Psychology: An Introduction Chapter 14 Stress 2008 McGraw-Hill Co., Inc. All rights reserved

Class Overview Complete Stress Scale Identify the Various Types of Stressors Understanding Stress Reactions Coping with Stress Class Activity

Stress Scale Activity How many of you think stress can cause illnesses?

Identify the Various Types of Stressors What is Stress?

Identify the Various Types of Stressors What is Stress? Stress is your body’s response to changes in your daily life.

Identify the Various Types of Stressors There are two kinds of stressors Eustress Distress

Identify the Various Types of Stressors Eustress (positive stress) A healthful response to a stressor that produces a positive result Motivates, focuses energy Short term Is perceived as within our coping abilities Feels exciting Improves Performance

Identify the Various Types of Stressors Distress (negative stress) A harmful response to a stressor that produces a negative result Causes anxiety or concern Can be short or long term Feels unpleasant Can lead to mental and physical problems

Identify the Various Types of Stressors Sources of Stress Life events Violence, war, and sexual assault Loss of a family member Natural disasters Terrorism Daily hassles Positive life events

Identify the Various Types of Stressors Sources of Stress Frustration Conflict Approach- approach conflict Avoidance- avoidance conflict Approach- avoidance conflict Multiple approach- avoidance conflict

Identify the Various Types of Stressors Sources of Stress Environmental Conditions Air Pollution Scientists at the Harvard School of Public Health and the Boston University School of Medicine concluded that as air pollution increased, perceived stress levels of study participants also increased. Noise Humidity Riots Weather

Understanding Stress Reactions General Aspects of Stress Reactions We react to stress as a whole Psychological and bodily reactions are highly similar whether the stress is physical or psychological Combination of anxiety, depression, anger and irritability Changes in appetite for food and interest in sex Difficulty concentrating

Understanding Stress Reactions Physical reaction to stress and health The General Adaptation Syndrome Alarm Reaction Resistance Stage Exhaustion Stage

Understanding Stress Reactions

Understanding Stress Reactions Factors that influence reactions to stress Prior experience of the stress Age Predictability and control Social support Someone to talk to Receiving advice and solace

Understanding Stress Reactions Person variables in reactions to stress Cognitive factors in stress reactions Intelligences and stress Appraisals of stress

Understanding Stress Reactions Person variables in reactions to stress Personality characteristics and stress reactions type A personality: Competitive Rushing Workaholic Speaks loudly or “explosively” Perfectionistic or demanding Hostile and aggressive

Understanding Stress Reactions Person variables in reactions to stress Personality characteristics and stress reactions Ethnicity Minority groups tend to have fewer of the advantages that shield us from stress Education Higher Income Gender differences in response to stress: Benefits of marriage Fight-or-flight and tend-and-befriend

Coping with Stress Effective Coping Methods: Removing or reducing stress Cognitive coping: reappraisal Managing stress reactions: counseling

Coping with Stress Ineffective Coping Methods: Withdrawal Aggression Self-medication Defense mechanisms:

Coping with Stress

Coping with Stress Changing health- related behavior patterns Learning to Relax Progressive muscle relaxation exercise Decreased sympathetic arousal

Coping with Stress Changing health- related behavior patterns Improved eating habits Weight: Good Nutrition Body mass Index

Coping with Stress Changing health- related behavior patterns Improved eating habits Suggestions for a healthy lifestyle: Have reasonable goals Do not “diet” Eat differently Do not give up because of lapses Emphasize exercise Do not smoke Comply with medical advice

Coping with Stress Healthy ways to manage stress Participate in Physical Activities Manage your time (make to- do lists) Talking with family and friends that you trust Writing in a journal (helps you express feelings) Keep a sense of humor Take a break- do something for yourself Perform relaxation techniques (deep-breathing and imagery)

Class Activity Read article on shared stress