Chapter 17 - stress and physical wellbeing

Question 1

biopsychosocial approach

Answer 1

taking a holistic approach to treating simple phobias including biological, psychological and sociocultural factors that contribute to causes and treatment of psychological disorders

Question 2

stressor

Answer 2

a source of tension that challenges a persons ability to cope

Question 3

stress

Answer 3

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

Question 4

the HPA axis

Answer 4

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.

Question 5

Cognitive appraisal

Answer 5

the process through which people evaluate the meaning of a specific event with regards to its personal significance

Question 6

Lazarus and Folkman’s transactional model of stress and coping

Answer 6

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

Question 7

primary appraisal

Answer 7

Initial evaluation process where the person determines whether the event is a threat or a challenge

Question 8

harm/loss

Answer 8

the assessment that some type of damage has been done

Question 9

threat

Answer 9

assessment that there may be a future harm or loss

Question 10

challenge

Answer 10

assessment that there is an opportunity for personal growth or something that may have a positive outcome.

Question 11

Neutral/irrelevant/benign

Answer 11

assessment that this event is of little or no personal importance or relevance to the person therefore does not go beyond primary appraisal

Question 12

Secondary Appraisal

Answer 12

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

Question 13

emotional forecasting

Answer 13

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.

Question 14

problem-focused coping

Answer 14

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.

Question 15

emotion-focused coping

Answer 15

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.

Question 16

Strengths of Lazarus and Folkman’s transactional model of stress and coping

Answer 16

• 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

Question 17

Limitations of Lazarus and Folkman’s transactional model of stress and coping

Answer 17

• 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.

Question 18

protective factors

Answer 18

factors in a persons life, such as a stable life, good family, strong social network, that help to face stressors with greater resilience.

Question 19

Allostasis Definition

Answer 19

“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.

Question 20

Allostasis Load Definition

Answer 20

refers to the cumulative effects of our body trying to re-establish allostasis in response to frequent and intense stressors.

Question 21

Allostasis Overload Definition

Answer 21

When the demands of the stressor exceed the body’s ability to repeatedly adapt, the person is no longer able to meet the demands.

Question 22

Four situations of Allostasis Overload

Answer 22

1. repeated exposure to stressors
2. Inability to adapt to stressor
3. Inadequate activation of Flight or fight so other bodily systems try to compensate
4. when the stress response takes time to deactivate, leaving stress hormones to circulate longer.

Question 23

Coping Strategies - Biofeedback Definition

Answer 23

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.

Question 24

Coping Strategies - Meditation Definition

Answer 24

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

Question 25

Coping Strategies - Physical exercise Definition

Answer 25

refers to an activity that requires exertion with the purpose of improving fitness or health.

Question 26

Coping Strategies - Social Support Definition

Answer 26

refers to the network of family, friends, neighbours and community members that are available during difficult times to provide emotional, physical and financial assistance.

Question 27

Relaxation

Answer 27

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.

Question 28

Distress

Answer 28

refers to a negative psychological response to a perceived stressor

Question 29

Eustress

Answer 29

refers to a positive psychological response to a perceived stressor

Question 30

HPA axis process

Answer 30

• 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