Coping with Stress

Stress is caused by different stressors such as life-events where an individual faces a situation
that requires them to use more resources that are readily available. Another stressor is exposure
to psychosocial stressors, a person’s response to stressful events, as well as the lack of enough
social support for a person to respond well to a stressful situation. Either way, stress has various
effects on a person’s emotional, social, and psychological wellbeing. This paper explores stress
and stressors in a human’s life by analyzing the life of George, a character in the film; It’s a
Wonderful Life, and how he chooses to react to the situations.

George’s Stressors

A stressor refers to a stimulus that has the potential to trigger either a flight or fight
response (Greenberg, 2021). George encounters two main stressors, Potter’s offer. It is a job
offer, which ideally should be good news and a reason for George to celebrate. However, this is a
stressor that arises from a eustressful event. According to Greenberg (2021), eustress refers to a
kind of stress that results in positive consequences. George thinks about Potter’s offer. He would
have an opportunity to change his life for the better. His wife would also enjoy the proceeds of
his work relations with Potter. However, after thinking, he realizes that declining the offer would
be the best decision. He, however, seems distracted as he declines the offer (bvon44, 2009).
Stress, in this instance, is seen to produce good consequences. He thinks about the pros and cons
of accepting the offer. He realizes that it would be beneficial for him to decline the offer, and he
does.

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A second stressor in the film is when George realizes that there is some missing money.
He is afraid of going to jail for actions that are not entirely his fault. He ends up having a hectic
day at the workplace, and this stresses him. Unlike Potter’s offer, this kind of stress caused
George to be distressed. It has negative consequences, as can be seen in the film. He almost
engages in a fight at the office, he talks badly to the teacher o the phone, he shouts at his wife
and children at home, and he even seems to regret the fact that he has many children, and he
lives in a ‘poor’ neighborhood. According to Greenberg (2022), the negative consequences of
stress, like in this scene, are referred to as distress. George spoils the family’s Christmas mood
because he is in distress.

George’s Physiological, Social, and Emotional Reactions to Stressors

Physiological Reactions

George experiences increased perspiration and pulse rate. He can be seen sweating in the
scene. He also has an increased breathing rate, as though he has been engaged in intense physical
activity, while this is not the case. Greenberg (2021) states that when an individual is in distress,
the adrenal hormones are released, and they lead to several physiological changes. Some of these
are increased heart rate and perspiration, as is the case with George.
Social Reactions

George shouts at people, and this leads to strained interpersonal relationships. He insults
the teacher and constantly shouts and talks back at the children. In one instance, one of his
daughters cries. She fails to understand her dad’s state. Further, George’s aggressive behavior

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strains his relationship with his uncle. He almost fights him. He becomes a bully and is ready to
tackle anyone that he encounters on his way.
Emotional Reactions

The two emotional reactions are fear and anger. George demonstrates fear when he
mentions that the money lost in the workplace could lead to imprisonment. It is evident that he is
afraid of serving a jail term as he is heard saying that although that is the case, he will not be the
one to go to jail. As he says so, he can be seen shaking. He is also heard trying to fight back the
tears. When he arrives home, George is evidently agitated. This is evident in how he talks back
and shouts at the children. He is also seen crying as he hugs his child. The anger overwhelms
him, and he starts to cry. His anger is also evident when he shouts at the teacher and even insults
her while accusing her of incompetence. Fear and anger are some of the emotional reactions
evident when a person goes through distress (Greenberg, 2021).

Fight or Flight Response

Bank Run
In the Bank Run, people come demanding their money, and George has a difficult task of
explaining why they cannot get their money. George can be seen panting as part of his body’s
response to the stressful situation that he is in (Hoosiertown. 2014). He attempts to convince all
account holders why they should not pressure the bank. He jumps over the counter and attempts
to close the door as a way of ensuring that he remains convincing. The stress thus triggers his
body to react in a fast manner.

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It’s a Wonderful Life – You Realize What this means? It’s bankruptcy and scandal and
prison!, You’re Worth More Dead Than Alive, and It’s a Wonderful Life Suicide Attempt,
Frank Capra
Flight or fight response describes how the body responds to stress. The response is
characterized by an increase in the heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration (Greenberg, 2021).
In “It’s a Wonderful Life – You Realize What this means? It’s bankruptcy and scandal and
prison!”. George Bailey can be seen to be clearly frightened (Murphy, 2018). He insists that if
the money is not found, the result will be bankruptcy, scandal, and prison. He also feels that
without the money being found, everyone will be going to jail, and he will not be pleased with
the idea of going to prison. Bailey overacts due to the response to the stressful situation by
grabbing Uncle Billy’s jacket. Bailey is panting and is unable to breathe gently. Evidently, he is
tense and even kicks an item lying on the ground on his way out.
In “You’re Worth More Dead Than Alive,” George attempts to get 8,000 dollars from
Mr. Potter. George is sweating since he needs to ensure that he gets the 8,000 dollars. He is also
panting, and this shows that the stressful situation has resulted in a flight or fight response
(bvon44, 2009). He attempts to persuade Mr. Potter and is even willing to give anything. The
attempts to convince Mr. potter is a fight response to the stressful situation.

Relationship Between Stress and Health

The inability to cope with stress results in various health problems. Stress is characterized
by a stressor, reactivity, and strain. When one has an unhealthy reaction to stress, their health is
adversely affected. Stress can have an impact on the psychological, emotional, and physical
health of an individual (Salleh, 2008). Stress can result in various illnesses, including high blood
pressure and immune disorders. Chronic stressors that are present in George’s life can create

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problems related to the immune system. One can also ail from gastrointestinal illnesses such as
peptic ulcers and ulcerative colitis. Coronary heart disease can also result from prolonged periods
of stress.

Conclusion

Overall, George’s life is highly stressful and is characterized by various stressors in his
work life. Stress impacts one’s mind, as well as one’s body. While life has various ups and
downs, it is important for every person to find healthy ways of coping with stressful situations.
Coping through smoking and drinking can result in additional health problems that would
compound one’s situation.

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References

bvon44. (2009, August 16). It’s a wonderful life (1946) – James Stewart – George Bailey’s
speech to Potter and the loan board (Links to an external site.) [Video]. YouTube.
https://youtu.be/O4ne13Zft9Q
bvon44. (2009, August 16). It’s a wonderful life (1946) – James Stewart – George Bailey’s
speech to Potter and the loan board (Links to an external site.) [Video]. YouTube.
https://youtu.be/O4ne13Zft9Q
Greenberg, J. S. (2021). Comprehensive stress management (15th ed.). McGraw Hill.
Hoosiertown. (2014, December 6). It’s a wonderful life bank run (Links to an external
site.).[Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/iPkJH6BT7dM
Murphy, C. [Chris Murphy]. (2018, January 8). “You realize what this means? It means
bankruptcy and scandal and prison!” – A wonderful life (Links to an external
site.). [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/ugrpRaekPG8
Salleh, M. R. (2008). Life event, stress and illness. The Malaysian journal of medical sciences:
MJMS, 15(4), 9.