Transcript Module 36 Chapter 110 Essentials of Understanding

Module 34
Stress and Coping
Chapter 11
Essentials of Understanding Psychology- Sixth Edition
PSY110 Psychology
© Richard Goldman
June 7, 2006
Stress
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Response to
threatening or
challenging events
Steps Involved in Stress
1.
2.
3.
Perception
Consider ways to cope
Adapt to it or find a resolution
Biological Reactions to Stress
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Hormones (adrenaline)
 Increase Heart Rate
 Increase Blood Pressure
 Constriction of capillaries
in skin
More Alert (short term)
Physically detrimental (long
term)
 Cardio-vascular disease
 Immune problems and
illness
Psychophysiological Disease
(Psychosomatic)
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Headache (migraine)
High blood pressure
Rashes
Back and neck pain
Indigestion
Constipation
Fatigue
Sleeplessness or too much sleep
Cognitive problems (can’t think straight)
Social problems (short with people)
General Adaptation Syndrome Model (GAS)
Stages of Stress – Hans Selye
Alarm and Mobilization Stage (Awareness)
1.
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Become aware of stressor
Biological – Sympathetic nervous system energized
Resistance Stage (Fight or Flight)
2.
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Prepare to fight (or overcome or cope)
Use of physical and psychological energy
Exhaustion Stage
3.
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Worn out (All resources are exhausted)
Illness, irritability, can’t concentrate, disorientation
Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) and Stress
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PNI – The study of psychological factors among the brain and
immune system
Physiological Effects:
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Increase hormone production
High blood pressure
Decrease in immune system functioning
 Low levels of lymphocytes – Increase in disease
Over stimulation of the immune system may trigger:
 Arthritis
 Allergies
May trigger Harmful Behaviors:
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Drinking
Smoking
Drugs
Poor diet & sleep
Categorizing Stress
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Cataclysmic Event – Sudden disasters
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Personal Events – Death of family or friend, etc.
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Not too stressful
Event is behind you
Social support
Gradually tapers off over time
May experience Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Background Stressor – Daily hassles - Traffic Jams,
etc.
Learned Helplessness
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The failure to avoid or escape from an unpleasant
or aversive stimulus that occurs as a result of
previous exposure to unavoidable painful stimuli.
Not allowed to make decisions for self
Give up
Negative health consequences (Depression)
Coping with Stress
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Control the situation
Reduce or eliminate the
stressor
Learn to tolerate the
stressor
Avoidance:
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Pray that it will go away
Alcohol & Drugs
Coping with Stress
Defense Mechanisms
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Negative:
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Distortion
Denial
Conceal from self
Emotional Insulation – stop caring or feeling about
everything
Positive:
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Emotion Focused – Look at the brighter side
Problem Focused – Deal with the stressor
Coping Styles
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Hardiness traits:
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Commitment – throws themselves into whatever they are
doing
Challenge – Change is the norm (not stability)
Control – Has influence over events
Resilient
Good natured
Independent
Control over own destiny
Makes the best out of a situation
Coping Strategies
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Turn a threat into a challenge (I’ll show you!)
Consider a threat in a different light (see the silver
lining)
Change your goals
Take physical action (exercise, diet, etc.)
Prepare:
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Plan ways to reduce encounters with stressors
Strategize for ways to deal with anticipated stressors
Develop a support group
Acquire a pet