Stress Management Abnormal Psychology

Social Support (SS) DFN = quantity & quality of social interactions –____________________ Help deciding how bad event was & how best to cope –Tangible assistance Money, goods, services e.g., meals to family after death of loved one –Information Advice on problem, similar experiences of others, etc. e.g., how bad Prof. Vernon’s tests usually are –Emotional Support Reassurance, warmth, nurturance

SS & Physiology Stress: impromptu speech in front of bored audience SS lessens: _______________ responses –Supportive companion > none –Believing support is available –Thinking about sources of support –Supportive friend > supportive stranger –Supportive __________ > supportive __________ –Females: sometimes more stressed by supportive male than alone

Coping Style ___________ vs. ____________ –_______________ = confrontation, vigilance –good when: can focus on info & not own neg emotions long-term probs (e.g., job) b/c you prepare –Downside: ^ anxiety & physiological reactivity

–_____________= minimizing, escaping – (opposite) good for short-term probs (e.g., trip to dentist) –Downside: don’t deal with long-term threats

Problem-focused vs. Emotion-focused –Problem-focused = attempts to do something constructive e.g., confrontation, planning, seeking advice –Emotion-focused = attempts to regulate emotions e.g., distraction, wishful thinking, silver lining –People more likely to use: Problem-focused for _______________ Emotion-focused for health-related

Relaxation Techniques Diaphragmatic Breathing Progressive Muscle Relaxation Meditation Guided __________ v hr, bp, muscle tension, skin conductance

CLASS ACTIVITY Relaxation Exercises: –Diaphragmatic Breathing –Guided Imagery