Stress 5

Question 1

Stress

Answer 1

Negative behavioral, psychological, physical, emotional & cognitive response to a challenging event that one perceives difficult to overcome after performing a Cognitive Appraisal

Often results from having to readjust to change

Question 2

Cognitive Appraisal

Answer 2

–Subjective evaluation of a stressful situation
–Has 2 stages
1. Primary appraisal—eval of envi & threat
2. Secondary appraisal—eval of ability to cope w/
stress after considering
degree of :
1. harm
2. threat
3. challenge

Question 3

Stressors

Answer 3

• —Events that trigger stress
• —Categorized as either 1. distressor or 2. eustressor

ex.
1. Psychological—Control, Pressure, Frustration,
Conflict, Predictability
2. Academic
3. Societal
4. Work-related
5. Biological
6. Environmental
7. Chemical

Question 4

Pressure

Answer 4

Stressor experienced as a result of societal expectations and demands to complete tasks and perform actions that are aligned with societal standards

Question 5

Frustrations

Answer 5

Events that interfere with one’s ability to attain a goal

• –either
  
  1. Internal or 2. External

Question 6

Conflict

Answer 6

Definition–psychological stressor raised upon making a
choice
Types
1. Approach-Approach—[choosing b/w 2 desirable
choices]
2. Avoidance-Avoidance—[choosing b/w 2 negative
choices]
3. Approach-Avoidance—[deals w/ one choice, goal or
decision, the outcomes of
which could have both
negative and positive elements]

Question 7

Types of Response to Stressors

Answer 7

1. Psychological—General Adaptation Syndrome

2. Emotional & Behavioral

Question 8

General Adaptation Syndrome

Answer 8

Sequence of psychological responses to a stressor, starting with

1. alarm
2. resistance
3. exhaustion

Question 9

Alarm

Answer 9

The initial component of psychological response to a stressor that raises arousal and activates the sympathetic NS by

1. allowing the hypothalamus to stimulate the pituitary which in turn releases ACTH to stimulate release of cortisol by adrenal gland
2. stimulating the adrenal medulla to release epinephrine and norepinephrine which activate SNS

Question 10

Resistance

Answer 10

The second component of psychological response to stressors during which continued release of hormones and the action of SNS fight the negative effects of stressors

Question 11

Exhaustion

Answer 11

Third component of psychological response to a stressor during which the body and SNS can no longer maintain their activity in fighting the negative effects of a stressor!

Soon, thereafter, the body suffers from 
1. ulcers
2. increased BP
3. Organ disease & failures
& 4. Death in extreme cases

Question 12

Emotional & Behavioral Responses to Stress

Answer 12

1. Depiction of emotional sx [irritability, moodiness, tension, fear, helplessness]
2. Depiction of behavioral problems [withdrawal, problems at work & school, substance abuse, aggression, suicide]
3. Depiction of cognitive problems [difficulty with memory and concentration]
4. Development of mental disorders such as depression & anxiety

Question 13

Strategies for Coping with Stress

Answer 13

Types of Strategies:
1. Problem-focused—work to overcome stressor
I. Reaching out for social support
II. Confronting the issue
III. Creating and acting on a problem-solving plan
2. Emotion-focused—change feelings abt stressor
I. Taking responsibility
II. Engaging in self-control
III. Distracting oneself from stressor
IV. Engaging in wishful thinking
V. Engage in positive reappraisal of the outcome
3. Stress-Management
I. Exercising
2. Engaging in spiritual activities
3. Engaging in relaxation techniques
A. Meditation
B. Diaphragmatic breathing
C. Progressive Muscle Relaxation

• **Stress-Management Strategies can be either
  1. Adaptive or 2. Maladaptive [substance abuse]