Stress / Coping

stress

an internal or external event or demand of life experienced by the individual that is perceived and appraised for scope and meaning on a continuum to determine whether resources and abilities for management are available, exceeded, or exhausted

physiologic stressors

1. pain

2. excessive noise

3. starvation

4. infection

emotional / psychologic stressors

1. diagnosis of cancer

2. death of spouse

3. caring for disabled child

4. marital problems

coping

an ever-changing process involving both cognitive means and behavioral actions, in order to manage internal or external situations that are perceived as difficult and/or beyond the individual’s current resources

psychosocial manifestations of stress

1. anxiety

2. depression

3. defense mechanisms

5 stages of grief

1. crisis

2. unity

3. upheaval

4. resolution

5. renewal

crisis stage

equilibrium disruption; relationship (anxiety vs guilt / resentment / anger); spouse, child, or parent

unity stage

pulling together / putting aside'; roles / responsibilities

upheaval stage

prolonged stress leads to ‘wearing thin’; guilt, anger, resentment (communicate honestly, avoid suppression)

resolution stage

prolonged grief process allows for resolution of life’s unresolved issues, sharing of memories

renewal stage

begins with the funeral (celebration of life, marking of loss); mixed emotions (sadness / relief); success relies on previous 4 stages