Stress

Question 1

Stress

Answer 1

A psychological and biological experience that occurs when an individual encounters something of significance that demands their attention and/or efforts to cope

Question 2

Stressor

Answer 2

A stimulus (internal or external) that prompts a stress response

Question 3

Distress

Answer 3

A form of stress characterised by a negative psychological state

Question 4

Eustress

Answer 4

A form of stress characterised by a positive psychological state

Question 5

Stress reactions

Answer 5

Physiological 
•skin rashes 
•headaches
•cold/flu
•heart attack
•heart papilations
•stomach ulcers 

Psychological (BEC)

BEHAVIOURAL
•changes to eating habits
•changes to sleep

EMOTIONAL

• irritability
• aggression

COGNITIVE

• decreased concentration
• memory impairment

Question 6

Relationship between stress and illness

Answer 6

• stress does not cause illness, however, the severity and length of the stress can lead to illness being more likely
• people who are stressed more are more susceptible to a range of health concerns

Question 7

What causes stress?

Answer 7

Daily pressures -
Small inconveniences and problems that are experienced as part of day to day life
Eg worrying about appearances

Life events-
Stressors that change a person’s circumstances and force then to change something about their lifestyle
Eg having a bay

Acculturative stress -
Stress that results from the challenges presented by adapting to a new foreign culture
Eg finding work and financial stability

Major Stress-
Stressors that present significant and negative threats to a persons psychological and or physiological wellbeing
Eg experiencing sexual abuse

Catastrophes that disrupt whole communities-
Large-scale events or upheavals that affect an interconnected population
Eg bush fires