1. Chapter 5: Defining & Measuring Stress
Health Psychology
Chapter 5: Defining & Measuring Stress

2. DFNs
Stress = negative emotional experience accompanied by biochemical, cognitive, & behav changes
Attempt to alter _____________
Accommodate to its effects
Stressor = stressful event, conditions producing stress

3. Theories of Stress

4. Fight or Flight (Cannon)
_________:
Threat
Physical arousal (sympathetic nervous system & endocrine system)
Attack or flee
Adaptive: mobilizes response to danger
Maladaptive: disrupts emot & physiological fx

5. General Adaptation Syndrome (Selye)
3 stages:
Alarm
Resistance
Exhaustion

6. Criticisms of GAS & Fight/Flight
~ ignores psych. factors
e.g., ____________________
Assumes all stressors produce same response
Response only occurs AFTER stressor
e.g., no anticipatory response

7. Tend & Befriend (Taylor)
______________
e.g., deer - herd, female rats – huddle
More so in females
Oxytocin (stress hormone), interacts with estrogen
^ calm
^ relaxed
^ social
^ maternal
Adaptive- protect self & offspring

8. Appraisal Processes (Lazarus)
Primary appraisal = event’s meaning
Positive
Neutral
Negative
Secondary appraisal = perceived ability to cope
_____________ = ongoing reevaluation

9. Sources of Stress Environment Crowding Pollution Noise Urban Press
Example: dorm room layout

10. Personal Relationships Sleep Problems
Occupation
Personal Relationships
Sleep Problems
DFN: insomnia = inability to fall or stay asleep
Sleep deprivation/problems can cause:
tension, anxiety
worse decision-making
lowered productivity
_______________________

11. Measuring Stress Methods Physiological Measures Life Events Scales
__________________
Heart rate (HR)
Breathing rate
Biochemical (cortisol)
Life Events Scales
Daily Hassles Scales

12. CLASS ACTIVITY Fill out the stress questionnaire (SRRS) Score it
Critique it