1. Is the “fight-or-flight” response evident in this case? Explain.

2. What influences on the stress experience appear to be present?

3. What were the primary work-related stressors for Coleen Colombo and Sylvia Vega-Sutfin? Explain.

4. Do you think the lawsuit was warranted? Explain.

5. What defense mechanisms used by individuals to justify aggressive behaviors are evident? Explain.

MINI CASE 

Coleen Colombo joined the Concord (California) branch of BNC in 2003. The small office, next to a Mercedes–Benz dealership and a run-down Kmart, was part of a regional group that funded some $1.2 billion worth of loans each month. Colombo initially thrived in her job as a senior underwriter. In a performance review, she received a top rating of “exceeds expectations,” according to a wrongful termination and harassment suit filed in California Superior Court on behalf of Colombo and five other female employees.