1. Stress A state of psychological tension or strain
Adjustment is any attempt to cope with stress
Health psychology
Studies the relationship between psychological factors and physical health
Stressors
Events or circumstances that trigger stress

2. Sources of Stress Life changes Everyday Hassles
Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS)
Assesses impact of major life changes
College Undergraduate Stress Scale
Everyday Hassles
Pressure
Occurs when we feel forced to speed up or shift focus of our behavior
Frustration
Occurs when a person is prevented from reaching a goal

3. Sources of Frustration
Delays
Lack of Resources
Losses
Failure
Discrimination

4. Sources of Stress Conflict
Simultaneous existence of incompatible demands, opportunities, goals, or needs
Approach/approach conflict occurs when there is a conflict between two appealing possibilities
Regret
Avoidance/avoidance conflict occurs when there is a choice between two undesirable possibilities
Escape
Approach/avoidance conflict is the result of being simultaneously attracted to and repelled by the same goal
Paralysis

5. Stress and Individual Differences
Differences in reaction to stressors may be due to an individual’s appraisal

6. Stress and Individual Differences
Hardiness
A characteristic of people who can tolerate stress well or even thrive on it
Open to change
Welcome a challenge
Resilience
Ability of a person to “bounce back” after a stressful event
Social connections
Varied interests
Self-imposed stress
Must be loved or approved by everyone for everything I do
I must be successful at everything I do