STRESS, Health and Coping A very small % of the AP Exam This is a topic that students should have some basic understanding even if it is merely for their own well-being.

From College Board Discuss theories of stress and the effects of stress on psychological and physical well-being. This topic is under Motivation and Emotion (6-8% of the AP Exam)

STRESS What is stress? What “stresses” you out? What is eutress? What is distress?

STRESS The physical and psychological response to certain events, called stressors, that we perceive as a challenge or a threat What is stress? 3 mins Stressors are events or situations, unique to the individual, that produces stress Types of stressors (Myers)

Eustress A stress that is positive or motivating Examples?

Distress A stress that is negative or damaging Example?

Sources of stress Frustration Anxiety Conflict situations Pressure Recall 4 conflict situations (next slide) Pressure Internal v. external

Motives in Conflict Approach/Approach Conflict Avoidance/Avoidance Conflict Approach/Avoidance Conflict Multiple Approach/Avoidance Conflicts See activity to follow

BIODOT ASSIGNMENT Complete the provided Biodot Journal. Originally from TOPSS and APA’s National Curriculum Standards.

Physical Effects of Stress Stress appraisal activates the hypothalamus Which triggers the pituitary gland and SNS of the ANS Heart rate increases Respiration rapid and shallow Liver releases glycogen Pupils dilate Goosebumps triggered by SNS Glands and hormones (epinephrine and corticosteriods) Muscle tightness

THEORIES OF PHYSIOLOGICAL REACTIONS TO STRESS

Walter Cannon Stress is a unified mind-body experience (1930s) Not the first to think it, but pushed idea forward Emotion arousing incidents produce an outpouring of epinephrine and norepinephrine SNS is activated Fight or Flight Response Homeostasis Other physiologist identify second response system and adrenal glands secrete cortisol

Hans Selye 3 mins Studied animals’ reaction to stress (1936) Maintained the body’s adaptive response to stress is “generalized” (General Adaptation Syndrome) Three phases: Alarm Resistance Exhaustion Dis Psy #23

The Brain As time permits, two clips from The Brain #21 and #22 The Brain Learner.org

Friedman and Rosenman (1956) Found a correlation between stress and heart disease Monitored the cholesterol levels of accountants Measured just before and up to tax deadline (April 15) Cholesterol levels returned to normal by June!

Type A and Type B Behaviors Competitive Hard-driving Impatient Anger prone Type B Easygoing Relaxed More patient Remain calm when stressed

PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL REACTIONS TO STRESS

Psychoneuroimmunology Examining the interaction of psychological and physiological processes that affect the body’s ability to defend itself against disease External defense system Skin Mucus linings Internal defense system Immune system

Psychological Reactions to Stress Stress factors Work, school and relationships Short term effects Emotional reactions (anger, anxiety, embarrassment) Cognitive reactions (concentration, distractability) Long term effects Psychophysical (asthma, chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety disorders, panic attack, depression, infertility and/or PMS)

Positive Aspects to Stress Motivation levels and alertness levels of an individual can be increased. Cultural Differences People from different cultures may use different methods of dealing with stress Coping strategies depend on cultural context

coping with stress 3 mins

Coping: Strategies to deal with stress Cognitive strategies Emotional strategies Behavioral strategies Physical strategies

Cognitive Strategies Reappraisal Locus of Control (Internal vs. External) Problem Solving (recall conflict resolution)

Emotional Strategies Used in situations that are perceived as unchangeable Situations aimed at regulating our distress, emotional responses (social support)

Behavioral Strategies Time management (effective and efficient use of time) Behavior Modification (application of operant and classical conditioning to make positive behavioral changes)

Physical Strategies Relaxation Training (progressive relaxation) Biofeedback (recording and recognizing information about changes in one’s physiological state) Meditation (technique used to promote inner peace and tranquility) Aerobic exercise (sustained exercise to increase cardiovascular and lung fitness) Diet and Nutrition (eating healthy choices and well-balanced meals) Social support (friends and family as a source of encouragement)

Some Activities for Stress, Coping and Health Here are a few suggestions to have a bit of fun applying knowledge of content for this brief content area.

The Biodot Journal See handout for ordering instructions and suggested assignment. The Biodots are not essential to the assignment which focuses on incidence of student stress and the bodily, emotional and behavioral reaction to life events. Remember that a written evaluation is an important part of this activity.

The Wizard of Oz! Using the video clip, apply your knowledge to the situation of Dorothy and her friends. See handout

Limericks and Conflict Resolution Here is a quick way to recall the types of conflict resolution.

Activity: Motives in Conflict Approach/Approach Conflict Avoidance/Avoidance Conflict Approach/Avoidance Conflict Multiple Approach/Avoidance Conflicts

Limerick Instructions The standard form of a limerick is a stanza of five lines, with the first, second and fifth usually rhyming with one another and having three feet of three syllables each; and the shorter third and fourth lines also rhyming with each other, but having only two feet of three syllables. The defining "foot" of a limerick's meter is usually the anapaest, (ta-ta-TUM), but limericks can also be considered amphibrachic (ta-TUM-ta).

Scottish example A lively young damsel named Menzies (ming zees) Inquired: "Do you know what this thenzies?"     Her aunt, with a gasp,     Replied: "It's a wasp, And you're holding the end where the stenzies.”

Here is an example from W. S. Gilbert “There was an old man of St. Bees, Who was stung in the arm by a wasp;     When they asked, "Does it hurt?"     He replied, "No, it doesn't, But I thought all the while 't was a Hornet.”

The first line traditionally introduces a person and a place, with the place appearing at the end of the first line and establishing the rhyme scheme for the second and fifth lines. In early limericks, the last line was often essentially a repeat of the first line, although this is not necessary.

A classic from Edward Lear Limericks were made famous by Edward Lear, a famous author who wrote the "Book of Nonsense" in the 1800's.  This was an entire book of silly limericks. There was an Old Derry down Derry, who loved to see little folks merry;
So he made them a book, and with laughter they shook at the fun of that Derry down Derry.

A limerick is a silly poem with five lines A limerick is a silly poem with five lines.  They are often funny or nonsensical.  How to write a limerick: The first, second and fifth lines rhyme with each other and have the same number of syllables (typically 8 or 9).  The third and fourth lines rhyme with each other and have the same number of syllables (typically 5 or 6).   Limericks often start with the line "There once was a..." or "There was a..."

Your assignment is to develop 2-4 limericks that exemplify the types of conflict resolution There was a young girl who visited Starbucks, She desired a beverage for big bucks. The latte was yummy, the chia tea good for her tummy, But what she decided upon was yuck, yuck !

FEEL FREE TO TAKE LIBERTIES WITH THIS FORM OF POETRY

Critical Thinking Companion Jane Halonen, PhD

Take care of yourself!