Stress - Characteristics

Question 1

Describe Stress as a Physical Response

Answer 1

• Selye (1936) = research on rats - general physical response to stress that involves the activation of nervous system to release cortisol + adrenaline
• Allows people to deal with stressors

Question 2

Describe Stress as a Psychological Response

Answer 2

• Lazarus + Folkman (1984) = proposed the Transactional Model of Stress
• Stress is seen as an interaction between person + environment - when stressor is experienced person makes judgement as to whether they have the resources available to cope with it
• Primary appraisal involves consideration of whether threat is significant to individual + whether it is harmful/challenging in anyway

Question 3

What are the Different Types of Stress?

Answer 3

1. Acute Stress
2. Episodic Acute Stress
3. Chronic Stress

Question 4

What is Acute Stress?

Answer 4

• Most common

- Response to immediate threat

Question 5

What is Episodic Acute Stress?

Answer 5

• Repeated instances of short-term Stress
• Occasionally the Stress will cease
• Becomes part of their personality/lifestyle

Question 6

What is Chronic Stress?

Answer 6

• Persists over long period of time
• Individual sees no escape from situation
• Very difficult to manage + treat