Week 4: Theories of Stress Flashcards
Learn primary theories and definitions
What is the definition of stress?
Stress is the physiological and psychological response to a condition that threatens or challenges the individual and requires some form of adaptation or adjustment.
Who is Hans Selye?
Hans Selye is a Canadian researcher best known for his study of stress and health. Studied exposure of stressors on rats and the physiological effects of stress on living organisms. He developed the general adaptation syndrome which is the predictable sequence of reaction that organisms show in response to stressors (ARE)
What is the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)?
The General Adaptation Syndrome is the predictable sequence of reactions (alarm, resistance, and exhaustion stages) that organisms show in response to stressors.
What are the three stages of the General Adaptation Syndrome?
- Alarm: Emotional arousal occurs and the body prepares its defensive forces to meet the threat.
- Resistance: Intense physiological efforts to resist or adapt to the stressor.
- Exhaustion: Complete exhaustion of all stores of deep adaptation energy may lead to disintegration, disease, or death.
What is the difference between eustress and distress?
Eustress is positive or good stress, including exhilaration, excitement, and the thrill of accomplishment. Distress is damaging or unpleasant stress, such as frustration, inadequacy, loss, disappointment, insecurity, helplessness, or desperation.
What is a major criticism of Selye’s theory?
A major criticism is that Selye’s theory does not provide for a psychological component, meaning it does not consider how a person perceives and evaluates the stressor.
What physiological responses occur during the alarm stage?
During the alarm stage, the sympathetic nervous system mobilizes the body to fight or flee through the release of hormones.
What happens during the resistance stage?
During the resistance stage, the adrenal glands pour out powerful hormones (glucocorticoids) to help the body resist stressors.
What occurs during the exhaustion stage?
In the exhaustion stage, if the stressor continues, all stores of deep energy are depleted, which may lead to disintegration, disease, or death.
What is the cognitive process people engage in when confronted with a potentially stressful event?
People engage in a cognitive process that involves a primary and secondary appraisal.
What is primary appraisal?
Primary appraisal is an evaluation of the meaning and significance of a situation, determining whether its effect on our well-being is positive, irrelevant, or negative.
What are the three types of negative appraisals in primary appraisal?
- Harm or loss: damage that has already occurred.
- Threat: the potential for harm or loss.
- Challenge: the opportunity for growth or gain.
Can the same event be appraised differently by different people?
Yes, the same event can be appraised differently by different people.
What emotions are associated with negative appraisals?
Negative appraisals are associated with emotions such as anxiety, fear, and anger.
What emotions are typically associated with a challenge appraisal?
A challenge appraisal is usually accompanied by positive emotions such as excitement, hopefulness, and eagerness.
What is secondary appraisal?
Secondary appraisal involves assessing whether the situation is within our control, evaluating our available coping resources, and considering our options to deal with the stressor.
What factors influence the level of stress we feel?
The level of stress we feel depends largely on whether our resources are adequate to cope with the threat and how severely our resources will be taxed.
What is proactive coping?
Proactive coping consists of efforts or actions taken in advance of a potentially stressful situation to prevent its occurrence or minimize its consequences.
Who is Richard Lazarus?
researcher who developed the cognitive theory of stress and the cognitive appraisals of stressors. He argued that it is not the stressor itself that causes stress but rather the person’s perception of the stressor.
According to Lazarus, what are the four stages of the stress process? (CECR)
1.Cause: causal agent (stressor)
2.Evaluate: the mind or body evaluates the stressor as either threatening or benign
3. Cope: the mind or body uses coping processes to deal with the stressor
4. Response: the stress reaction = “the complex pattern of effects on the mind and body”
