1. Stress: The Constant Challenge
Chapter 2
Stress: The Constant Challenge

2. What Is Stress? Commonly, stress refers to two different things:
Situations that trigger physical and emotional reactions
Stressors
The reactions themselves
Stress response

3. Physical Responses to Stressors
Two systems in your body are responsible for the physical response
Nervous system (brain/spinal cord)
Endocrine system (glands that produce and secrete hormones)
Rapid chemical reactions prime the body to act quickly and appropriately 3

4. The Nervous System Nervous system: brain, spinal cord, nerves
Voluntary/involuntary
Handles very short-term (acute) stress
Autonomic nervous system
Parasympathetic division
Relaxed state
Sympathetic division
Stimulated state

5. The Endocrine System
Endocrine system: glands, tissues, and cells that help control body functions
Releases hormones
Helps prepare the body to respond to stress
Handles both acute and chronic stress 5

6. The Two Systems Together
How do the nervous system and endocrine system work together in an emergency?
Adrenal glands are activated, releasing cortisol and epinephrine (adrenaline)
They rigger physiological changes (fight-or-flight)
Heart rate and respiration accelerate
Hearing and vision become more acute
Liver releases extra sugar into the bloodstream
Perspiration increases
Brain releases endorphins
Homeostasis 6

7. Emotional and Behavioral Responses to Stressors (1)
Responses to stress vary from person to person
Cognitive appraisal of a potential stressor influences how it is viewed
Highly individual; related to emotions
Two factors that can reduce the magnitude of the stress response:
Successful prediction
Perception of control 7

8. Emotional and Behavioral Responses to Stressors (2)
Controlled by the somatic nervous system
Effective responses: talking, laughing, exercise, and improved time management
Ineffective responses: overeating, hostility, procrastination, frustration

9. Emotional and Behavioral Responses to Stressors (3)
Personality types
Type A: overcompetitive, controlling, impatient, aggressive
Type B: relaxed, contemplative
Type C: anger suppression, hopelessness, despair
Type D: anxious, depressed, irritable 9

10. Emotional and Behavioral Responses to Stressors (4)
Hardiness
People with the personality trait of “hardiness” or a resilient personality can cope more positively with stress
Committed to their activities, have a sense of inner purpose, and an inner locus of control.
Resilience
Nonreactive resilience
Homeostatic resilience
Positive growth resilience 10

11. Emotional and Behavioral Responses to Stressors (5)
Other factors that influence emotional and behavioral responses to stress
Cultural background
Gender
Experience

12. The General Adaptation Syndrome (1)
Predictable response pattern to all stressors
Eustress: brought on by a pleasant stressor
Distress: brought on by an unpleasant stressor
Three stages:
Alarm (Fight-or-Flight)
Shock phase followed by antishock (fight-or-flight) phase
Resistance
Exhaustion
Allostatic load: long-term wear and tear of the stress response 12

13. The General Adaptation Syndrome (2)13

14. Links between Stress and Specific Conditions
Cardiovascular disease
Chronic high blood pressure
Atherosclerosis
Heart attacks, strokes
Elevated cholesterol, inflammation
Psychological problems
Stressors can be anxiety-producing or depressing
Panic attacks
Eating disorders
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 14

15. Other Health Problems Altered functioning of the immune system
Headaches
Tension headaches
Migraine headaches
Cluster headaches
Digestive problems
Insomnia
Injuries
Menstrual irregularities, impotence, pregnancy complications 15

16. Managing Stress Sleep Sleep is important for controlling stress
Adults need 7 to 9 hours every night
Sleep and stress
Sleep deprivation
Sleep problems
Insomnia
Sleep apnea 16

17. Sleep Apnea

18. Managing Stress Cognitive Techniques Relaxation Techniques
Time Management
Striving for spiritual wellness:
Spiritual wellness is associated with greater coping skills/higher levels of overall wellness
Confiding in yourself through writing:
Keep a journal
Cognitive Techniques
Relaxation Techniques 18

19. Counterproductive Coping Strategies
Tobacco use
Use of alcohol and other drugs, including:
Caffeine
Marijuana
Opioids
Unhealthy eating habits 19