There is a persistent stereotype surrounding Type A personalities. The term often brings to mind someone who is impatient, overly intense, or constantly stressed. I have long known that I have a Type A personality, so taking the survey mostly confirmed something I already understood about myself. Anyone who knows me or has worked alongside me would likely recognize those traits immediately. I am driven and ambitious, and once I commit to something, I pursue it with an intensity that doesn’t leave much room for doing things halfway. I hold myself to high standards and can be a perfectionist when it comes to the quality of my work. I care deeply about doing things well and following through on what I start.
The stigma surrounding Type A personalities often extends beyond stress. The label carries assumptions that someone with these traits must be bossy, domineering, controlling, or difficult to work with. In reality, the same qualities that make someone Type A are often the reasons others rely on them. For me, that reliability comes from taking myself, my work, and what I contribute to the world seriously.
I scored relatively high on The Life Stress Inventory, but it did not reveal anything entirely new to me about myself, largely because of my background in psychology. I originally pursued my bachelor’s degree in psychology to better understand how my own life experiences shaped my behavior, stress responses, and coping strategies. Because of that background, I have spent years reflecting on how I respond to pressure and what helps me maintain balance. What the inventory reinforced, however, is how cumulative life changes can increase stress. Over the past year, I have experienced several major transitions at once, including leaving a demanding career, changing my professional direction, beginning graduate school, and navigating health challenges. Even when life changes represent growth, adjusting to multiple transitions at the same time can elevate stress.
What surprised me about the Life Stress Inventory, was how many of the coping strategies on the list are ones I practice regularly. Reading helps me mentally reset, and music has always been a constant in my life. Listening to music quietly in the background while studying helps me stay focused rather than distracting me. Self-care is a non-negotiable for me; taking time for my beauty and skincare routine morning and night creates moments of calm during an otherwise demanding schedule and helps me regain focus and perspective. During that time, I also practice affirmations, which the inventory identifies as a helpful coping strategy.
According to the American Psychological Association, work is consistently cited as one of the most significant sources of stress for Americans, and working hard should not be confused with overworking at the expense of relationships and physical health (American Psychological Association, 2024). Although I am currently a full-time graduate student rather than working in a traditional workplace, graduate school functions very much like my workplace. It requires sustained effort, time management, and meeting demanding expectations.
Interestingly, I feel less stressed now than I did in my previous career because the connection between effort and outcome is clearer. When I invest time in understanding the material and applying it correctly, the results appear directly through feedback and grades, which makes the stress feel purposeful rather than draining.
Organizations are also increasingly recognizing that stress is not only an individual issue but an organizational one. Seaverson (2025) explains that employees experience lower levels of stress and burnout when workplaces prioritize clear expectations, supportive leadership, and psychological safety. When people understand what is expected of them and feel supported by the environment around them, work becomes far less stressful. I think this is part of why I feel much less stressed in my new role as a graduate student than I did in the career I left. Oregon State University not only provides knowledge through coursework like this class, but also offers a wide range of resources and support systems that make the learning environment feel structured and supportive rather than overwhelming.
The APA suggests developing healthy responses to stress, setting boundaries, and taking time to recharge. I avoid unhealthy coping habits. I do not drink to manage stress or rely on destructive outlets. I don’t commit to doing things I don’t want to do. I set aside one day each week away from schoolwork to reset my mind and body, and meet regularly with a therapist, which helps me process stress and maintain perspective.
References:
American Psychological Association. (2024). Coping with stress at work. https://www.apa.org/topics/healthy-workplaces/work-stress�
Seaverson, A. (2025). Why it’s critical for organizations to care for their employees. WebMD Health Services. https://www.webmdhealthservices.com/blog/why-its-critical-for-organizations-to-care-for-employees/
