IAS1162 Lecture #4

Neo-Freudian Theories – Anxiety & Coping Strategies Have we changed too much lately? Where have the joie-de-vivre gone to? Do we need to spend our hours working and keep on working and leaving the time relaxing elsewhere in our mind? Are we becoming too anxious by pushing ourselves to the limit? By research done, we HAVE entered into the age of anxiety What is anxiety? a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic

… cont’d … An unpleasant emotional experience Feelings of worry, panic, fear and dread Example: your diary that keeps your deep dark secret has been uncovered by a friend and most likely it is going to be passed around among friends Freud said anxiety has 3 types: Reality anxiety (objective anxiety) A response to a perceived threat in the real world Aware of the source of emotional reaction Example: followed by a stranger; escaped a serious auto accident Neurotic anxiety Experienced when unacceptable id impulses are dangerously close to breaking into consciousness Type of anxiety that leads to ego using the defense mechanisms.

… cont’d … Moral anxiety Brought about by the superego in response to id impulses that violate the superego’s strict moral code Generally experienced as guilt

Coping with Anxiety What do you do when faced with a potentially stressful situation? For example: Dentist started to drill your mouth? Getting ready for a job interview? Putting yourself in a kayak? Completely submerged in the water upon capsizing? First time driving on the highway? Chances are, you reject the idea of fear or pain; it is just part of life! Typically a person would respond to stress-provoking situations with calculated efforts to reduce the anxiety

… cont’d … Let’s watch this (BE FOREWARNED, THIS IS NOT FOR THE FAINT- HEARTED!!!!)this How do you deal with the gory details of the movie? Chances are you answer revolves on: “it is only a movie, not a real situation” Focus on the technical part of it The former being a ‘denial’ The latter being an ‘intellectual’ Both being a ‘defense mechanism’ as told by Freud Efforts to cope with anxiety in the face of a perceived threat  coping strategies Many ways to cope with anxieties, even endless People take long walks, talk to friends, meet with professional counselors, some drink alcohol, puffing away, attack the source, ignore the source, exercise, avoid people, pray, etc.

… cont’d One person may be using different strategies with regard to types of anxieties Consistently using the same varieties of strategies depending on the types of anxieties A person’s general approach to dealing with stress is referred to as coping style

Types of Coping Strategies Basically, there are three: Problem-Focused Strategies Directed at taking care of the problem and thereby overcoming the anxiety Simply making plans to deal with the problem makes them feel better than doing nothing at all If problem is financial, look for ways to earn more money or reduce expenses If struggling in class? Emotion-Focused Strategies Designed to reduce the emotional distress that accompanies the problem A divorced couple just would go to classes to help them do better in a next relationship Avoidance Strategies Pushing the provocation out of awareness If a friend is really sick, someone might just stop thinking about it

Problem-Focused Strategies I obtained as much information as I could about the situation I made a plan of action I considered alternatives and weighed the pros and cons I talked with people who have had similar experiences I tried harder to make things work I sought out help from someone who knew more than I did I set aside time to work on the problem

Emotion-Focused Strategies I discussed my feelings with friends I thought about how I could learn from the experience I accepted what had happened and moved on I tried to put things in perspective I looked for the silver lining I found comfort in my religion I talked about my feelings with a professional counselor

Avoidance Strategies I tried not to think about the problem I pretended the problem didn’t exist I used alcohol or drugs to feel better I tried to distract myself with other activities I avoided people and situations that reminded me of the problem I slept more than usual I refused to acknowledge the scope of the problem

What should you do now? ANSWER THIS QUESTIONNAIRE Be HONEST!!!!

Remember this!!!! Next week… MIDTERM EXAM!!!! It will be done on Monday 23 rd May pm-10pm (I would think the venue is gonna BS2) Covers from Lecture 1 – Lecture 4 G D LUCK C  MPADRES…

That’s all folks I can imagine the stress of the mouse