stress and coping

Question 1

defining stress

Answer 1

Defining the concept of stress is a complex and ambiguous endeavor since definitions of stress depend on the viewpoint and discipline of each individual researcher or clinician

Question 2

the two definitions of stress

Answer 2

Stress can be defined as the mental, emotional, or physical response and adaptation to real or perceived changes and challenges.
* Stress can also be defined as a condition in which the body responds to changes affecting its normally balanced state “equilibrium.”

Question 3

what is fight of flight

Answer 3

When a situation is determined to be stressful, the hypothalamus secretes corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) which activates the
sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine also known as the “fight or flight” response which causes an increase in heart rate, blood
pressure, cardiac output, dilation of bronchial airways, pupil dilation, and an increase in blood glucose levels.

Question 4

the hormones in the fight or flight response

Answer 4

CRF also signals the anterior and posterior pituitary glands to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the adrenal cortex
which is part of the autonomic nervous system (ANS).
* Then, ACTH stimulates the adrenal glands to release cortisol which initiates behavioral responses such as mental alertness, focus, and reduction of pain receptors.

Question 5

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

Answer 5

• A three-stage response to stress that includes alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.
• When activated, several body systems respond immediately to the stressor(s).
• These physiological changes occur whether the perceived stressor is considered positive (eustress) or negative (distress).
• The goal of GAS is for the body to return to a steady state of internal, physical, and chemical balance (homeostasis) to maintain optimal
  functioning.

Question 6

the transactional theory of stress and coping

Answer 6

• Describes stress as a dynamic process that includes a transaction between a person and his/her environment.
• Suggests that an individual goes through two stages of appraisal (primary and secondary) before responding to stress.
• How an individual appraises a stressor determines their response.
• If determined to be a threat, the individual assesses whether they can cope with the situation by examining both the demands and the resources available to address the threat.

Question 7

GAS represents what

Answer 7

how the body adapts to stress

Question 8

the two broad categories of stress

Answer 8

• There are two broad categories of
  stressors:
• Physiological (physical)
• Generally associated with injury or illness; the body’s reaction is immediate and necessary for survival.
• Psychological (emotional)
• Associated with an event, situation, comment, condition, or interaction that is interpreted as negative or threatening.

Question 9

acute stress

Answer 9

• The most common and frequent type of stress.
• Usually brief and can be positive or negative.
• Causes an immediate reaction and triggers the fight-or-flight response.

Question 10

episodic acute stress

Answer 10

• Occurs when someone experiences frequent bouts of acute stress.
• Over time, can negatively impact relationships, work, and overall health.

Question 11

chronic stress

Answer 11

• A disabling condition that occurs when stress levels are heightened, constant, and
  prolonged.

Question 12

stress disorders

Answer 12

Acute stress disorder (ASD) is an intense, unpleasant, and dysfunctional
reaction beginning shortly after an overwhelming traumatic event and
lasting less than a month. If symptoms persist longer than a month, people
are diagnosed as having posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Question 13

what is crisis

Answer 13

• A crisis is a threatening situation in which a person experiences an intensive behavioral, emotional, or psychiatric response triggered by a precipitating event.
• Levels of crisis severity range from Level 1 (least severe) to Level 4 (highest level of severity).

Question 14

what are ego defense mechanisms

Answer 14

A mental operation that occurs outside of conscious awareness and which functions to protect an individual’s self-esteem and
from experiencing excessive anxiety; and in extreme cases, protects the integration of self

Question 15

the defense mechanisms

Answer 15

denial
rationalization
projection
repression
regression
compartmentalization

Question 16

coping

Answer 16

• Coping refers to the strategies an individual employs to deal with stressors and is highly influenced by psychological, sociological, and
  cultural factors.
• Healthy coping strategies include eating nutritious foods, exercising daily, building personal resistance, and implementing self-care activities.