Stress & Coping

Question 1

Explain the four types of Stress.

Answer 1

Frustration: results from goal thwarting
Conflict: related to indecision. Approach-Approach, Avoidance-avoidance, approach-avoidance (single goal with attractive & unattractive aspects)
Pressure: expectations or demands
ChangeL any notable alteration to living circumstances requiring readjustment

Question 2

What is the Social Readjustment rating scale, how is it interpreted and what are some general guidelines?

Answer 2

A rating scale showing most common stressors quantified, given a number of stress level. For instance, death of a spouse is at the top rated 100 followed by divorce. These stressors are relative to individuals however it shows an average.
Interpretation: interpret overall score, experience and personality is a key factor mediating result, accounts for cumulative nature of stress by adding numbers
Guidelines: 150 or less overall is good, 300+ means 80% chance of stress related physical symptoms

Question 3

Explain a model related to the stress of change

Answer 3

Cognitive Motivational Relational Theory: it includes understanding levels of appraisal

1. Primary appraisal: is situation relevant or threatening? -> secondary appraisal
2. Secondary appraisal: evaluation of coping resources and options for dealing with stress

Question 4

What are physiological responses to stress?

Answer 4

Hormonal: cortisol increases (closely related construct). increase energy inhibits tissue inflammation. Long term activation of cortisol levels can weaken immune system and adrenaline can weaken cardiovascular system
Sex differences: men have greater stress responses (oestrogen may block cortisol effects)
Immune function: white blood cell count measure- study showed reduced immunity during exam week-

-Effects moderated by personalty. eg. high heurotocism

Question 5

What is coping and how are coping strategies classified?

How does the Goodness of Fit Model address these?

Answer 5

Effort to master/reduce or tolerate demands of stress
Problem-focused: directly tackle stress ire through active means
Emotion-focused: emotional support
Avoidance: avoid stressor- approach lowers stress level hinders performance

Goodness of Fit (Lazarus and Folkman)
Controllable stressor: problem focused
Uncontrollable: emotion focused

Question 6

Give an example of a way to manage stress.

Answer 6

Managing cause: understand barriers, prob solve, brainstorming, change expectations
Stress Bucket metaphor- do someone thing stress reducing to stop buck from overflowing

Question 7

How high reappraisal reduce stress?

Answer 7

Ellis model of irrational Beliefs 1977
Standard view= stress is emotional turmoil
Ellis= stress and irrational appraisal results in emotional turmoil. rational appraisal results in emotional calm

Reappraising: focus on values

Question 8

What are some responses to diagnosis of a chronic illness?

Answer 8

Stage models: limitations ungeneralisable, co-occurance, not all experienced (e.g.. denial, depression, acceptance etc.)

Question 9

How may chronic illness have a positive effect on families?

Answer 9

Strengthens relationships, appreciation of positive things, personal growth and development- empathy
Siblings: encourages more adult behaviours, change values

Question 10

What are challenges on families from chronic illness?

Answer 10

Inflexibility, quick mood changes, coping with judgment

Parents: changed roles, attention diverted

Question 11

What are some coping strategies for chronic illness?

Answer 11

Problem focussed and acceptance coping most useful in combination
Problem focussed- means no denial, make use of support and resources and planning
Acceptance: reinterpreting

MBSR