1. Anna B. Perkowski Dr. Thomas Welch PSYCH101: Portfolio Assignment
The Impact of Stress
The Impact of Stress
Anna B. Perkowski
Dr. Thomas Welch
PSYCH101: Portfolio Assignment

2. What is Stress? What is Stress?
Stress – “the term used to describe the physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral responses to events that are appraised as threatening or challenging” (Ciccarelli. 2018)
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

3. Common sources of stress
Too much to accomplish
Random interruptions
Doubt
Mistrust
Unclear policies
Ambiguity
Inconsistency
Being unappreciated
Lack of communication
Lack of control
Long work days
Insecurities
Discrimination or harassment
Financial obligations
Relationships
Inappropriate amount of sleep
Common sources of stress
Common sources of stress

4. Stressors – “events that cause a stress reaction” (Ciccarelli, 2018)

5. Stress and the Immune System
Psychoneuroimmunology – “the study of the effects of psychological factors such as stress, emotions, thoughts, and behavior on the immune system.
Stress triggers the same response in the immune system that infection triggers. (Mailer & Waltkins, 1998). Stress releases chemicals in the brain that affects the vagus nerve (the longest nerve that connects the body to the brain). This activation of the receptor sites signals the brain that the body is sick. This causes the brain to respond by activating the immune system.

6. Combating Stress Combating Stress
Track your stressors - keep a journal to identify which situations create the most stress and how you respond to them.
Develop healthy responses – instead of attempting to fight stress with fast food or alcohol, do your best to make healthy choices when you feel the tension rise
Take time to recharge – designate time to replenish and return to pre-stress level of functioning.
Learn how to relax – techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises and mindfulness can help melt away stress.
Get some support – accepting help from trusted friends and family members can Improve your ability to manage stress.

7. Organizations/resources that professionals can look to for guidance on managing stress.
World Health Organization -
American Psychological Association - stress.aspx
American Heart Association - Management_UCM_001082_SubHomePage.jsp

8. References References
Ciccarelli, S. K., & White, N. J. (2018). Psychology An Exploration (Fourth ed.). New York, NY: Pearson.
American Psychological Association. Coping with Stress at Work. (n.d.). Retrieved April 5, 2018, from
Maier, S. F., & Watkins, L. R. (1998). Cytokines for psychologists: implications of bidirectional immune-to-brain communication for understanding behavior, mood, and cognition. Psychological Review, 105

9. The End
The End