Module 38 (Stress/Health)

Question 1

Importance of stress

Answer 1

-Stress is a part of life
-Studying stress can help researchers understand how it impacts mental and physical health
-We can use this info to develop policies and interventions to protect health

Question 1

Stress

Answer 1

a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation

Question 2

Stressor

Answer 2

something that causes a state of strain or tension

Question 3

Types of stressors

Answer 3

catastrophes, major life changes, daily hassles

Question 4

Distress

Answer 4

-negative stress response that as response to prolonged stressors, can be detrimental to physical/mental health
-associated with sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest in socializing
-ex. catastrophes, traffic

Question 5

Eustress

Answer 5

-positive stress response that can be beneficial to your body, associated with challenging but enjoyable tasks
-associated with motivation, excitement, fulfillment
-Ex. wedding, marathon

Question 6

Stress appraisal

Answer 6

cognitive process of evaluating a situation as stressful or non-stressful, and as a threat or challenge

Question 7

Threat

Answer 7

-situation that is perceived as something that may hurt you and you have no control over, causes fight-or-flight
-Focus on negative, such as damage to well-being or self-esteem

Question 8

Challenge

Answer 8

-situation that is perceived as something you can handle and overcome, brain looks for solution
-focus on positive, such as rewards or personal growth

Question 9

Stress response

Answer 9

“fight-or-flight” response, a natural reaction that your body has to help you stay safe in dangerous situations

Question 10

Components of stress response

Answer 10

-Somatic experience
(Release of adrenaline, HR increase, BP increase, Respiration rate increases, headaches, nausea, shaking, dry mouth)
-Cognitive/affective experiences:
(Irritable, impatient, anxious, nervous, racing thoughts, sadness, anhedonia, unable to focus, easily startled)
-Fight, flight, freeze, tend-and-befriend

Question 11

Harmfulness of stress

Answer 11

-Human body can cope well with temporary stress, but prolonged or extreme stress can be harmful
-Triggers risky decisions and unhealthy behaviors
-Increasing inflammation and altering immune functioning

Question 12

Immune dysfunction due to stress

Answer 12

-Stress doesn’t make us sick, but alters immune functioning, leaving us less able to resist infection
-can cause over-reaction or under-reaction

Question 13

Over-reaction

Answer 13

attack body’s own tissues, triggering allergic reaction or autoimmune condition

Question 14

Under-reaction

Answer 14

leading to bacterial and viral infections or allowing cancer cells to multiply

Question 15

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) effects of long-term stress

Answer 15

Headaches, high blood pressure, inflammation, increased heart disease risk, etc

Question 16

Benefits of stress

Answer 16

-Short-lived stress/stressors that are appraised as a challenge can have positive effects
-Motivates us to address problems
-Mobilizes the immune system

Question 17

Protective factors against stress

Answer 17

Stress mindsets, coping, perceived control, optimism, well-being and positive emotion, social support, faith communities, stress reduction behaviors