Stress Flashcards

Question

Outline and evaluate one research that demonstrates the negative effects of long-term stress

Answer 1

**Timio et al. (1988)** Long term stress has negative effects on health 20 years comparing nuns with working women Nuns live fairly protected lives Blood pressure of nuns: unchanged/normal Blood pressure of working women: heightened

Answer 2

Aim: To investigate whether there was a link between Type A personality and the development of heart disease. Procedure: Over 3000 American men between 39 and 59 were interviewed to identify whether they were Type A personality or Type B. They were monitored for eight and a half years and their lifestyle and levels of health were assessed. Results: After 8 and a half years, 257 men (from the original 3000+) had developed heart disease. 70% of these were from the Type A group. Evaluation - AO2 It was a longitudinal study which does give us a good idea of the long term effect of personality factors on stress related illness. Friedman & Rosenman did not specify what aspect of type A behaviour might be responsible for heart disease. Later researchers reviewed the original data and found that it was ‘the negative behaviours’ such as hostility that seemed to be responsible. Once again this is a natural experiment which uses correlational detail so cause and effect cannot be established.

Answer 3

Whereas people with Type A personality are likely to suffer more from stress relating illness, hardiness is thought to be a 'protective' factor - meaning that those with hardy personalities may be less likely to suffer from stress related conditions.

Answer 4

Hardiness was proposed by **Kobasa and Maddi (1977)** and its 3 characteristics are: **Control**: * Those with hardy personalities feel that they are _in control of stressful situations_ * This is very _similar to having an internal locus of control_ * They do not feel that their level of stress is controlled by external factors **Challenge**: * they see potentially stressful situations as _opportunities for personal growth and development_ * rather than threats or stressors **Commitment**: * They put _100%_ into whatever they do * They _do not give up easily_ * They feel a strong sense of _involvement_ in the world

Answer 5

Kobasa did not state whether all three factors (control, challenge, commitment) were equally important, and further research has concluded that control is probably the most important factor. Much of Kobasa's research into the link between hardiness and stress related illness used a **white male middle class sample**, so it is difficult to say whether her results are generalisable to other populations. Research has only shown a **correlation** between hardiness and stress related illness, so we **cannot establish a cause and effect relationship**.

Answer 6

Drugs can be used to combat stress by reducing or eliminating the symptoms of the stress such as fast heart rate. Today there are two main categories: Benzodiazepines (Lithium and Valium): These drugs slow the activity of central nervous system (e.g. brain and spinal cord) and enhance activity of GABA causing relaxation. Beta blockers: These slow down activity in the sympathetic branch of the ANS by reducing levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline. This reduces blood pressure, heart rate etc. and produces a feeling of calm. ...

Answer 7

Evaluation - AO2 Quick acting in comparison to some other treatments (e.g. cognitive behaviour therapy). Drug therapies treat the symptoms and not the problem itself. Therefore, symptoms may reappear when treatment is stopped. Some drugs may have side effects, for example the serotonin reducing effect of BZ's can cause depression. Aggression, short term memory loss and mental confusion are also possible. Long-term use can result in tolerance (higher doses are eventually needed to produce the same effect) and dependence.

Answer 8

A type of drug used in drug therapies for coping with stress

Answer 9

Beta blockers are a type of drug used as a drug therapy for coping with stress

Answer 10

Stress Inoculation Therapy (SIT) is a psychological method of stress management. SIT is a **form of cognitive behavioural therapy**. The aim is to **replace irrational and negative thoughts** with more positive ways of thinking about a problem and to teach new behaviours to cope with stress. There are three stages to the therapy: **Conceptualisation** - The therapist helps the individual to identify their stressors and how they respond to these and how successful these responses have been. Patterns of self-defeating internal dialogue (i.e. negative thoughts) are identified. **Skill acquisition and rehearsal** - The therapist teaches the client coping skills that may be general or event focused. For example replace negative thoughts with positive ones. **Application and follow through** - The client applies what they have learned to real life situations.

Answer 11

SIT does not have any undesirable side effects that might be encountered with drug treatments. Unlike drugs there is also no problems with risk of addiction or withdrawal symptoms. SIT addresses the **root cause** of the problem - why the client is stressed – rather than just removing the symptoms of stress. This means it should have a longer lasting effect than other therapies which just deal with the physical effects of stress (e.g. drug therapy). Compared to using drugs it is **expensive and time consuming**. While drugs work immediately SIT could take **weeks and months** to follow the three stages and change a client’s behaviour. SIT requires clients to be **motivated** and driven. They have to be prepared to practice new skills and apply them in the real world.

Answer 12

Males * less likely to **talk** about stress * coping with stress in **inappropriate** ways, e.g. smoking, drinking Females * more stressed than males * use **social networks** * express emotions **openly** * more likely to **seek social support**

Answer 13

The role of social support more social support makes us better able to cope with stress

Answer 14

hormone steady supply of blood sugar higher pain threshold reduced immune system functioning