Chapter Four

A Model of Stress Situation is perceived (interpreted) as stressful

Emotional reaction leads to feelings such as fear, anger, insecurity

These feelings lead to physiological arousal (stress reactivity)

Consequences: poor performance, illness, possible disease

Stress Model

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Activities to block a stressor Activities to block a stressor from resulting in negative from resulting in negative

consequencesconsequences

Coping with a StressorRichard Lazaus perceived stress to be the result of

a determination that a demand exceeds resources available to meet that demand.

Coping- engaging in behavior or thought to respond to demand. (Task oriented/ emotion-focused)

Primary appraisal- judging how much of a threat is involved, and how important is the outcome.

Secondary appraisal- whether you have the resources needed to meet the demand.

Reappraisal- Evaluation of whether the response made to a demand/threat was effective.

Setting up RoadblocksIntervention is used to block a stressful consequenceThese blocks are set up at various points on the stress theory

modelCognitive restructuring or medications (prescribed or illegal)

can be used as roadblocksINCOMPLETE ROADBLOCK: Can only filter out a portion at

each level of the stress model, therefore not all of the “bad” will be filtered out.

COMPLETE ROADBLOCK: ComprehensiveComprehensive stress management includes intervention at ALL phases of the stress model.

Did You Know?Stress can be good!Have you ever taken a really important test, aced

it, and really felt good and almost euphoric after it was over?

This type of stress is called EustressStress that results in positive consequencesInvolves change that requires adaptationAllows personal growth and is beneficial to the

personFigure 4.4 illustrates how stress can be

productive

Yerkes-Dodson Curve

Taking Control- realize/exerciseManaging stress means exercising control

rather than giving up control “YOU ARE IN CHARGE OF YOU”One can decide to control or not control the

stress response (assuming responsibility)Practicing specific techniques is a means of

taking control and assuming responsibility

STRESS MODEL SCENARIOYOU HAVE JUST BEEN FIRED FROM YOUR JOB. YOU HAVE FINANCIAL CONCERNS AS WELL AS EMOTIONAL CONCERNS. EXPLAIN HOW YOU WOULD GO THROUGH THE STRESS MODEL AND WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE OUTCOMES….