DESCRIBING AND IMPACTS ON HEALTH Stress DESCRIBING AND IMPACTS ON HEALTH

STRESS The process of appraising and responding to threatening or challenging events. stressors + stress reactions What causes YOU stress? 2 mins

SOURCES OF STRESS Three types of Stressors 1 : Catastrophes Unpredictable, large-scale events Natural disasters, terrorism/war, depression/famine, etc. 2 : Significant Life Changes Life transitions Going away to college, getting married, losing a job, moving, death of a family member, accident/illness/surgery, etc. 3 : Daily Hassles Rush hour traffic, annoying siblings/coworkers, long lunch lines, too many things to do, etc.

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 Other physiologists identify second response system and adrenal glands secrete cortisol (helps decision making)

HANS SELYE video 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 & 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 Short term effects Emotional reactions (anger, anxiety, embarrassment) Cognitive reactions (concentration, distractibility) Long term effects Psychophysical (asthma, chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety disorders, panic attack, depression, infertility and/or PMS)

Psychological Reactions to Stress 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 Emotional strategies Cognitive strategies Behavioral strategies Physical strategies

Emotional Strategies Cognitive Strategies Used in situations that are perceived as unchangeable Situations aimed at regulating our distress, emotional responses (social support) Cognitive Strategies Reappraisal Locus of Control (Internal vs. External) Problem Solving (recall conflict resolution)

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)

Take care of yourself!