Chapter 17 - stress and physical wellbeing Flashcards
biopsychosocial approach
taking a holistic approach to treating simple phobias including biological, psychological and sociocultural factors that contribute to causes and treatment of psychological disorders
stressor
a source of tension that challenges a persons ability to cope
stress
a psychological and physical response to internal or external sources of tension that challenge a persons ability to cope, they can be real or perceived
the HPA axis
the perception of a stressor activates a sequence of processes involving the hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal glands. These structures interact through a feedback system to respond with physiological arousal.
Cognitive appraisal
the process through which people evaluate the meaning of a specific event with regards to its personal significance
Lazarus and Folkman’s transactional model of stress and coping
A cognitive model focused on the transaction between an individual’s perception of a stressor and the stressor itself
1st primary appraisal
2nd secondary appraisal
3rd either or both of emotional-focused coping and problem focused coping strategies used to deal with the stressor
primary appraisal
Initial evaluation process where the person determines whether the event is a threat or a challenge
harm/loss
the assessment that some type of damage has been done
threat
assessment that there may be a future harm or loss
challenge
assessment that there is an opportunity for personal growth or something that may have a positive outcome.
Neutral/irrelevant/benign
assessment that this event is of little or no personal importance or relevance to the person therefore does not go beyond primary appraisal
Secondary Appraisal
the second stage where the person considers what options are available to them and how they will respond to the event (stressor). this appraisal is made at a ore conscious level
emotional forecasting
in the primary appraisal phase, the person experiences an emotional response to the given situation. In the secondary appraisal phase, the person considers how they will feel when considering each different option.
problem-focused coping
involves trying to reduce the negative situation by using practical ways to deal with the stress such as seeking information, evaluating pros and cons of situation.
emotion-focused coping
involves trying to reduce the negative emotional responses associated with stress such as embarrassment, fear, anxiety, depression, excitement and frustration by using strategies such as: meditation, relaxation, talking to a friend/family, ignoring the problem, distraction.
Strengths of Lazarus and Folkman’s transactional model of stress and coping
- used human subjects in developing the model
- used a cognitive approach to stress with a focus on how people cope with psychological stressors
- took both mental processes and emotions into account when examining how an individual interprets a situation as stressful or not
Limitations of Lazarus and Folkman’s transactional model of stress and coping
- the greater focus on psychological factors meant that less emphasis was placed on the physiological elements of the stress response
- it did not include cultural, social or environmental factors in looking at how individuals perceive a stressful event.
protective factors
factors in a persons life, such as a stable life, good family, strong social network, that help to face stressors with greater resilience.
Allostasis Definition
“where the body maintains stability or homeostasis through change.” (Sterling & Eyer, 1988).
When a person interprets an event as stressful; several internal physiological and behavioural processes are activated so that adaptation to the stressor or allostasis can be achieved.
Allostasis Load Definition
refers to the cumulative effects of our body trying to re-establish allostasis in response to frequent and intense stressors.
Allostasis Overload Definition
When the demands of the stressor exceed the body’s ability to repeatedly adapt, the person is no longer able to meet the demands.
Four situations of Allostasis Overload
- repeated exposure to stressors
- Inability to adapt to stressor
- Inadequate activation of Flight or fight so other bodily systems try to compensate
- when the stress response takes time to deactivate, leaving stress hormones to circulate longer.
Coping Strategies - Biofeedback Definition
A scientifically based treatment that uses sensitive instruments to monitor and provide feedback/information about a person’s heart rate, respiration rate, brainwaves, skin temperature, moisture on the skin and muscle tone at that point in time. A person may use this information to consciously alter their readings whilst using recommended relaxation techniques.
Coping Strategies - Meditation Definition
A deliberately induced altered state of consciousness in which a person uses mental exercises to become highly focussed on a single thought, to the exclusion of others
Coping Strategies - Physical exercise Definition
refers to an activity that requires exertion with the purpose of improving fitness or health.
Coping Strategies - Social Support Definition
refers to the network of family, friends, neighbours and community members that are available during difficult times to provide emotional, physical and financial assistance.
Relaxation
Calming of the body and mind, reflected in brainwave activity changes, heart rate, respiration rate, blood pressure and temperature. This is often done through breathing exercises and systematic muscle relaxation techniques.
Distress
refers to a negative psychological response to a perceived stressor
Eustress
refers to a positive psychological response to a perceived stressor
HPA axis process
- hypothalamus releases corticotrophin (CRH)
- activating pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic Hormone
- prompting adrenal glands to release stress hormones , adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol.
physiological changes occur e.g. increased heart rate
