Consider Arthur Ashe in his experience with AIDS: Because of his previous brushes with death, having gone through major heart surgeries, he was not phased with the news of having AIDS. Also, because of his experience as a world-class athlete, he was able to apply concepts, specifically, discipline, in coping with the disease. .
Cognitive factors also influence the perception of stress. What is stressful to one person may not be as stressful, if at all, to another. Richard Lazarus believed that this is due the way an individual cognitively appraises stressful events. Cognitive appraisal occurs in two stages: In the primary appraisal, one must decide if a stimulus presents a threat, harm or challenge. In secondary appraisal, the individual then decides how to cope with the stressor. Nancy Mairs, who lives with multiple sclerosis, sees the disease as a challenge and copes through humor. Furthermore, she begins to see that having multiple sclerosis has changed her in some ways for the better: she cherishes her time with her family more and makes the most of each day with them; she learns to laugh at herself and develops a sense of humor. She writes, " I put my fears to the best use I can- (Sattler & Shabatay, 2000, p. 5).
A person's personality also factors in the experience of stress. Two types of personalities have been studied: Type A and Hardiness. Type A personality is marked by competitiveness, drive, impatience and hostility. Anger is often turned inward. A Type A personality's physiology goes through intense changes in reacting to stress, which may lead to their vulnerability to heart disease. In contrast, commitment, control, and a perception of problems as challenges characterize the hardiness personality style. .
I agree with Redford William's view that we each have the ability to control our anger and develop trust in others. I also agree with the studies that suggest that along with personality, other attributes such as exercise and social support buffer stress.