Transcript Stress and Coping

Stress and Coping
Stress and Coping

Stress is a subjective feeling in
response to environmental
events that are perceived as
frustrating or threatening.
Individuals adapt to stressful
situations by using coping
strategies and defense
mechanisms.
Emotions

Feelings that involve physical
and psychological changes

“Fight” or “Flight” – a physical
response to emotions related to a
challenge or threat
Prepares body for aggression (fight)
 Prepares body to escape perceived
danger (flight)
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Types of Emotions

Anxiety – vague unpleasant
feeling that produces physical
sensations
Results in tension and increased
heart rate
 Often can not identify reason for
emotional distress

Types of Emotions

Fear
Results from
a specific,
identifiable
cause
 The
physiologic
reactions
similar to
anxiety

Types of Emotions

Anger


Inborn,
instinctive
Emotional
reaction to loss
Types of Emotions

Aggression

Combination of
frustration,
hate, or rage
Perceptions of Control

“In Control” - perception that
one has choices and is able to
create a change in
psychological stare or current
life circumstances
Perceptions of Control

“Powerless” – perception that
one’s actions cannot affect
changes in outcome

Long-term feelings of
powerlessness lead to feelings of
physical and mental fatigue which
can ultimately lead to depression
Perceptions of Control

“Hopelessness” – perception
that one’s needs have no
potential to be met

Long-term feelings of
hopelessness often lead to
depression
Stress and Coping


Stress – the subjective feeling of
tension to perceived events
Coping – refers to how the mind
reacts to stress

Coping mechanisms vary from
person to person
Coping Mechanisms

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Events that stress one person ,
might not stress others
Conscious behavior usually
based on success of previous
coping experiences