Pg3-30 Flashcards
(98 cards)
Fight or flight syndrome
A syndrome of physical symptoms that result from an individual’s real or perceived notion that harm or danger is imminent
Define general adaptation syndrome and three stages
The general biological reaction of the body to a stressful situation, as described by Hans Selye. It occurs in three stages: the alarm reaction stage, the stage of resistance, and the stage of exhaustion.
Alarm reaction stage: during this stage,the physiological responses of the fight or flight syndrome are initiated.
Stage of resistance: the individual uses the physiological responses of the stage as a defense in the attempt to adapt to the stressor. If adaptation occurs, the third stage is prevented or delayed. Physiological symptoms may disappear.
Stage of exhaustion: this stage occurs when there is prolonged exposure to the stressor to which the body has become adjusted. The adaptive energy is depleted, and the individual can no longer draw from the resources for adaptation described in the first two stages. Diseases of adaptation (headaches, mental disorders, coronary artery disease, ulcers, colitis) May occur. Without intervention for reversal, exhaustion, and in some cases even death, ensues.
Stressor
A biological, psychological, social, or chemical factor that causes physical or emotional tension and maybe a factor in the etiology of certain illnesses.
Core concept: adaptation
Adaptation is set to occur when an individual’s physical or behavioral response to any change in his or her internal or external environment results in preservation of individual integrity or timely return to equilibrium.
What are the three concepts of stress
Stress as a biological response, stress as an environmental event, and stress as a transaction between the individual and the environment
What LCU score indicates a high level of recent life stress
500
Can stress be From something positive
Yes
Why have life changes questionnaires been criticized
They do not consider the individuals perception of the event, It fails to consider the individuals coping strategies and available support system at the time when the life change occurs
Precipitating event
A precipitating event is a stimulus arising from the internal or external environment and is perceived by the individual in a specific manner
Cognitive appraisal
And individuals evaluation of the personal significance of the event or occurrence
Cognitive response
Consists of a primary appraisal and a secondary appraisal
Three types of primary appraisal and define all
Irrelevant, benign-positive stressful
Irrelevant: when the outcome holds no significance for the individual
Benign-positives: outcome is one that is perceived as producing pleasure for the individual
Stress: appraisals include harm/loss, threat, and challenge. Harm/loss appraisals refer to damage or loss already experienced by the individual, Threatening appraisals are perceived as anticipated harms or losses, challenging appraisals are when the individual focuses on potential for gain or growth, rather then on risks associated with the event.
What happens when stress is produced in response to harm/loss, threat, or challenge?
A secondary appraisal is made by the individual
What is a secondary appraisal
An assessment of skills, resources, and knowledge that the person possesses to deal with the situation
What are predisposing factors
A variety of elements that influence how individual perceives and response to a stressful event. Types of predisposing factors include genetic influences, past experiences, existing conditions.
What are genetic factors
Circumstances of an individual’s life that are acquired through heredity. examples: family history of physical and psychological conditions, both strengths and weaknesses, and temperament – behavioral characteristics present at birth that involved with development
What are past experiences
Occurrences that result in learned patterns That can influence individuals adaptation response. Including- previous exposure to the stressor or other stressors, learned coping responses, and the degree of adaptation to previous stressors
What are existing conditions
Incorporate vulnerability that influence the adequacy of the individuals physical, psychological, and social resources for dealing with adaptive demands. Examples include current health status, motivation, developmental maturity, severity and duration of the stressor, financial and educational resources, age, existing coping strategies, and a support system of caring others.
When are coping strategies adaptive?
When they protect the individual from harm or strengthen the individuals ability to meet challenging situations.
What do adaptive responses help restore and what do they in impede?
To restore homeostasis and impede the development of diseases of adaptation
When are coping strategies considered maladaptive?
When the conflict being experienced goes under unresolved or intensifies.
What are the results of maladaptation
Energy resources become depleted as the body struggles to compensate for the chronic physiological and psychological arousal being experienced. Effect is a significant vulnerability to physical and psychological illness.
What is maladaptation
It occurs when an individual’s physical or behavioral responses to any change in his or her internal or external environment results in disruption of individual integrity or persistent disequilibrium
Name seven adaptive coping strategies
Awareness, relaxation, meditation, interpersonal communication with a caring other, problem-solving, pets, music.