1. Personality factors

In the seventies, two American cardiologists, Friedman and Rosenman, divided people into two personality characteristics: People with a 'type A' behaviour pattern are characterized as fastidious, meticulous, hot-tempered, and stubborn. These people always want to be better than others; they want everything to be done their way and are usually quick to get angry and frustrated at the slightest mistake. These people are more liable to develop various cardiovascular problems. On the other side, there are those with a 'type B' behaviour pattern, who are generally carefree, easy to please, not quicktempered and generally have a more relaxed attitude. Type B people tend to be healthier than type As.2 Studies show that an overall sense of personal control and power over your own situation reduces susceptibility to stress and leads to the development of the right mental attitude to cope with your problems. Remember this hadith by Prophet Muhammad (m) : «The strong believer is more loved by Allah than the weak one, and there is benefaction in both.» I recall here an interesting study performed in Israel following the Iraqi launched missiles during the Gulf War of 1991. The study of Israeli civilians found that the mortality rate increased alarmingly 1 Santrock, 2003. 2 Ibid. after the attack. Surprisingly, the increased number of deaths was not caused by the physical effect of the missiles - which were practically ineffective, probably due to the great distance of the target. Rather, it was caused by heart failure and other cardiovascular problems induced by the fright, apprehension and panic these missiles had induced in the hapless civilians.3 It should be noted here, though, that the mental state was not the main cause of these deaths; most of the victims had a pre-existing heart condition that made them susceptible to this sudden panic attack. 4 This brings us back to the idea ofholism; a combination of one's physical condition and lifestyle that affects emotions and psychology, and vice versa. The lack of a sense of power is an essential factor in this incident. A positive sense of power that primarily arises from faith and social unity, so that when those two elements are missing, people feel fear and insecurity, as we have been taught in the Quran: ( \t - \ 1" : _,..!.:>JI o..>.r") ~Verily, you [believers in the Oneness of Allah - Islamic 3 Martin, 1998. 4 Ibid. monotheism] are more awful as a fear in their breasts than Allah. That is because they are a people who do not comprehend [the Majesty and Power of Allah]. They do not fight against you even together, except in fortified townships, or from behind walls. Their enmity among themselves is very great. You would think they were united, but their hearts are divided, that is because they are a people who do not understand) (Quran 59: 13-14) The following are important qualities or personality traits that enable you to manage stress: •:• strong faith •:• a feeling of power •:• independence •:• having a sense of commitment •:• self control •:• the perception of problems as challenges. 5