Final - Stress and Coping

Question 1

what is stress?

Answer 1

a response elicited when a situation overwhelms a persons perceived ability to meet the demands of that situation

Question 2

what is a stressor?

Answer 2

an event that triggers a stress response

Question 3

what are the two classes of stress as a stimulus?

Answer 3

1) systemic - pose direct threat to survival

2) Processive - psychological (financial troubles, relationships)

Question 4

in a stressful situation, what is primary appraisal?

Answer 4

an assessment of the meaning of the event for the individual

Question 5

in a stressful situation, what is secondary appraisal?

Answer 5

self assessment of available resources to cope with stress

Question 6

what is the importance of the autonomic nervous system in terms of stress?

Answer 6

a fight or flight response from adrenal medulla (secretion of nonepinephrine)

Question 7

what is the importance of the endocrine system in terms of stress?

Answer 7

hormones, pituitary gland, neuroendocrine system

Question 8

what does the adrenal cortex do in stress?

Answer 8

releases cortisol (which regulates immune system and increases energy from storage) - a slow response

Question 9

what are Hans Selye’s 3 stages of the generalized universal response to stress?

Answer 9

stage 1- alarm - sustained sympathetic nervous system activation and stimulation of HPA axis
Stage 2 - resistance; adaptation, prolonged stress; cortisol released to maintain arousal - slow
stage 3 - exhaustion, immune system repressed, inability to continue adaptation

Question 10

what is the psychosomatic theory?

Answer 10

the idea that emotional factors can lead to the occurrence or worsening of illness

Question 11

what is the importance of appraisal in stress?

Answer 11

it influences the liklihood of a sustained sympathetic response

Question 12

what is type A person?

Answer 12

Lives under great pressure and demand a lot from themselves and others

Question 13

what is the relationship between depression and stress?

Answer 13

a stressful life event often precedes a depressive episode

Question 14

what are the three major classes of coping?

Answer 14

1) Problem focused - active coping, change situation, problem solving
2) emotion focused - managing emotional responses, acceptance, denial, repression, controlling feelings
3) seeking social support - help and guidance, affirmation of worth

Question 15

which coping method is the most effective?

Answer 15

problem focused and social support are best but it is important to have a wide range of coping skills

Question 16

how does culture affect coping style?

Answer 16

• people in Canada, US, Europe, more problem focused

- People in Asia and Hispanic countries more social support and emotion focused

Question 17

what are techniques for managing stress?

Answer 17

• cognitive approaches (restructuring) - changing how you think about the situation
• self instructional training - talking to and guiding self through different coping phases
• relaxation training
• meditation/mindfulness - being present in the moment that you’re in
• maintaining healthy lifestyle

Question 18

what is the importance of health psychology?

Answer 18

increasing health and promoting behaviours

Question 19

what are the stages of change?

Answer 19

1) precontemplation - problem unacknowledged
2) contemplation - recognition of problem
3) preparation - preparing to try to change behaviour
4) action - implementing change strategies
5) maintenance - behaviour change is sustained
6) termination - permanent change

Question 20

what is the transtheoretical model of change?

Answer 20

the idea that the stages of change do not have to occur in order, but failure will occur if the previous stage is not mastered

Question 21

what is motivational interviewing?

Answer 21

a way to help people who may not be ready for change - lead people to their own conclusions

Question 22

what are the 4 factors that make change hard?

Answer 22

1) low self efficacy (belief in ability to perform)
2) type A personality trait
3) Contradicting leisure time pursuits
4) low social support

Question 23

what is the importance of multimodal treatment?

Answer 23

integration of several proven treatment methods may improve outcome - substance abuse

Question 24

what is the difference between a relapse and lapse?

Answer 24

a relapse is a breakdown of the coping/treatment strategies while a lapse is more of a slip

Question 25

what are some causes of lapses and relapses?

Answer 25

stress, pressure, lack of coping skills, low self efficacy

Question 26

what are some of the roles of a health psychologist?

Answer 26

• psychological adjustment to chronic and life threatening disorders
• treating stress, anxiety disorders
• sleep disorders
• helping care givers
• promoting healthy lifestyle
• motivation