unit 3 aos 1b Flashcards
stress
a psychological and physiological response to internal or external sources, whether they are real or perceived. two types: eustress and distress
eustress
positive psychological response to stress because the individual believes they have the ability to cope with the challenging situation. characterised by positive psychological states
distress
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.
sources of stress (4)
daily pressures, life events, acculturative stress, major stress and catastrophes
daily pressures
frequently occuring stressors consisting of relatively minor events that require adjustments to behaviour
life events
stressors that consist of significant but rare events that require substantial adjustments within behaviour in a relatively short time
acculturative stress
stress caused by attempting to psychologically and socially adapt to values of foreign culture
major stress from catastrophes
a catastrophe is a sudden, unpredictable and uncontrollable intense event that causes large scale damage and. suffering to a group
define Hans selyes General Adaption Syndrome(GAS)
the bodys typical biological response pattern in terms of resistance to stress over time, comprising of 3 stages: alarm, resistance and exhaustion.
alarm (stage 1)
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)
resistance (stage 2)
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)
exhaustion (stage 3)
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
cortisol
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
FFF response
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.
coping
efforts to manage internal and external stressors that we perceive as challenging
coping strategy
a specific behavioural/psychological method of managing a stressor
strategies for coping with stress (5)
avoidance, approach, coping flexibility, context specific effectiveness
context specific effectiveness
how successful a coping strategy/mupltiple strategies are in elleviating stress. takes into account the individual and their needs
coping flexibility
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
exercise
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.
approach strategies
confront stressor and deal with it directly. less negative psychological and physiological symptoms. involves finding out more and considering alternatives
avoidant strategies
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
