Relationships in Times of Crisis
The COVID-19 pandemic has put people under a lot of stress for various reasons such as loss of employment, isolation from loved ones, lack of social support, financial instability, and increased psychological distress. As a result, many individuals have experienced high levels of stress which can impact their mental health and well-being. One way to cope with these stresses is through engaging in different activities that provide a sense of control, connection, and coping mechanisms.
There are perceived inequities among people based on gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, age, and other factors that may affect how they manage this operational stress. This article will discuss the relational implications of perceived inequities in coping with operational stress.
One perceived inequality is gender roles and expectations that differ across cultures. In some societies, women are expected to perform domestic tasks, take care of children, and maintain a home while men are seen as the breadwinners who work outside the house. This creates an unequal distribution of labor during times of crisis where both genders need to be involved in supporting each other emotionally and financially.
In India, women are expected to cook meals, wash clothes, clean the house, and look after children while men go out to earn money. This division of labor becomes more challenging when families experience a loss of income due to the pandemic or when family members get sick. Women may feel overwhelmed by these additional responsibilities while men struggle to adjust to new roles inside the household. These differences can create tension and conflict within relationships leading to isolation and loneliness.
Another inequality is access to resources such as healthcare, education, employment, and government assistance. Individuals from marginalized groups such as racial minorities, immigrants, low-income households, and those with disabilities may face barriers to accessing resources that could help them cope with stress. They may not have insurance coverage for mental health services, lack educational opportunities to learn coping skills, or have limited job prospects that offer stability. This can lead to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness that worsen their mental health and affect their ability to form healthy relationships.
Age also plays a role in how individuals manage operational stress. Young adults may find it difficult to cope with sudden changes in their daily routines, social connections, and future plans which can impact their relationship with themselves and others. Elderly people may suffer from loneliness and depression due to physical distancing measures that prevent them from seeing loved ones. Both age groups require different levels of support to manage stress effectively.
Young adults need emotional support from peers while older adults need companionship and practical assistance like grocery shopping or transportation.
Socioeconomic status influences one's ability to cope with stress through financial resources and access to technology. Those who are financially stable may be able to afford counseling sessions, therapy, online courses on coping mechanisms, or other means to reduce stress. In contrast, individuals with low income may struggle to pay for these services or even use the internet to connect with friends and family members. These differences create a sense of exclusion that can make it harder for people to build meaningful relationships during times of crisis.
Perceived inequalities such as gender roles, access to resources, age, and socio-economic status influence how individuals manage operational stress. These factors create barriers to forming healthy relationships and receiving adequate support needed to overcome crises. It is essential to address these inequities to ensure everyone has equal opportunities to cope with stress and form resilient relationships. This requires collective action by governments, organizations, communities, and families to provide resources, education, and support that promotes equity and inclusion.
What are the relational implications of perceived inequities in coping with operational stress?
Perceived inequities in coping with operational stress can have significant relational implications as individuals may feel a sense of isolation, resentment, or even anger towards those who seemingly have an easier time dealing with stressful situations. This can lead to strained relationships both within and outside the workplace, as individuals may withdraw from social interactions or become more guarded in their communication due to feelings of frustration or inferiority.