Stress And Coping Flashcards
What is stress
The human body’s response to change and in its normal state
Types of stressors
Internal
External
Physiological
Psychological
Internal stressors
Illness
Hormonal change
Fear
External stressors
Temperature change
Loud noises
Attacks
Conflicts
Physiological stressor types
Chemical agents/ drugs Physical changes (heat, cold, trauma) Infection Nutritional imbalance Immune disorder
Physiological stressor
External/ internal condition that changes the homeostasis
Psychological stressor
Feeling of emotional stress or pressure
Psychological stressor types
Traumatic event
Fear/ victimization
Media exposure
Change in way of living
Effects of stress
Change in appetite, activity, sleep level Is withdrawn/isolated Aggressive behaviors/blaming others Lack of control Increase in P, R, BP constipation or diarrhea Dry mouth, headaches Back ache/stiff neck Weight gain/loss
Affects of long-term stress
Effects physical status
Increased risk for disease or injury
Compromises recovery and return to normal function
Sources of stress
Developmental
Situational
Personal
Developmental stress
Predictable
Certain task must be resolved to reduce stress
Situational stress
Unpredictable- can occur at anytime, at any stage of life
Can be positive or negative
Personal factors of stress
Developmental/ life stage
General health (nutrition, sleep, illness)
Mental health
Support system
Homeostasis
The mechanism within the body that work to maintain internal balance
Adaptation
The change that results from response to a stressor
Local adaptation syndrome (LAS)
Localized response of the body to stress
Only involves a specific part of body
Short term
General adaptation syndrome (GAS)
Bio chemical model of stress responses that describes the bodies general response to stress
- alarm reaction
- Resistance stage
- exhaustion stage
Alarm reaction
Tight when stressor is perceived Fight or flight Increase hormonal level Shocked face- increase energy, alertness, O2, intake, BP counter shock- reversal of shock phase
Resistance stage
Try to adapt
Normalization of VS, hormones, energy production
Become exhausted with serve damage to the body
Stress may be confined to a smaller area (LAS) and regain homeostasis
Exhaustion stage
Body attempts to rest to regain balance
Adaptive mechanisms fail/ unable and o resist effects of the stressor
Body may not be able to go back to normal
Mind body interaction
Link between psychological stressors and physiology response
Anxiety
Vague, uneasy feeling of discomfort or dread
Caused by anticipation of danger/ fear of unknown threat
The most common human response to stress
Mild anxiety
Benefits= increased motivation, outcome, alertness
Heightened senses
Facilitated problem-solving
Restlessness and increased questioning
Moderate anxiety
Narrowed perceptual field to focus on the immediate concern
In attention to other details and communication
Quavering voice
Tremors
Increase muscle tension
Severe anxiety
Very narrow focus on specific detail All behavior geared toward relief Inability to learn Easily distracted Difficulty communicating verbally Motor activity increased Headache, tachycardia, dizziness
Panic
Loss of control Experience of dread and terror Increased activity, disoriented, decreased rational thoughts Unable to verbally communicate Agitation, trembling Sensory change Sweating, hyperventilating, dyspnea
Coping mechanisms
Behaviors used to degree stress/anxiety
Often learn based on family, past experiences, social culture influences/expectations
Used to manage mild to moderate anxiety
Unconscious
Common types of coping mechanisms
Crying, laughing, sleeping, profanity Physical activity Smoking, drinking lack of eye contact Limiting relationships
Types of maladaptive coping mechanisms
Over use of defensive mechanisms meatiness disorders
Addiction
Defense mechanisms
Unconscious reaction to stressors
How to protect persons self-esteem and are useful in mild to moderate anxiety
Can distort reality and create problems in extreme cases
Examples of defense mechanisms
Compensation Denial Displacement Projection regression
Promoting healthy stress response
Exercise Rest and sleep Nutrition- reduce salt, sugar, cholesterol Support system/ resource Use of stress management techniques
Stress management techniques
Relaxation Mediation Anticipatory guidance Guided imagery Biofeedback
