SU2 - Health Stress and Coping Flashcards
Definition of Stress
Demand made on an organism to Adapt, Cope or Adjust.
What are stressors?
External events that causes Internal responses.
What are the 2 main stressors?
Traumatic and Chronic.
What are examples of Traumatic Stressors?
- Threatens physical safety
- Helplessness
- Sudden loss
Name the 5 main Chronic Stressors.
- Societal
- Burnout
- Major life events
- Daily hassles
- Compassion fatigue
What are societal stressors in the context of chronic stress?
Stressors arising from the broader social environment.
Examples: Economic instability, social inequality, discrimination, political unrest, exposure to negative media. Impact varies based on socioeconomic status, cultural background, and access to resources.
What is burnout?
A state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged or excessive stress, often work-related.
Key characteristics: Emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, reduced personal accomplishment. Measured by scales like the Maslach Burnout Inventory.
What are major life events as stressors?
Significant life changes requiring substantial adjustment.
Examples: Death of a loved one, divorce, job loss, serious illness. Impact depends on coping mechanisms, social support, and the nature of the event.
What are daily hassles?
Minor, everyday annoyances and frustrations that accumulate.
Examples: Traffic jams, arguments, work deadlines, minor financial worries. Small individually, but significant cumulative effect.
What is compassion fatigue?
Stress from helping/caring for those experiencing trauma/suffering.
Common in healthcare, social work, and emergency services. Key characteristics: Emotional/physical exhaustion, reduced empathy, intrusive thoughts related to others’ trauma. Distinct from, but can overlap with, burnout.
Traumatic Stressors lasts longer than Chronic Stressors. True or False?
False.
Chronic Stressors lasts longer while Traumatic Stressors recovers faster.
Stress vs Eustress
Too much stess = harmful
Eustress motivates us.
What is the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)?
A 3-stage process describing the body’s response to stress.
Name the 3 stages of GAS.
- Alarm Reaction
- Resistance
- Exhaustion
What happens during the Alarm Reaction?
Sympathetic nervous system activated, adrenaline/cortisol release.
Fight or Flight (Flee)
What happens during the Resistance Stage?
Body attempts to adapt, resources deplete, high alert remains.
What happens during the Exhaustion Stage?
Body’s resources depleted, leads to health problems.
How can Training help? Which GAS phase will it affect?
Training involves exposing to simulated stressful situations
condition to last longer in Resistance Phase
Learn appropriate strategies to subdue stressors effectively.
What are Stress Moderators?
Prevents stressors from causing stress.
List the 5 Stress Moderators.
- Type B Personality (Laid Back)
- Internal Locus of Control
- Optimism
- Hardiness (Psychologically)
- Resilience
What is a Type B personality?
Relaxed, easygoing, patient. Less competitive, less time-urgent, less prone to anger.
Moderates stress by remaining calm.
Type A achieves ____ than Type B but are ____ likely to be satisfied.
More; Less
What is an internal locus of control?
Belief in personal control over life events.
Moderates stress by empowering action and problem-solving.
What is optimism?
Positive outlook, expectation of good outcomes.
Moderates stress by reducing perceived severity and promoting positive coping.
What is hardiness?
Commitment, control, challenge. Views stress as growth.
Moderates stress by increasing resilience.
What is resilience?
Ability to bounce back from adversity.
Capable of adapting to changing situations
Moderates stress by enabling effective coping and recovery.
What are some Psychological Strategies?
Name 3.
- Coping > Defending
- Problem Focused & Emotion Focused Coping
- Cognitive Restructuring
What is the difference between coping and defending?
Coping: Actively addressing the stressor. Facing the problem.
Defending: Avoiding or denying the stressor. Avoiding the problem.
What is problem-focused coping?
Addressing the source of stress. Used when you can change the situation. Examples: planning, problem-solving.
What is emotion-focused coping?
Managing the emotional response to stress. Used when you can’t change the situation. Examples: social support, relaxation.
What is cognitive restructuring?
Changing negative thought patterns to more positive ones. Involves identifying, challenging, and replacing negative thoughts.
What are some Lifestyle Strategies?
Name 3.
- Social Support
- Diet & Exercise
- Sleep & Medidation
How does social support help manage stress?
Provides emotional, informational, and practical assistance. Reduces isolation, increases belonging, and buffers stress.
How do diet and exercise contribute to stress management?
Diet: Nourishes the body, stabilizes mood, and supports brain function.
Exercise: Releases endorphins, reduces stress hormones, and improves mood.
Why is sleep important for stress management?
Essential for physical and mental restoration. Regulates mood, improves concentration, and strengthens the immune system.
How does meditation help with stress?
Calms the mind, reduces anxiety, increases self-awareness, and promotes relaxation.
