Stress

Question 1

define stress as Selye did

Answer 1

the non-specific response of the body to any demand for change

Question 2

who studied stress?

Answer 2

Selye

Question 3

what are the 2 types of stress?

Answer 3

1. distress
2. eustress

Question 4

define distress

Answer 4

negative psychological response to a stressor, as indicated by the presence of negative psychological states, e.g. anger, anxiety, nervousness, irritability or tension

Question 5

how long may distress last?

Answer 5

Distress can be short-term or persist for weeks, months, even years

Question 6

define eustress

Answer 6

positive psychological response to a stressor, as indicated by the presence of positive psychological states, e.g. feeling enthusiastic, motivated, excited, active & alert

Question 7

how long does eustress last?

Answer 7

typically short-term

Question 8

list the 4 types of stressors

Answer 8

1. psychological
2. cultural
3. environmental
4. social

Question 9

define stressors

Answer 9

stimuli that place demands on us that require us to adapt our behaviour in some way & may even threaten our well-being & physical safety

Question 10

define GAS

Answer 10

3-stage physiological response to stress that occurs regardless of the stressor that’s encountered. This means that GAS is non-specific & will occur whatever the source of the stressor

Question 11

list the characteristics/determinants of stressors

Answer 11

1. severity of the distress
2. how long it lasts
3. its timing
4. how closely it affects our lives
5. how expected it is
6. how controllable it is

Question 12

list the 3 stages of GAS?

Answer 12

Stage 1: Defensive
Stage 2: Resistance
Stage 3: Exhaustion

Question 13

what does GAS stand for and who is the theorist?

Answer 13

General Adaptation Syndrome Model (stress as a response)

Selye

Question 14

describe environmental stressors

Answer 14

crowding, loud noise, air pollution, extreme temps, catastrophes, e.g. technological & natural

Question 15

describe social stressors

Answer 15

relationships, social interactions, loneliness, isolation, break ups, inability to form relationships, making new friends, bullying, discrimination

Question 16

outline the strengths of the GAS model

Answer 16

• Model explains how chronic stress has a negative impact on physical health & wellbeing as well as psychological health
• It challenges theory that bacteria is the only cause for illness, by showing that stress weakens immune system which increases susceptibility to illness

Question 17

outline the limitations of the GAS model

Answer 17

• Model only conducted on animals & their responses to stress may differ to humans (can’t generalise)
• Model doesn’t take into consideration individual differences in way people view diff. stressors

Question 18

who designed the SRRS?

Answer 18

Holmes & Rahe

Question 19

how stress can impact mental health?

Answer 19

When stress is acute:
- Poor emotion regulation
- Irritability
- Reduced cognitive capacity
When stress is chronic:
- Chronic worry, fear, anxiety, helplessness
- Depression
- Anhedonia (lack of positive emotion)

Question 20

how can stress impact physical health?

Answer 20

When under acute stress:
- Increased heart rate, blood pressure & muscle tension
- Elevated breathing
- Elevated metabolism
When under chronic stress:
- High blood pressure
- Sleep disturbances, insomnia, fatigue
- Stomach upset – diarrhoea
- Frequent headaches, muscular aches & pains
- Weakened immune system

Question 21

define maladaptive behaviour

Answer 21

Actions that prevent people from adapting, adjusting, or participating in different aspects of life. Such actions intended to help relieve or avoid stress but are often disruptive & may contribute to increased distress, discomfort & anxiety over time.

Question 22

describe common signs of maladaptive behaviour

Answer 22

• Unproductive worry: incessant worrying without doing anything to reduce source
• Repression/avoidance: seeking to inhibit thoughts, feelings & emotions to disconnect
• Aggression/blame: transferring blame to others

Question 23

examples of adaptive strategies

Answer 23

• Problem-focused coping
• Positive reappraisal/reframing (e.g. ‘this is opportunity of growth’)
• Seeking social support
• Seeking assistance from others without shifting blame
• Engaging in behaviours that support mental health (e.g. exercising, seeing friends, doing something spiritual, read a book, hobby)

Question 24

define approach strategies

Answer 24

target stressor or response to stressor in practical ways. Consist of behavioural or psychological responses designed to change (remove/diminish) nature of stressor or how 1 thinks about it.

Question 25

what are the 2 types of approach strategies?

Answer 25

1. problem-focused strategies
2. emotion-focused strategies

Question 26

what are the limitations of the

Question 27

define social readjustment

Answer 27

the amount of change or adjustment in lifestyle a person is forced to make following a specific event in their life

Question 28

what does it mean to acculturate

Answer 28

having to adopt the values, customs and language of a new culture, which often leads to acculturative stress