Stress and Coping

Overview F Causes of Stress F Effects of Stress F Stress Mediators F Stress and Mental Illness

What Causes Stress? F Frustration: inability to reach goals F Conflict: choosing among options

Types of Conflict F approach-approach F avoidance-avoidance F approach-avoidance

Stressors F catastrophic events F life changes F chronic stressors F daily hassles

Effects of Stress F General Adaptation Syndrome –Alarm –Resistance –Exhaustion

Alarm Stage F initial reaction F fight or flight response F activation of sympathetic nervous system F high energy use

Resistance Stage F reaction to continued stress F use of energy reserves

Exhaustion Stage F reaction to long-term stress F depletion of energy reserves F suppression of immune system F damage to organs

Stress Mediators F Cognitive Appraisal – threat – challenge F Predictability F Control

Stress Mediators F Coping Methods –Problem focused –Emotion focused F Social Support F Personality –Optimism vs. pessimism

Stress and Mental Illness F Diathesis-Stress Model –Genetic predisposition for disorder –Stressors cause disorder in individuals who have the predisposition, but not in those without the predisposition