chapter 7: stress, coping, and defense mechanisms

Question 1

stress

Answer 1

• according to American Psychological Association, stress is a response to a specific situation. Stress should only last for a brief period period
• can be a cause for concern if it lasts for a long period

Question 2

effective coping

Answer 2

• healthy choices
• nurses can assist patients by allowing them choices, providing positive feedback, and acknowledging the work the pt has done to help in their healing process

Question 3

ineffective coping

Answer 3

excessive use of defense mechanisms

Question 4

stressors

Answer 4

divorce
wedding
job/getting fired
moving
job
death of a loved one
birth
finances

Question 5

coping

Answer 5

• behavioral, physical, and psychological ways one adapts to a stressor
• ability to adapt to a stressor
• affected by culture, religion, and individual beliefs
• affected by one’s personal choice

Question 6

general adaptation syndrome (GAS)

Answer 6

• alarm stage
• resistance or adaptation stage
• exhaustion stage

Question 7

stress adaptation

Answer 7

• according to the GAS model, if a person continues to resist, they eventually become exhausted, which can affect the person’s immune system
• this can lead to death if not managed

Question 8

defense mechanisms

Answer 8

• mental pressure alves
• learned
• considered to be unconscious
• give the illusion of being helpful, when in reality they mask the stress and may actually increase it
• when used in small doses may be helpful for short term stress relief
• when used to excess, become ineffective and may lead to breakdown of personality
• people tend to have their own “repertoire” of mechanisms (examples: eating, shopping, avoiding work etc)

Question 9

examples of defense mechanisms

Answer 9

• denial
• repression
• dissociation
• rationalizations
• compensation
• sublimation
• regression
• isolation
• avoidance