Characteristics Flashcards
What is a definition of stress?
A mismatch between the perceived demands of an individual and their perceived ability to meet the demands
What are two main elements of stress
Stress as a physical response and stress as a psychological response
What did Hans Seleye (1936) find out via his research on rats about the physical response of stress?
He found a general physical reaction to stress that involves the activation of the nervous system and the release of cortisol and adrenaline , meaning that stress causes a reaction in our bodies
What does research (1984) suggest about the Psychological consideration element of stress?
Stress is seen as an interaction between the person and the environment (transactional model)
Primary appraisal involves a consideration of a threat , Secondary appraisal involves a consideration of the resources we have available to combat the stressor
What are the three different types of stress?
Acute stress
Episodic acute stress
Chronic stress
What are characteristics of Acute stress?
The most common form of stress experienced , its short term and the response to an immediate threat
What are some characteristics of episodic acute stress?
It refers to instances of short-term stress , which means that the individual is experiencing frequent demands , however stress will cease unlike chronic stress and individuals can see the end
What are the characteristics of Chronic stress?
Stress that persists over a long period of time, an individual who suffers from chronic stress will see no way out from the situation
What are the physical effects of stress?
Short-term - increased blood preasure, sweaty palms
Long term - damage of the immune system , coronary heart disease
What are the Psychological effects of stress?
Stress can leave individuals feeling isolated and can lower-self esteem , it can also cause other mental health problems such as anxiety and depression
What did Cohen and Williamson (1991) say about stressed people and exposure to pathogens?
They found that people who are stressed are more likely to expose themselves to pathogens , causing illness
What are the effects of stress on lifestyle?
Both physical and psychological effects will start to reflect on the patients life , they may turn to substances to self-medicate stress levels and also struggle with sleep
What did Wills et al (1985) find about adolencents stress and future substance abuse?
Adolencents who experience high-levels of stress are more likely to start smoking than those whose lives are less stressful
What did Corey et al (1993) find about returning to substance abuse?
Adults who have given up smoking are likely to return when encounted with stress
