are more likely to respond to stressful situations with suppressed anger.