Community Psychology, 3: Stress Flashcards
Dohwenrend (1977)’s view of stress in community psych
This former president of the APA division of community psychology viewed stress as a concept that could unify the varied ideas and activities in community psych.
Hans Selye’s model of stress
The first to describe the physiological consequence of stressors; termed it the General Adaptation Syndrome: Alarm -> Resistance -> Exhaustion
Chronic vs acute stress
Results of ongoing vs limited duration stressors. The former is damaging to the nervous system and aspects of DNA (telomeres) that contribute to aging.
Social support
A buffer against stressors; greater social support reduces rates of mental illness, physiological signs of stress, and stress reactions.
Effects of optimism
Optimism improves well being in its own right, regardless of the contextual situation.
Rappoport’s view of stress in community psych
This founder of community psychology viewed stress as ‘old wine in new bottles’ - too much focus on individuals and deficiencies, over systems and communities.
GAS
General Adaptation Syndrome; Selye believed it was the physiological system’s response to any disruption of normal functioning
Hassles
Everyday stressors, worries and problems; combined, they create more overall stress than major life changes.
Microaggressions
Small, possibly unintentional behaviors that communicate a negative evaluation of another person’s groups/identity.
Primary vs Secondary Appraisal
Primary: Is this situation a threat? Secondary: What methods or resources can help me cope with this?
Active vs Avoidant Coping
Active: directly confronting the stressor or obstacle. Avoidant: Dealing with the reaction rather than the obstacle, ie distraction, drugs, denial, withdrawal.
Collectivist coping
In some societies, ‘nonactive’ coping can have positive interpretations, and include behaviors like looking for meaning or silver linings in the situation, and sharing feelings about the stressor with family.
Conditions where social support is esp. needed
When stressors appear to be uncontrollable.
Resilience
An attribute that indicates a persons ability to thrive even under adverse, challenging, unpleasant, unexpected circumstances.
Resilient children’s response to parental absence/inability
Resilient children were found to have secured the mentoring and assistance of other capable adults in the community to learn the skills they need and aid coping.
