People with high level of stress but with low level of illness are known to have personality traits of ________ .
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Hardiness
Option (1) Self-actualisation — Incorrect. In Maslow’s theory, self-actualisation is the state of fulfilment in which a person realises her/his full potential, the highest need. It is a goal of growth, not a set of traits that protects against illness under stress.
Option (2) Hardiness — Correct. Studies by Kobasa have shown that people with high levels of stress but low levels of illness share three characteristics, referred to as the personality traits of hardiness. It consists of ‘the three Cs’: commitment, control and challenge.
Option (3) Desire for freedom — Incorrect. The stress-resistant personality is described by commitment, control and challenge; a desire for freedom is not one of these traits, and it does not explain why some people stay healthy under heavy stress.
Option (4) Unconditional positive regard — Incorrect. It is the warmth and acceptance a therapist shows the client whatever the client reveals, a condition of client-centred therapy. It is not a trait of a stress-resistant person.
NCERT (2025-26): “Promoting Positive Health and Well-being Stress Resistant Personality : Recent studies by Kobasa have shown that people with high levels of stress but low levels of illness share three characteristics, which are referred to as the personality traits of hardiness. It consists of ‘the three Cs’, i.e. commitment, control, and challenge. Hardiness is a set of beliefs about oneself, the world, and how they interact.…” |