The psychological effects of stress causes psychological problems which has negative effects on the mental condition of the individual. The following are the psychological effects of stress :
(1) Depression : When the stress lasts for a longer period of time, there is change in the functions of internal organs of the body. It has direct effect on the feelings and emotions of an individual. An individual becomes victim of frustration when he is deprived from satisfying a desired need. When frustration lasts for longer period, it leads to depression. The symptoms of depression are anxiety, disturbance in digestion, disturbance in sleep, loss of interest andenergy, weakness, feelings of guilt, suicidal tendency, distraction etc. More intensity of stress causes loss of pleasure and interest, keeping away from activities, loss or gain of weight, slow down behaviour, exhaustion, inability to think clearly, feeling of worthlessness, frequent thought of suicide etc.
(2) Problems in adjustment : Adjustment means to be able to change according to the need of the environment and situation. The individual with severe stress experiences various psychophysical changes which has negative effects on his strength, efficiency, thinking ability and confidence. Such individual can not tolerate even slightest changes in life. Due to high emotional quotient he feels fear, anxiety, doubt etc. so he can not change himself. Therefore, it becomes difficult for him to make adjustment even in social life.
(3) Effect on decision making process : When the stress increases, it has negative effect on the decision - making ability of the individual. To take balanced decision, one has to think in a realistic way, with correct perception. But due to severe stress, an individual is not able to think logically and it affects his decision making process. In such situation the individual avoids taking decisions or depends on others to take his own decisions.
(4) Obstacles in problem solving : In stressful situation, the problem solving ability also gets affected. It is necessary to think clearly, to think about positive and negative aspects to solve problems. Moreover efforts should be increased and errors should be decreased in the problem solving process. But an individual with severe stress is not able to do so. Therefore, he can not evaluate the situation logically or try properly to solve his own problems. Thus, it can be said that stress is an obstacle in problem solving.