What is stress and what are its major sources and effects?

Question 1

differentiate between stress and stressors, eustress and distress.

Answer 1

Stress-anything that places a demand on the body.
stressor- trigger that promotes stressful reaction.
eustress- pleasant or beneficial stress- exercise.
distress- unpleasant or objectionable stress- chronic illness

Question 2

identify the five major types of stressors and their effects

Answer 2

life changes- adjustment behavior or lifestyle
cataclysmic event-terrorst attack, death or birth.
chronic stress- bad marriage, poor living or working conditions.
job stress- unemployment, job performance
conflict-make a choice, job, relationships.

Question 3

contrast the three basic conflicts

Answer 3

approach conflict- choice between two or more favorable alternatives- ex. one job is interesting and the other job will look good on your resume.
avoidance conflict- forced choice between two or more unpleasant alternatives- ex. choose between missing class or missing an important job interview.
approach avoidance conflict- forced choice between two alternatives that have both desirable and undesirable results. ex. want to spend more time in a close relationship , but this means you will not see as much of your friends.

Question 4

describe the physiological effects of stress

Answer 4

prolonged elevation of cortisol-linking to increased levels leads to depression, posttramatic stress disorders, memory problem, unemployment, drug and alcohol abuse.
stress and immune system- when impaired increased risk for diseases, bursitis, colitis, AD, rheumatoid arthritis, even the common cold.