Understanding Stress and Physical Well-Being | 2023

Understanding Stress and Physical Well-Being

Authors :
Shafira Ramadhani 1 , Shidqoh Amaliyah Mukhlishah 2 , Tatu Zakiyatun Nufus³
st nd

Psychology faculty of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Indonesia

Abstract
This research explores the complex relationship between stress and physical health in the context of a fast-
paced modern lifestyle. Stress, which is a major focus in today's society, has profound implications for
mental and emotional health. Stressors, both physical and psychosocial, can impact both physical and
psychological health, necessitating an in-depth understanding of their causes and effects on mental well-
being. This literature review discusses coping strategies, specifically the Transactional Model of Stress and
Coping proposed by Lazarus and Folkman. This model distinguishes between problem-focused coping,
which is aimed at solving problems and emotion-focused coping, which focuses on regulating emotional
responses. Psychological well-being is influenced by factors such as family, life partner, financial security,
social relationships, and religiosity. Physical activity is not only recognized for its benefits to physical health
but also for its positive impact on mental health.
Keywords: stress, physical well-being, physical activity, coping

Introduction
In this phase, researchers, health professionals, and individuals are exploring the relationship
between stress and physical health since the fast pace of life has made it a significant focus.
When we examine this intersection, we will investigate the different factors that cause stress
and the effects, both tangible and intangible, they have on a person's physical well-being. The
topic of Stress has a significant impact on a person's mental health and emotional well-being.
Stress and mental well-being are interrelated and have a significant impact on an individual's
quality of life. In the modern stressful era, an in-depth understanding of the causes and effects
of stress on mental well-being is essential. Based on the concept of stress in research, a person
who is faced with stressful situations or unpleasant negative feelings, must be handled
immediately, if not resolved properly it will lead to cognitive impairment and all of that will
have an impression on his psychological well-being. (Hutagalung, 2020) Stressors can be
physical or psychosocial in origin. Both types can affect physical and psychological health and
can interact with each other. (Mediratta, 2020) Continuous changes that are run by the
development of science and technology make humans have to be able to adjust. Along with
that, the challenges faced are increasing, not just decreasing. (Regina & Anisa, 2019) Stress
coping strategies play a role in overcoming the source of the pressure experienced by the

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 Understanding Stress and Physical Well-Being | 2023

individual. (Selian & Aishah, 2020) These strategies for coping with stress are recognized as
coping strategies. (Aldwin, 2007; Somerfield & McCrae, 2000).

Literature review
a. The Transactional Model of Stress and Coping
Lazarus and Folkman (1984) mentioned that coping is a constant cognitive and
behavioral change effort to manage external and internal pressures that are considered
to exceed the limits of the individual. The function of coping is to explain the difference
between coping directly through action and coping which regulates emotional
responses in individuals.
1. Problem Focused Coping
Lazarus and Folkman (1984) state that problem-focused coping is a strategy used
in solving problems. Coping is a strategy used in solving problems, such as defining
a problem, generating solutions, considering options efficiently, choosing options,
and acting, problem-focused coping strategies are oriented toward problem-solving.
The factors that influence problem-focused coping are Health and Energy, positive
beliefs, problem-solving skills, and social support.
2. Emotion Focused Coping
Emotion-focused coping refers to using skills to process and deal with feelings that
arise due to stressful situations. It uses inward-facing strategies, including
meditation, journaling, and breathing techniques, to reduce distress and regulate
emotions. Emotion-focused coping can help a person become more calm, centered,
and grounded. Regulating emotions can allow the executive part of one's brain to
take over, allowing the person to think clearly and strategically. Emotion-focused
coping strategies work by allowing a person to regulate their emotions. Here are
eight emotion-focused coping strategies to try: journaling, going walks, listening to
music, talking with a friend, meditation, drawing an art, movement, and deep
breathing.

b. Psychological Well-Being
1. Factors

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 Understanding Stress and Physical Well-Being | 2023

There are five factors that affect psychological well-being, five factors are family,
life partner, financial security, social relationships, and religiosity. These five
factors can shape the psychological well-being of millennials both together and
separately. The five factors can be classified into two major groups. The first group
is the life partner factor and the second group is financial security. Fulfillment of
these factors is also part of individual needs, in this case, millennials. When they
feel that they are recognized or valued this need is fulfilled. The fulfillment of needs
indirectly drives the psychological well-being of millennials.
2. Role of Physical Activity
Besides the obvious physical health benefits, physical activity also positively
affects mental health. Generally, exercise therapy is recommended to address the
challenges of maintaining mental health. Exercise and physical activity can
improve symptoms of stress or depression which can be linked to a person's
emotions which can reduce pain and improve mood. Consistent physical activity
can also significantly improve sleep quality.

Methodology
The method used in the research is a qualitative approach, to understand the existing problems
and find factors that shape psychological well-being in millennials today. The data collection
technique carried out is the in-depth interview method so that researchers can explore each
information submitted. Interviews were conducted by taking 10 research subjects, both men
and women from various backgrounds with an age range between 24 years and 39 years. The
documents analyzed were various news reports and research journals related to this research.
So that general data can be compared with data from interviews and observations. Observations
were conducted by looking at the lives of millennials in Salatiga city. The observations were
indirect, observing the lives of millennials in general and interviewees after obtaining
permission. After the data was collected, the researcher then analyzed it by comparing the three
data.

Result and finding

Based on the interviews and observations above, five factors shape the psychological well-
being of millennials in Salatiga. These five factors are family, financial security, life partner,

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 Understanding Stress and Physical Well-Being | 2023

social relationships, and religiosity. In addition to having a direct relationship with

psychological well-being, these factors also have a relationship with each other. The social
relationship factor is one of the factors that play a role in shaping the psychological well-being
of these millennials. When a person's social relationship with their environment goes well, it
will improve their psychological well-being.

Conclusion
Understanding and managing stress and its impact on mental wellbeing is critical in the context
of modern, challenging lifestyles. The identified factors affecting psychological well-being in
millennials underscore the importance of a holistic approach that considers both individual and
interconnected factors to improve mental health in this demographic.
Reducing stress and improving mental well-being can be done by engaging in physical activity
and positive activities such as exercising, journaling, listening to music, socializing, or seeking
support from others. We also need to increase our spirituality and learn to manage our finances
wisely to minimize the occurrence of mental illness.

References

Lazarus, R. S., & Folkman, S. (1984). Stress, appraisal, and coping. Springer
publishing company.
Agbaria, Q., & Mokh, A. A. (2022). Coping with stress during the coronavirus
outbreak: The contribution of big five personality traits and social support.
International journal of mental health and addiction, 20(3), 1854-1872.
Mahindru, A., Patil, P., & Agrawal, V. (2023). Role of physical activity on mental
health and well-being: a review. Cureus, 15(1).
Selian, S. N., Hutagalung, F. D., & Rosli, N. A. (2020). Pengaruh stres akademik, daya
tindak dan adaptasi sosial budaya terhadap kesejahteraan psikologi pelajar
universiti. JuPiDi: Jurnal Kepimpinan Pendidikan, 7(2), 36-57.
Trianto, H. S., Soetjiningsih, C. H., & Setiawan, A. (2020). Faktor pembentuk
kesejahteraan psikologis pada milenial. Philanthropy: Journal of Psychology,
4(2), 105-117.
Dewe, P., & Cooper, C. L. (2007). Coping research and measurement in the context of
work related stress. International review of industrial and organizational
psychology 2007, 141-192.

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