Self Development

Development of the Self in Society

Term 1: Personal Development, Stress and Relationships

Stress: A state of mental, emotional or physical strain or tension resulting from demanding or adverse situations. It's your body's response to pressure.
Stressors: Anything that causes stress. These can be external events, people, or internal thoughts that disrupt your ability to cope.
Types of stressors:
- Physical: Illness, hunger, injury, lack of exercise, fatigue
- Environmental: Pollution, overcrowding, noise, unsafe neighbourhoods
- Emotional: Anger, fear, anxiety, grief, disappointment
- Social: Peer pressure, family conflict, financial pressure, stigma
Quality of life: Refers to your overall well-being and life satisfaction.

Positive stress (Eustress): Helps you perform under pressure (e.g. before a speech or exam).
Negative stress (Distress): Overwhelms you and harms your health or performance.
Signs of stress: Physical things like a racing heart, sweating, ulcers, or headaches
Symptoms of stress: What you feel, like anxiety, panic, or inability to concentrate
Stress Management Techniques:
- Exercise, balanced eating, sleep
- Deep breathing, journaling, prayer/meditation
- Time management and avoiding procrastination
- Talk to a friend or trusted adult

Intrapersonal conflict: Conflict within yourself (e.g. struggling to make a choice)
Interpersonal conflict: Conflict between two or more people
Conflict-handling styles:
- Avoiding: Ignoring the problem
- Competing: Trying to win at all costs
- Compromising: Both sides give a little
- Accommodating: Giving in to keep the peace
- Collaborating: Everyone works together to find a fair solution

Healthy relationships are based on trust, respect, and mutual support
Effective communication:
- Say how you feel using “I” statements (e.g. “I feel hurt when…”)
- Listen and summarise to show understanding
- Respect others’ opinions even when you disagree
Influencing factors: Personality, attitudes, values, family, beliefs

Change: Moving house, graduating, losing someone, starting work
Change can be positive (new opportunities) or negative (fear, stress)
Plan for the transition from school to adulthood:
- Accommodation
- Travel/transport
- Budgeting and financial planning

Factors that cause ill-health:
- Psychological (e.g. trauma, anxiety)
- Social (e.g. poverty, poor hygiene, substance abuse)
- Cultural/religious practices that might delay seeking help
Lifestyle diseases:
- HIV and AIDS
- TB
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Cancer

Encourage early testing and diagnosis
Create a care plan that includes:
- Medication and check-ups
- Healthy nutrition and hygiene
- Emotional support and community help
Promote awareness to reduce stigma