SAC 2 Practice Questions

Question 1

Describe the role of appraisal in Lazarus and folkmans transactional model of stress and coping

Answer 1

An individual’s appraisal of the stressor and their resources for dealing with the stressor determine whether or no they experience stress and the nature of their stress response. When there is an imbalance between the person’s appraisal of the demands of the situation and the estimation of their ability to meet those demands, they will experience stress.

Question 2

List three differences between eustress and distress

Answer 2

Eustress is a positive psychological response to a stressor whereas distress is a negative psychological response to a stressor.

Eustress is perceived as within our coping abilities whereas distress is perceived as outside our coping abilities.

Eustress feels exciting whereas distress feels unpleasant.

Question 3

Two pros and two cons of cortisol

Answer 3

+ Allows the body to better deal with stress by increasing energy sources such as glucose.
+ Allows for dealing with stressors for a longer period of time, longer than the fight flight freeze response.
- Impaired immune system functioning increasing susceptibility to disease.
- Lead to high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease