Stress vs. distress

Stressors can contribute to a near hit or an injury they are barriers to achieving a Total Safety Culture. However, stressors can provoke positive stress rather than negative distress, which can lead to constructive problem solving rather than destructive, at-risk behavior. This chapter explains the important distinction between stress and distress, and defines factors, which determine the occurrence of one or the other. 

The concept of attribution is introduced as a cognitive process we use to turn stressors into positive stress or negative distress. Attribution bias can reduce distress, but it can also prevent a constructive analysis of an injury or property damage incident. This chapter explains the ben ts and liabilities of such bias and shows its role in shifting stress to distress or vice versa. 

Judy was tired and worried. She had just left her six-year-old son at her sister s house with instructions for her to take him to Dr. 

Judy arrived at her workstation a little later than normal and found it more messy than usual. Grumbling under her breath that the night shift had been careless, sloppy, and thoughtless, she downed her usual cup of coffee and waited for the production line to crank up. She did not clean the work area. After all, it was not her mess. The graveyard shift is not nearly as busy as the day shift. How could they be so sloppy and inconsiderate  

Judy was ready to start her inspection and sorting when she noticed the load cart was misaligned. She inserted a wooden handle in the bracket and pulled hard to jerk the cart in place. Suddenly the handle broke, and Judy fell backward against the control panel. Fortunately, she was not hurt, and the only damage was the broken handle. Judy discarded it, inserted another one, and put the cart in place. 

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Why does a manager s deadline motivate one person and distress another It depends on a number of internal person factors. These include the amount of arousal already present in the individual and the person s degree of preparedness or self-confidence. The difference between arousal leading to stress vs. distress is illustrated in Figure 6.4. 

Recall the discussion of stress vs. distress in Chapter 7. Higher self-esteem turns stress into something positive, rather than negative distress. 

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