Module 34Stress and CopingChapter 11Essentials of Understanding Psychology- Sixth Edition

PSY110 Psychology

© Richard Goldman

June 7, 2006

Stress

Response to threatening or challenging events

Steps Involved in Stress

1. Perception

2. Consider ways to cope

3. Adapt to it or find a resolution

Biological Reactions to Stress Hormones (adrenaline)

Increase Heart Rate Increase Blood Pressure Constriction of capillaries

in skin More Alert (short term) Physically detrimental (long

term) Cardio-vascular disease Immune problems and

illness

Psychophysiological Disease (Psychosomatic) Headache (migraine) High blood pressure Rashes Back and neck pain Indigestion Constipation Fatigue Sleeplessness or too much sleep Cognitive problems (can’t think straight) Social problems (short with people)

General Adaptation Syndrome Model (GAS)Stages of Stress – Hans Selye

1. Alarm and Mobilization Stage (Awareness) Become aware of stressor Biological – Sympathetic nervous system energized

2. Resistance Stage (Fight or Flight) Prepare to fight (or overcome or cope) Use of physical and psychological energy

3. Exhaustion Stage Worn out (All resources are exhausted) Illness, irritability, can’t concentrate, disorientation

Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) and Stress

PNI – The study of psychological factors among the brain and immune system

Physiological Effects: Increase hormone production High blood pressure Decrease in immune system functioning

Low levels of lymphocytes – Increase in disease Over stimulation of the immune system may trigger:

Arthritis Allergies

May trigger Harmful Behaviors: Drinking Smoking Drugs Poor diet & sleep

Categorizing Stress

Cataclysmic Event – Sudden disasters Not too stressful Event is behind you Social support

Personal Events – Death of family or friend, etc. Gradually tapers off over time May experience Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Background Stressor – Daily hassles - Traffic Jams, etc.

Learned Helplessness

The failure to avoid or escape from an unpleasant or aversive stimulus that occurs as a result of previous exposure to unavoidable painful stimuli.

Not allowed to make decisions for self Give up Negative health consequences (Depression)

Coping with Stress

Control the situation Reduce or eliminate the

stressor Learn to tolerate the

stressor Avoidance:

Pray that it will go away Alcohol & Drugs

Coping with Stress Defense Mechanisms

Negative: Distortion Denial Conceal from self Emotional Insulation – stop caring or feeling about

everything Positive:

Emotion Focused – Look at the brighter side Problem Focused – Deal with the stressor

Coping Styles

Hardiness traits: Commitment – throws themselves into whatever they are

doing Challenge – Change is the norm (not stability) Control – Has influence over events Resilient Good natured Independent Control over own destiny Makes the best out of a situation

Coping Strategies

Turn a threat into a challenge (I’ll show you!) Consider a threat in a different light (see the silver

lining) Change your goals Take physical action (exercise, diet, etc.) Prepare:

Plan ways to reduce encounters with stressors Strategize for ways to deal with anticipated stressors

Develop a support group Acquire a pet