unit 3 aos 1b

Question 1

stress

Answer 1

a psychological and physiological response to internal or external sources, whether they are real or perceived. two types: eustress and distress

Question 2

eustress

Answer 2

positive psychological response to stress because the individual believes they have the ability to cope with the challenging situation. characterised by positive psychological states

Question 3

distress

Answer 3

negative psychological response to stress. when we perceive a stressor to be a threat to our wellbeing that is beyond coping capabilities. characterised by negative psychological states.

Question 4

sources of stress (4)

Answer 4

daily pressures, life events, acculturative stress, major stress and catastrophes

Question 5

daily pressures

Answer 5

frequently occuring stressors consisting of relatively minor events that require adjustments to behaviour

Question 6

life events

Answer 6

stressors that consist of significant but rare events that require substantial adjustments within behaviour in a relatively short time

Question 7

acculturative stress

Answer 7

stress caused by attempting to psychologically and socially adapt to values of foreign culture

Question 8

major stress from catastrophes

Answer 8

a catastrophe is a sudden, unpredictable and uncontrollable intense event that causes large scale damage and. suffering to a group

Question 9

define Hans selyes General Adaption Syndrome(GAS)

Answer 9

the bodys typical biological response pattern in terms of resistance to stress over time, comprising of 3 stages: alarm, resistance and exhaustion.

Question 10

alarm (stage 1)

Answer 10

first stage where person realises there is a threat. FFF is activated via the HPA axis. comprises of shock (body acts as though it is injured, blood pressure and body temp drop. reduces individuals ability to deal with stressor. ) and counter shock (body increases resistance to stressor by releasing adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol into bloodstream)

Question 11

resistance (stage 2)

Answer 11

parasympathetic nervous system attempts to stabilise internal organs. adrenaline continues to circulate through the body to keep it prepared for action and increase stress tolerance. prolonged circulation of adrenaline can depress immune system (more susceptible to illness)

Question 12

exhaustion (stage 3)

Answer 12

bodys ability to meet demands of stressor begin to decline. the persons biological resources become severely depleted which results in more serious illness. can show signs of depression in this stage

Question 13

cortisol

Answer 13

steroid hormone produced by adrenal glands. essential for maintaining homeostasis (maintains blood pressure/glucose levels). during prolonged periods of stress, cortisol may suppress immune system

Question 14

FFF response

Answer 14

the bodys automatic reaction to stress, (created by sympathetic NS) that causes physiological change that prepares body to either confront a threat, remain in position or escape to safety.

Question 15

coping

Answer 15

efforts to manage internal and external stressors that we perceive as challenging

Question 16

coping strategy

Answer 16

a specific behavioural/psychological method of managing a stressor

Question 17

strategies for coping with stress (5)

Answer 17

avoidance, approach, coping flexibility, context specific effectiveness

Question 18

context specific effectiveness

Answer 18

how successful a coping strategy/mupltiple strategies are in elleviating stress. takes into account the individual and their needs

Question 19

coping flexibility

Answer 19

ability to adjust coping strategies depending on the demands of the stressor. involves selecting appropriate strategy, recognising if strategy is ineffective and stopping it, finding an alternative strategy where necessary

Question 20

exercise

Answer 20

improves physical and mental wellbeing. reduces risk of serious disease. can reduce anxiety and cope with stress better. uses up stress hormones, increases cardiovascular efficiency, stress and stamina for dealing with future stressors.

Question 21

approach strategies

Answer 21

confront stressor and deal with it directly. less negative psychological and physiological symptoms. involves finding out more and considering alternatives

Question 22

avoidant strategies

Answer 22

avoiding stressor and deal with it indirectly (sleeping, possible substance abuse). can have negative effects in long term. is only useful if nothing can be done