Psychological Disorders and Stress

Question 1

What is stress?

Answer 1

Anything that poses a threat or challenge to our physical or mental well-being

Question 2

Define appraisal

Answer 2

Appraisal is how a stressor is interpreted by the individual

Question 3

Acute Stress

Answer 3

Acute stress is short-lived. It can be beneficial and create motivation. Acute stress is the type of stress many people feel when they get into or almost get into a minor car accident, have to give a public presentation, or get into an argument. Once the situation is resolved, the stress tends to diminish.

Question 4

Physiological responses to acute stress include:

Answer 4

• increased blood pressure and heart rate
• increased respiration rate
• increased muscle tension
• decreased digestion
• sleep disturbances

Question 5

Chronic stress

Answer 5

Is the response to emotional pressure suffered for a prolonged period over which the individual perceives he or she has no control. Involves an endocrine response which includes the release of cortisol.

Question 6

Physiological responses to chronic stress includes:

Answer 6

• chronic high blood pressure (which can lead to heart disease)
• damage to muscle tissue
• inhibition of growth
• suppression of the immune and reproductive system
• mental health issues

Question 7

What are the three types of stressors?

Answer 7

Catastrophes are unpredictable, large-scale events that include natural disasters and wartime events and affect many people

Significant life changes include personal events or occurrences that have a major impact on our lives; these can be either positive (e.g. marriage, birth) or negative (e.g. divorce, death), but still may cause some degree of stress due to major change

Daily hassles are the everyday irritations in life