Chapter 1: Concepts of Stress and Adaptation Flashcards
“fight or flight” syndrome
A syndrome of physical symptoms that results from an individual’s real or perceived notion that harm or danger is imminent.
general adaptation syndrome
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.
adaptation
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.
predisposing factors
include genetic influences, past experiences, and existing conditions.
adaptive response
behavior that maintains the integrity of the individual.
maladaptation
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.
Alarm Reaction Stage
During this stage, the physiological responses of the “fight or flight” syndrome are initiated.
Stage of Resistance
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.
Stage of Exhaustion
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.
Stage of Exhaustion
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.
Cognitive appraisal
an individual’s evaluation of the personal significance of the event or occurrence.
cognitive response
consists of a primary appraisal and a secondary appraisal.
3 types of primary appraisal
irrelevant
benign-positive
stressful
irrelevant appraisal
the outcome holds no significance for the individual
benign-positive appraisal
outcome is one that is perceived as producing pleasure for the individual
stressful appraisal
include harm/loss, threat, and challenge
Harm/loss appraisals
refer to damage or loss already experienced by the individual
threatening appraisals
perceived as anticipated harms or losses
challenging appraisals
the individual focuses on potential for gain or growth, rather than on risks associated with the event.
secondary appraisal
assessment of skills, resources, and knowledge that the person possesses to deal with the situation
Genetic influences
those circumstances of an individual’s life that are acquired through heredity
Genetic influences
those circumstances of an individual’s life that are acquired through heredity
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?
When Cindy was a child, her mother pampered her and kept her home from school when she
was ill.
Stress
Non-specific response of the body to any demand for change
Precipitating Event
A stimulus arising from the internal or external environment and is perceived by the individual in a specific manner
Anxiety
Diffuse apprehension that is vague in nature and is associated with feelings of uncertainty and helplessness
