Stress

1. CHAPTER 4 �Stress�

2. What is stress? Definition: the response of individuals to stressors Stressors: circumstances and events that threaten and tax one�s ability to cope (Acute vs. Chronic�sudden vs. long-lasting)

3. The General Adaptation Syndrome Hans Selye defined stress as the wear and tear on the body due to the demands placed on it introduced General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) alarm stage�resources to combat stress are mobilized; resistance to stressors peak (�fight-or-flight� response) resistance stage�resistance to stressors are leveled off exhaustion stage�resistance to stressors is used up

4. Richard Lazarus�s Cognitive Appraisal of Stress Cognitive appraisal�two-step process Primary appraisal Interpret events as harmful, threatening, challenging Secondary appraisal Evaluate availability of effective coping resources

5. Stress and the Immune System Psychoneuroimmunology: a scientific field that explores connections among psychological factors, the nervous system, and the immune system Research findings: Acute stressors can produce changes in the immune system. Chronic stressors are associated with an increasing downturn in responsiveness of the immune system Positive social circumstances and low stress are associated with increased ability to fight cancer and other illnesses.

6. Stress and Illness Cardiovascular disease Chronic stress is associated with hypertension (high blood pressure), heart disease, and early death. Cancer Stressors can suppress the body�s ability to fight off cancer. Negative health behaviors or a decrease in positive health behaviors can accompany cancer. The immune system can help to provide resistance to cancer and slow its progression if not compromised by stressors.

7. Mediators of Stress Life events and daily hassles Conflict approach/approach (two attractive stimuli) avoidance/avoidance (two unattractive stimuli) approach/avoidance (a single stimulus with both positive and negative characteristics) Overload burnout�physical and emotional exhaustion (most often work-related) Personality Types/Patterns Type A (competitive, hard-driven, impatient, hostile) vs. Type B (relaxed, easygoing) behavior patterns Hardiness�helps to buffer against stress Catharsis (release of anger) Catharsis hypothesis

8. Mediators of Stress (cont.) Work (burnout) Gender Females are more likely to respond to stress through �tend and befriend� response; males��fight-or-flight� response Acculturative stress (negative consequences that result from contact between two distinctive cultural groups) Assimilation� relinquishing and blending Integration� maintaining and blending Separation� self-imposed withdrawal Segregation� withdrawal imposed by society Marginalization� disorganized and unsupported culture Poverty

9. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Definition: a psychological disorder that develops through exposure to a traumatic event Origin--occurs when coping abilities are overloaded Symptoms (flashbacks, numbness, excessive arousal, memory loss, inability to sleep or concentrate, apprehension, impulsive outbursts) Associated events (war, rape, abuse, natural/unnatural disasters)