Chapter 1: Concepts of Stress and Adaptation

Question 1

“fight or flight” syndrome

Answer 1

A syndrome of physical symptoms that results from an individual’s real or perceived notion that harm or danger is imminent.

Question 2

general adaptation syndrome

Answer 2

general reaction of the body to stress which occurs in three stages: the alarm reaction stage, the stage of resistance, and the stage of exhaustion.

Question 3

adaptation

Answer 3

Occur when physical or behavioral response to change in internal or external environment results in preservation of individual integrity or timely return to equilibrium. Viewed as positive and is correlated with a healthy response.

Question 4

predisposing factors

Answer 4

include genetic influences, past experiences, and existing conditions.

Question 5

adaptive response

Answer 5

behavior that maintains the integrity of the individual.

Question 6

maladaptation

Answer 6

Maladaptation occurs when an individual’s physical or behavioral response to any change in his or her internal or external environment results in disruption of individual integrity or in persistent disequilibrium.

Question 7

Alarm Reaction Stage

Answer 7

During this stage, the physiological responses of the “fight or flight” syndrome are initiated.

Question 8

Stage of Resistance

Answer 8

The individual uses the physiological responses of the first stage as a defense in the attempt to adapt to the stressor. If adaptation occurs, the third stage is prevented or delayed. Physiological symptoms may disappear.

Question 9

Stage of Exhaustion

Answer 9

This stage occurs when there is a prolonged exposure to the stressor to which the body has become adjusted. The adaptive energy is depleted, and the individual can no longer draw from the resources for adaptation described in the first two stages. Diseases of adaptation (e.g., headaches, mental disorders, coronary artery disease, ulcers, colitis) may occur. Without intervention for reversal, exhaustion, and in some cases even death, ensues.

Question 10

Stage of Exhaustion

Answer 10

This stage occurs when there is a prolonged exposure to the stressor to which the body has become adjusted. The adaptive energy is depleted, and the individual can no longer draw from the resources for adaptation described in the first two stages. Diseases of adaptation (e.g., headaches, mental disorders, coronary artery disease, ulcers, colitis) may occur. Without intervention for reversal, exhaustion, and in some cases even death, ensues.

Question 11

Cognitive appraisal

Answer 11

an individual’s evaluation of the personal significance of the event or occurrence.

Question 12

cognitive response

Answer 12

consists of a primary appraisal and a secondary appraisal.

Question 13

3 types of primary appraisal

Answer 13

irrelevant
benign-positive
stressful

Question 14

irrelevant appraisal

Answer 14

the outcome holds no significance for the individual

Question 15

benign-positive appraisal

Answer 15

outcome is one that is perceived as producing pleasure for the individual

Question 16

stressful appraisal

Answer 16

include harm/loss, threat, and challenge

Question 17

Harm/loss appraisals

Answer 17

refer to damage or loss already experienced by the individual

Question 18

threatening appraisals

Answer 18

perceived as anticipated harms or losses

Question 19

challenging appraisals

Answer 19

the individual focuses on potential for gain or growth, rather than on risks associated with the event.

Question 20

secondary appraisal

Answer 20

assessment of skills, resources, and knowledge that the person possesses to deal with the situation

Question 21

Genetic influences

Answer 21

those circumstances of an individual’s life that are acquired through heredity

Question 22

Genetic influences

Answer 22

those circumstances of an individual’s life that are acquired through heredity

Question 23

Cindy regularly develops nausea and vomiting when she is faced with a stressful situation. Which of the following is most likely a predisposing factor to this maladaptive response by Cindy?

Answer 23

When Cindy was a child, her mother pampered her and kept her home from school when she
was ill.

Question 24

Stress

Answer 24

Non-specific response of the body to any demand for change

Question 25

Precipitating Event

Answer 25

A stimulus arising from the internal or external environment and is perceived by the individual in a specific manner

Question 26

Anxiety

Answer 26

Diffuse apprehension that is vague in nature and is associated with feelings of uncertainty and helplessness