dp.6 - sources of stress

Question 1

stressor

Answer 1

Stimuli that cause or produce stress and challenge our ability to cope

Question 2

stress

Answer 2

A state of physiological and psychological arousal produced by an internal or external stressor that are perceived by the individual as challenging or exceeding their ability or resources to cope.

Question 3

stress reaction

Answer 3

The physiological and psychological result of stress

Question 4

physiological result of stress

Answer 4

skin rashes, headaches, colds/flu, heart palpitations, heart attack, stomach ulcers

Question 5

psychological result of stress

Answer 5

Behavioural → changes to eating habits, changes to sleep
Emotional → irritability, aggression
Cognitive → decreased concentration, memory impairment

Question 6

daily pressures

Answer 6

Relatively minor troubles or concerns that arise in day to day living, such as having an argument with a friend, waiting in a queue and having too many things to do at once.
They are hassles that are little problems of everyday living that are irritants - events that annoy or bother us which can make us upset or angry

Question 7

life events

Answer 7

Involves change that forces us to adapt to new circumstances, for example the loss of a significant relationship to beginning a new career
These events typically have immediate consequences and also require longer term adjustments

Question 8

acculturative stress

Answer 8

Refers to the stress people experience in trying to adapt to a new culture when living in it for a considerable period of time.

Question 9

major stress

Answer 9

An event that is extraordinarily stressful or disturbing for almost everyone who experiences it. It may be a single, one off event such as being the victim of a violent crime, or it may be an ongoing, unrelenting event, such as a terminal illness.
Highly likely to be a terrible experience that is very frightening or distressing
Does not have to be directly experienced - eg witnessing a crime happen to someone close to you

Question 10

catastrophes

Answer 10

Disrupt and affect whole communities at once.
An event that causes widespread damage or suffering.
A stressor of massive proportion.
Eg. natural disaster

Question 11

eustress

Answer 11

A positive psychological response to a stressor, as indicated by the presence of a positive psychological state such as feeling enthusiastic and motivated.
Typically short term and can provide the energy and motivation needed to achieve a goal or peak performance.

Question 12

distress

Answer 12

A negative psychological response to a stressor, as indicated by the presence of a negative psychological state such as anger and anxiety.
Distress can be short term, but for some stressors, can also persist for weeks, months or even years if it is not addressed or managed.
Prolonged distress can have serious and debilitating consequences for our physical and mental health

Question 13

relationship between stress and illness

Answer 13

Stress does not cause illness, however, the severity and length of the stress can lead to illness being more likely
People who are stresses are more susceptible to a range of health concerns
A psychosomatic illness is one that has physiological symptoms due to psychological factors. Like getting a cold at the start of the school holidays