Stress & Illness Chapter 14

Stress & Illness Stress: the process by which we appraise and cope with environmental threats and challenges; it is not just a stimulus or a response (the negative type we typically think of is called DISTRESS) Stress arises less from events than how we appraise or assess them When perceived as challenges, stressors can have positive effects & motivate us (EUSTRESS) Stressors can also threaten our resources, however. Job security Loved ones Health & security Self-image Beliefs

Health Psychology Health Psychology Concerned with how psychosocial factors relate to the promotion and maintenance of health and with the causation, prevention, and treatment of illness But it doesn’t eliminate the biological aspects Overall, biopsychosocial model that holds the physical illness is caused by a complex interaction of biological, psychological, and socioculutural

Stress is in the Eye of the Holder Primary appraisal- an initial evaluation of whether an event is 1. irrelevant to you 2. relevant but not threatening to you 3. stressful If stressful then you make a…. Secondary appraisal- an evaluation of your coping resources and options for dealing with stress

Stress Response System The stress response system is a part of a unified mind-body system When alerted, the sympathetic nervous system kicks in and release epinephrine and norepinephrine This is known as the fight or flight system (Cannon)… Heart racing Increased respiration Blood goes to skeletal muscles instead of or digestion Body releases stored sugar and fat for energy Hormone cortisol is released in addition to, catecholamines & coticosteroids

Other Responses- GAS Withdrawal Support-seeking behavior General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)- the body’s response to prolonged stress (Seyle) -Phase 1: alarm reaction -Phase 2: resistance -Phase 3: exhaustion

Stressful Life Events Catastrophes: unpredictable, large-scale events that generally are considered to be threatening Acute stress: threatening events that have a relatively short duration and clear endpoint Life Changes: significant alterations in one’s living circumstances that require readjustment Social Readjustment Scale p. 566

Different Types of Stress Daily Hassles: everyday stressors Frustration: occurs in any situation in which the pursuit of some goal is thwarted, such as traffic jams…can lead to anger, physical symptoms, & significant stress Chronic stress: threatening events that have relatively long duration and no readily apparent time limit Conflict: when two or more incompatible motivations or behavioral impulses compete for expression Such conditions are extra stressful when we perceive them as negative and uncontrollable - poverty & inequality - optimism and pessimism

Kurt Lewin’s Motivational Theory of Conflict Approach-avoidance conflict : There is a conflict between something you want to approach and something you want to avoid. Ex. You want a car but you want to avoid the cost/time/work involved with owning one. OR You want closeness/romance but you want to avoid the cost/time/work/sacrifice/heart break involved in maintaining a relationship. approach-approach conflict: there are two positive options Ex. Acceptance to both Harvard and Yale avoidance-avoidance conflict: there are two negative options Ex. Would You Rather questions Multiple approach-avoidance conflict: Several courses of action that have both positive and negative aspects Ex. You can ride to the movies on the bus, getting a good seat in time to see the previews, but then have no money to buy popcorn OR have your parents drive you but then have to make dinner and wash dishes OR walk which will probably lead to a bad seat and missing the beginning of the movie, but you can buy popcorn and avoid chores

Stress & Heart Disease Coronary heart disease: the closing of the vessels that nourish the heart muscle Does stress led to heart disease? Friedman & Rosenman discovered that those who are Type A are more prone to heart attacks -Type A: emotionally reactive, competitive, hard-driving, impatient, time-conscious, super-motivated, verbally aggressive, & easily angered -Type B: easy-going, relaxed

Stress & Other Diseases Psychophysiological illness: stress-related physical illness such as hypertension and some headaches Stress & the immune system: Immune system either over-attacks or under-attacks Stress & AIDS - the depression of the immune system (decreased production of lymphocytes) in response to stress causes HIV to more quickly progress into AIDS and a more speedy rate of decline Stress & Cancer -not a direct link but slightly higher risk within a year of people experiencing depression, helplessness, or grief

Stress & Coping Mechanism Exercise Many studies suggest that aerobic exercise can reduce stress. depression, and anxiety It also increases mood-boosting neurotransmitters such as serotonin & endorphins Biofeedback System for detecting and feeding back information regarding psychological state, such as blood pressure and muscle tension Social Support Optimism & Conscientiousness Religion/Faith Intervening factors on the connection between religion & physical health include: healthy lifestyles, marital longevity, a sense of acceptance and hope for the future

All Hands on Deck Improving Coping and Stress Management p. 592