How Stress Genders Decision Making
Many people in the hospitality industry arestressed out these days - those looking for work and those holding down the fort with extra hats to wear - are beyond their normal stress levels over the past 6-8 months. I mentioned in a previous article that men in Canada are more affected than women with job loss recently and here's a tip about dealing with stress from male/female perspective.
While it's been documented for some time that men take more risks than women (and, thus, are more likely to die violently or have addictive behaviors), a recent study indicates that this gap widens even further when stress is introduced.
When stress indicators as measured by cortisol levels were higher in women, their decision making was less risky than than their control group. Men, on the other hand, made more risky decisions when stressed than their control group did.
To test decision making under stress, participants' hands were placed in ice water while they performed a gambling game involving blowing up a simulated balloon on a computer screen. Points were accumulated with each pump of the balloon, but each pump also increased the risk of the balloon popping, resulting in a loss of all points.
The lesson here? Try to be aware of your gendered inclinations when you feel stressed out, so that you make the most responsible (men!) or effective (ladies!) decision. Consider what you'd normally do, and come up with a plan of action rather than react unthinkingly.
The bottom line? Don't worry, be happy!
I agree with your recommendation to be self aware. This is the first step in anything we do or communicate in the world. With self awareness we can act accordingly or change our approach. Without it we just react and can inadvertently do more harm. Great post!
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