Section 3: Coping with Stress
Cognitive appraisal- the interpretation of an event that helps determine its stress impact
Denial- a coping mechanism in which a person decides that the event is not really a stressor Intellectualization- coping mechanism in which the person analyzes a situation from an emotionally detached viewpoint Both limit stress reactions, but can cause a failure to deal with legitimate stressor
Active coping strategies- involves changing our environment or modifying a situation to remove or reduce stressors Hardiness- refers to personality traits of control, commitment, and challenge Relaxation- ▪ Progressive relaxation- lying down comfortably and tensing and releasing each major muscle group ▪ Meditation- focusing attention with goal of clearing ones’ mind to produce an inner peace
Biofeedback- the processs of learning to control bodily states by monitoring the states to be controlled ▪ Ex. Blood pressure Humor- laughing releases tension, helps keep proper perspective of situation Exercise- stimulates and provides outlet for physical arousal, burns off stress hormones