Stress Flashcards
define stress as Selye did
the non-specific response of the body to any demand for change
who studied stress?
Selye
what are the 2 types of stress?
- distress
- eustress
define distress
negative psychological response to a stressor, as indicated by the presence of negative psychological states, e.g. anger, anxiety, nervousness, irritability or tension
how long may distress last?
Distress can be short-term or persist for weeks, months, even years
define eustress
positive psychological response to a stressor, as indicated by the presence of positive psychological states, e.g. feeling enthusiastic, motivated, excited, active & alert
how long does eustress last?
typically short-term
list the 4 types of stressors
- psychological
- cultural
- environmental
- social
define stressors
stimuli that place demands on us that require us to adapt our behaviour in some way & may even threaten our well-being & physical safety
define GAS
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
list the characteristics/determinants of stressors
- severity of the distress
- how long it lasts
- its timing
- how closely it affects our lives
- how expected it is
- how controllable it is
list the 3 stages of GAS?
Stage 1: Defensive
Stage 2: Resistance
Stage 3: Exhaustion
what does GAS stand for and who is the theorist?
General Adaptation Syndrome Model (stress as a response)
Selye
describe environmental stressors
crowding, loud noise, air pollution, extreme temps, catastrophes, e.g. technological & natural
describe social stressors
relationships, social interactions, loneliness, isolation, break ups, inability to form relationships, making new friends, bullying, discrimination
outline the strengths of the GAS model
- 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
outline the limitations of the GAS model
- 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
who designed the SRRS?
Holmes & Rahe
how stress can impact mental health?
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)
how can stress impact physical health?
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
define maladaptive behaviour
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.
describe common signs of maladaptive behaviour
- 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
examples of adaptive strategies
- 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)
define approach strategies
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.
