2. 43.1 – Identify events that provoke stress responses, and describe how we respond and adapt to stress.
Stress
The process by which we perceive & respond to certain events (known as stressors) that we appraise as threatening and/or challenging
Stress is not…
A simple stimulus or response
Necessarily a negative thing

3. 43.1 – Identify events that provoke stress responses, and describe how we respond and adapt to stress.
Two major classifications of stress…
Acute Stressors
Relatively short in duration with a clear endpoint
An encounter with a belligerent customer
A major exam
An impending natural disaster
Chronic Stressors
Relatively long in duration with no apparent endpoint
Persistent financial strains
A sick family member
A hostile boss

4. 43.1 – Identify events that provoke stress responses, and describe how we respond and adapt to stress.
Stressors: are circumstances, events, and situations that contribute to stress. There are a variety of stressors, and while some occur on a daily basis, other occur only infrequently (catastrophes, daily hassles and life changes).
Causes of Stress 
-Castastrophies
-Daily Hassles
-Life Changes – Holmes and Rahe Social Readjustment Rating Scale
Death of a spouse (100)
Divorce (73)
Marital Separation (65)
Jail Term (63)
Death of a close family member (63)
Personal injury or illness (53)
Marriage (50)

5. 43.1 – Identify events that provoke stress responses, and describe how we respond and adapt to stress.
Conflict Situations
1) Approach-approach conflict: occurs when a person has to make a decision between two appealing choices.
2) Avoidance-avoidance conflict: occurs when a person has to make a decision between two unappealing choices.
3) Approach-avoidance conflict: a choice had both appealing and unappealing features.
4) Multiple approach-avoidance conflict: two choices have both positive and negative points.
Frustration: when pursuit of a goal is blocked (failures and losses).
Pressure: is made up of the extra demands places on a person to perform a certain way.

6. 43.1 – Identify events that provoke stress responses, and describe how we respond and adapt to stress.
General Adaptation Syndrome: the body responds to stress in three phases (Hans Seyle)
1) Alarm – intense body arousal occurs at the threat of a stressor is interpreted. This intense arousal, as Walter Cannon stated, causes the release of catecholamines, which alarm the body (“Fight or Flight” Response).
2) Resistance – This stage is characterized by the body’s trying to adjust to the intense arousal triggered in the alarm stage.
3) Exhaustion – If the stressor continues to arouse the body, the body becomes exhausted, which can lead to illness, mental exhaustion, and, in extreme cases death.

7. 43.1 – Identify events that provoke stress responses, and describe how we respond and adapt to stress.
General Adaptation Syndrome