Stress and the Dental Profession

Question 1

Describe the theory of stress as a response

Answer 1

• Noxious stressor
• Individual physiological system
• Stress as a response

Question 2

Describe the theory of stress as a stimulus

Answer 2

• Stress as a stimulus
• Psychological and physiological system
• Alarm / resistance / exhaustion

Question 3

Describe the theory of stress as a transaction

Answer 3

• Stressor
• Stress as a complex, systemic transaction
• Response

Question 4

Give an overview of the stimulus model of stress

Answer 4

• Proposed by Homes and Rahe in 1967
• Certain life events cause stress (event is stressor)
• Events are inherently stressful as they result in a change

Question 5

According to the stimulus model of stress, for what 3 reasons are life events inherently stressful?

Answer 5

1. Challenge the adaptation of an individual
2. Cause physiological an psychological strain
3. Lead to health problems

Question 6

How did Homes and Rahe measure stress levels?

Answer 6

• Identified 43 stressful life events (gave each a score)
• Developed Homes and Rahe Stress Scale
• Model purports higher the score, the more likely a person is to experience physical illness within 6 months

Question 7

What are 4 criticisms of Homes and Rahe’s model?

Answer 7

1. Lack of explicitly stated characteristics of stressful situations
2. Lack of quantification of stress present
3. Expects individuals to be passive recipients of stress response
4. Suggests stress-free environment is optimal

Question 8

Give an overview of the transactional model of stress

Answer 8

• Proposed by Lazarus and Folkman in 1984
• Focuses on individual’s perception of potential stressor
• Primary and secondary appraisals are made
• More dynamic process

Question 9

What is the primary appraisal in the transactional model of stress?

Answer 9

Refers to a person’s perception of a stress stimulus and judgement about whether it is irrelevant, benign or harmful

Question 10

What happens if the primary appraisal identifies a stressor as harmful in the transactional model of stress?

Answer 10

Secondary appraisal

Question 11

What is the secondary appraisal in the transactional model of stress?

Answer 11

Evaluation of pros and cons of different coping strategies which determines coping behaviours

Question 12

What is the major strength of the transactional model of stress?

Answer 12

It takes into account individual subjective experience and perception in relation to stress, and the intervening psychological mechanisms which underlie these individual differences

Question 13

What is the major criticism of the transactional model of stress?

Answer 13

1. It is not necessary to appraise something as stressful to have a stressful experience (PTSD)
2. Appraisal of stress may vary according to the stressor (reliant on personality type)

Question 14

What is the biological model of stress?

Answer 14

Biology takes over regardless of the individual or stressor

Question 15

What are 6 stressors reported by dentists?

Answer 15

1. Threat of complaints
2. Dissatisfied patients
3. Concern about GDC
4. NHS targets
5. Running behind schedule
6. Emotional labour

Question 16

What is emotional labour?

Answer 16

Work which involves significant amounts of face-to-face interaction with clients and where certain rules have to be followed in displaying emotions

Question 17

What are 4 subtle symptoms of stress in the dental profession?

Answer 17

1. Skipping lunch
2. Working late
3. Anger
4. Giving up hobbies

Question 18

What are 4 obvious symptoms of stress in the dental profession?

Answer 18

1. Lack of sleep
2. Poor concentration
3. Excessive tobacco / alcohol / caffeine intake
4. Inability to make decisions

Question 19

What are 4 severe symptoms of stress in the dental profession?

Answer 19

1. Chest pain
2. Weight loss
3. Random rapid or erratic pulse rate
4. Feelings of self-harm

Question 20

What are 4 barriers which may prevent a dentist from seeking help?

Answer 20

1. Stigma
2. Lack of awareness of stress symptoms
3. Lack of knowledge of help
4. Worried about business

Question 21

What are 4 ways which a dentist could reduce their stress levels?

Answer 21

1. Time management skills
2. Communication
3. Break during the day where possible
4. Take time off

Question 22

What are 4 sources of support for a dental professional feeling stressed?

Answer 22

1. Friends / family
2. Other colleagues
3. Professional organisations
4. Themselves (eat and sleep well, relax etc)

Question 23

What is burn-out?

Answer 23

A syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress which has not been successfully managed

Question 24

What 3 dimensions characterise burnout?

Answer 24

1. Feeling of energy depletion
2. Increased mental distance from one’s job
3. Reduced professional efficacy

Question 25

What are potential staff issues related to stress are important for the dental professional?

Answer 25

Awareness of staff stress levels so they do not lead to sick leave and potential lawsuit for causing unnecessary stress on staff

Question 26

What is resilience?

Answer 26

Ability to bounce back from stressful events / work through challenges

Question 27

What are 3 ways a person can show resilience?

Answer 27

1. “I have…”
2. “I can…”
3. “I am…”