Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Psychology BC Unit 4 > Chapter 13 Stress and Mental Health > Flashcards

Chapter 13 Stress and Mental Health Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
AP® Psychology flashcards Psychology 101 flashcards GRE® Psychology flashcards
1
Q

Stressor

A

any person, object, situation or event that produces stress.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Stress

A

a state of physiological and psychological arousal produced by internal or external stressors that are perceived by the individual as challenging or exceeding their ability or resources to cope

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Biological factors in biopsychosocial framework

A

fight/flight response
HPA axis
allostasis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Physiological factors in biopsychosocial framework

A

Transactional model of stress & coping
Biofeedback
Coping strategies

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Social factors in biopsychosocial framework

A

Life events
Culture
Environmental influences

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Stress response

A

(reaction) involves the physiological (bodily) and psychological (mental) changes people experience when they are confronted by a stressor.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Levels of stress response

A

Mild (thrilling, challenging, motivating = leads to increased performance in simple and complex tasks)

Acute (suddenly producing a high level of arousal over a period of time)

Chronic (high level of arousal that persist over a long period of time and results in a number of physiological and psychological responses which maybe short term or long lasting

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Fight or flight response

A

an involuntary reaction resulting in a state of physiological readiness to deal with a sudden and immediate threat by either ‘confronting it (fight) or running away to safety’ (flight)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Two hormones released by adrenal glands in fight or flight

A

Sympathetic
adrenaline (also called epinephrenine)
Parasympathetic
noradrenaline (also called norepinephrine)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Hormones released by adrenal glands during HPA axis

A

Cortisol-a hormone that increases the metabolism (concentrating glucose) to increase the ‘fuel’ available to the muscles

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What happens if chronic stress is prolonged on the fight or flight response

A

The HPA axis is activated and takes over (adrenaline and noradrenaline’s effects don’t last long enough)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What does HPA stand for?

A

hypothalamic- pituitary-adrenocortical axis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Process of the fight or flight response

A

1-When a stressor or threat is identified, the hypothalamus in your brain is activated
1.5-The hypothalamus is responsible for certain metabolic (cell sustaining) processes and other activities of the ANS -autonomic nervous system (lower brain structure). This is where the HPA is activated & is responsible for organising your response.
2-This then activates the pituitary gland - up until now this is all neurochemical (ie within the brain!)
3-The activated pituitary gland then releases the hormone ACTH (adrenocprticotropic)
4-ACTH then travels through the blood steam to the adrenal cortex ( the adrenal gland outer layer) where “stress hormones” corticosteriods – commonly cortisol is secreted providing extra energy by increasing blood sugars
5-Next is the adrenal glands (located above the kidneys), were adrenaline & noradrenaline are released

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is the two process’ side by side (HPA & Fight or flight)

A

Stressor
⬇
Brain
⬇
Hypothalamus
⬇ ⬇
Sympathetic NS Pituitary gland
⬇ ⬇
Adrenal gland Adrenal cortex
⬇ ⬇
Adrenaline and noradrenaline Cortisol
⬇ ⬇
Stress response
️

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Prolonged chronic stress response leads to…

A

Responses such as dizziness, aches, muscle tension, heart palpitations, rash, fatigue
Cold and flu and digestive disorders (stomach ulcers)
Cortisol and noradrenaline in high concentrations for prolonged time can effect immune function
More serious physio health problems: diabetes, Cardiovascular disease, immunosuppression (decreased efficiency of immune function)
Serious psych problems have been linked to high prolonged levels of cortisal: mental disorders (depression, PTSD & other anxiety disorders)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Eustress

A

positive psychological response to a stressor eg. Feeling excited, active and alert. It is usually a short -term type of stress

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Destress

A

negative psychological response to a stressor eg anger, anxiety, nervousness or tension. This can be both short and long term

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What are the three categories of psychological stress

A

Behavioural
Emotional
Cognitive

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is behavioural psychological stress

A

apparent in how a person looks - shaky voice, hand tremors, jumpiness, muscle stiffness, strained face, decreased sleeping or increased eating may also occur. People may leave their jobs, use alcohol or avoid their stressor

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What is cognitive psychological stress

A

apparent in changes in a persons ability to learn & think – perception distorted, difficulty concentrating, making decisions, forgetful etc.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What is emotional psychological stress

A

apparent in how a person feels – anxious, tense, depressed angry, feeling hopeless. There is often negative attitudes towards themselves, their work or school

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What are the psychological determiners of stress

A 
Attitudes
Motivation
Level of self esteem
Coping skills
Our perception of how much control we have
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What is the transactional model of stress and coping

A

Lazarus’ and Folkman’s model that:
proposes that stress involves an encounter (transaction) between an individual and their environment – stress response depends on the individuals interpretation (appraisal) of the stress and their judgment of their ability to cope with it.

Lazarus prosed that stress is not the result of the individual alone or the environment alone -> rather the environment can influence the individual AND the individual can influence the environment.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What is primary appraisal?

A

we evaluate or judge the significance of the situation eg. ‘is this something I have to deal with’, ‘will I be in trouble’ or ‘does this matter to me?’
Relates to three basic categories: threats , challenges and harm/loss

25
Q

Secondary appraisal

A

we evaluate our coping options, resources and options for dealing with the stressful situation
Coping can be internal (e.g strength & determination) or external (e.g. money, support from family & friends)
It can lead to reappraisal

26
Q

Reappraisal

A

we determine the extent to which additional resources are needed to cope with the situation – this is a dual process
reappraising the situation while taking into account the coping resources available and
reappraisal of the coping resources while taking into account the reappraised threat

27
Q

Coping

A

the process of constantly changing cognitive & behavioural efforts to manage specific internal or external stressors that are appraised as taxing or exceeding the resources of a person

28
Q

What are the two types of coping?

A

Emotion-focused coping

Problem-focused coping

29
Q

Problem focused coping

A

involves efforts to manage or change the cause or source of the problem
Reappraising
Obtaining more information

30
Q

Emotion focused coping

A

involves strategies to attend to our emotional responses to the stress
Denial – ‘I’m not stressed’
Distancing
avoiding

31
Q

What is the process of the transactional model of stress and coping

A

Perceived stressful event or situation
⬇️ ⬇️
Threat Challenge Primary appraisal
⬇️ ⬇️
I don’t have the resources I do have the resource (secondary appraisal)
⬇️ ⬇️
Distress Estress

32
Q

Strengths of Lazarus & Folkman

Transactional model of stress and coping

A

-Considers cognitive approaches (as opposed to the fight-flight response which focuses on physiological processes)
-It is a dynamic model (not static) by examining an individuals interaction with the environment in terms of appraisal, reappraisal and ability to adjust
-Caters for individual differences
-Identifies alternative methods for managing psychological responses to stressors

33
Q

Limitations of Lazarus & Folkman

Transactional model of stress and coping

A
  • It is subjective & variable (lacks empirical evidence)
    -Difficult to isolate primary & secondary appraisals because of their interdependence
  • Psychological construct, it is purely a theory and can’t be tested
34
Q

Social readjustment

A

refers to the amount of change or ‘adjustment’ in lifestyle a person is forced to make following a specific event in their lives.
Holmes & Rahe (1967) developed the social readjustment rating scale, people who score 200+ within a 12 month period are prone to physical & psychological stress related illnesses, and stress on the scale can be both positive(marriage) and negative(funeral)

35
Q

Social, cultural and environmental factors

A

Like the Biopsychosocial framework-> a stress response is also influenced by all factors.

You need to be aware how each factor can exacerbate (worsen) or alleviate (lessen) affects of the stress response.

36
Q

Cultural factors

A

alleviating a stress response (leaving poverty, persecution, political turmoil or war)
Adjusting to a new culture (demands of adjusting to the new culture, leaving family, old values and beliefs Vs. new values & beliefs ) - can produce or exacerbate the stress responses/s.

37
Q

acculturated

A

adopt the values, custom & language of the new culture, can be difficult and also cause stress.

38
Q

Racism linked stress

A

linking the effects of experiencing racism with chronic stress related responses such as anxiety disorders, depression and weaker links to drug misuse, violence & heart disease

39
Q

Environmental factors

A

Crowding

Personal space

40
Q

Crowding

A

feeling of being cramped and having less space than preferred – this is a subjective experience and not always related to population density. Eg. Being crowed by a stranger sitting next to you on the bus, may case you stress.

41
Q

Personal space

A

the intimidate & small area – stanidng at 1 ½ meters, standing at 50 cm and standing at >50 cms

42
Q

What are the factors that effect crowding?

A

The length of time spent in that situation
Personal characteristics and temperament
Individual perception
A sense of control over a situation

43
Q

Calhoun’s research (1962)

A

Mice in a large enclosure
Plenty of space, water, food etc.
Mice display normal social behaviour, mating etc.
Population doubled every 55 days
Mice in overcrowded enclosure showed maladaptive behaviours
Aggression and even cannibalism
Hyperactivity or lethargy
Mothers attacked their young, stopped breeding

44
Q

Homeostasis

A

refers to the body maintaining a balance of day to day automatically occurring body functions

45
Q

Allostasis

A

the body’s ability to maintain a stable physiological environment by adjusting and changing to meet internal & external demands
– this is done by helping the body by changing and attempting to return the body to a state of homeostasis.
Allostasis describes not just the idea of homeostasis, rather, it attempts to achieve biological and psychological stability when facing a response to stress, stressors or challenges

46
Q

Difference between allostasis and homeostasis

A

Homeostasis internal balance despite changes in the external, allostasis is what happens when environment changes and is trying to be returned to homeostasis

47
Q

Allostasis load

A

the cumulative negative effects of wear and tear that the body & brain experience due to repeated cycles of allostatic changes &/or insufficient turning on/off of these responses

48
Q

Four types of allostatic load

A

Repeated
Lack of adaption
Prolonged response
Inadequate response

49
Q

Define each of the four types of allostatic load

A

Repeated hits: most common exposed to multiple stressors in a short period of time.
-Eg several different things all one after the other – loosing your keys, missing the train, being late to a meeting

Lack of adaption: adapting to repeated stress – prolonged exposures
- Eg in a shop there a 4 unhappy customers who want their money back for faultly goods, and then a 5th person walks in for the same thing

Prolonged response: the body is unable to turn ‘off’ allostatic responses after stressful situation has passed
- Eg. Having a huge fight that last for days and you think about for days

Inadequate response: when 1 allostatic system does not respond or responds weakly when needed.
- Eg being very, very tired and exhausted after a big day, hard training session of sport, doing all this housework and then being faced with a stressor and not being able to cope with it.

50
Q

Allostatic overload

A

occurs when a person has reached or developed serious health problems such as a physical or mental disease

  • It is still the cumulative exposure of increased secretion of adrenal hormones which can damage cardiovascular and immune systems if frequent stressors or perhaps one stressor is not alleviated
  • It is considered to have occurred when a person becomes sick
51
Q

Stress levels depend upon

A

the number of stressful events (both positive and negative)
the individual’s appraisal of the stressor or situation
the influence of environmental, cultural and social factors.

52
Q

Strategies for coping with Stress

A 
Biofeedback
Meditation
Relaxation
Physical exercise
Social support
53
Q

Biofeedback

A

a technique that enables individuals to receive information (feedback) on a bodily response, eg. Beep when heart beats, EEG reading

  • Subjects can learn to control response using biofeedback and relaxation techniques by biofeedback training
  • Often doesn’t work outside of a lab setting
  • Effects don’t always last
54
Q

Meditation

A

A specific technique that involves altering one’s state of consciousness by focussing attention or thoughts on a single internal stimulus

55
Q

Relaxation

A

Process of reducing psych/physio arousal

-Any activity that is either physical or psychological that reduces tension

56
Q

Difference between relaxation and mediation

A

The key difference between meditation and relaxation is that meditation actively alters conscious thought by focusing on a single stimulus (such as breathing), whilst relaxation is aimed at releasing tension.

57
Q

Physical exercise

A

Engaging in a planned activity that requires physical exertion to improve or maintain your physical condition

  • Uses up stress hormones secreted by HPA
  • Release tension in muscles
  • Release of endorphins – pleasure related neurotransmitters
  • Social interaction
58
Q

Social support

A

help/assistance from other people, such as friends, family and community members when needed.

59
Q

Four types of social support

A

Appraisal support – help from others that improves understanding of the situation
Tangible assistance – material support, financial, food, goods etc
Information support – ideas on how to cope
Emotional support – targets emotional reactions of the individual, makes them feel cared for and valued

Psychology BC Unit 4 (5 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions