Stress and Coping Flashcards
Through what ways is the stress response portrayed to the body
Fight or flight is given through the sympathetic nervous system which is mainly nor adrenaline activity as well as the HPA axis activation which leads to the formation of cortisol from the adrenal glands
Why is chronic stress so bad for humans
No longer do we need to fight for survival but instead there are many stress stimuli in our lives. Chronic stress means that although the stimuli has been removed the thoughts or other factors mean that the body still stays in the ‘fight or flight’ mode rather than switching to the PNS read and digest. It is hard to determine what is ‘true stress’ and what is simply the demands on everyday life eg. road-rage
What is rumination
Rumination is where the stimuli is kept being brought into cognitive thought. Talking it over and over with a friend and going round and round about it will actually make it worse rather than better
What effects can chronic stress have on the heart
This can chronically increase blood pressure which puts pressure on the vessels walls especially in areas of birfurcations. This can lead to emboli and infarction
What effects can chronic stress have on metabolism
Stress traditionally when occurred stimulated the mobilisation of fats and glycogen etc for use to run away. The body becomes resistant to this over time which can be a reason for diabetes
Can stress be an exacerbator of susceptibility for a diesase
Yes, although stress is invariably a primary cause for disease it can be an exacerbated of susceptibility. Furthermre the stress-coping mechanism can lead to beahviours that could be dangerous to health such as smoking, drinking etc.
What are the two main ways of coping? Explain what they are and when they are used.
Problem focussed coping and emotion focussed coping. Problem focussed is when you try deal with the stressor itself and reduce its demands - this may be through seeking help, learning new skills, developing self-efficacy etc. Emotion focussed is used secondary to problem focused coping and is used when nothing else can be done with PFC. Then the control of the physical/emmotional response to the stressor is important. Here the individual will restructure their response to the associated stressor. Decrease in catastrophising, talking to therapists, engaging in mindfulness, stopping drinking/drugs etc.
