Stress & Coping

Healthy Psychology

A branch of psychology that focuses on the positive aspects of human life, emphasizing strengths, well-being, and the promotion of mental health rather than just the treatment of mental illness.

Stress

A physical and emotional response to challenges or demands, often leading to various cognitive, behavioral, and physiological effects.

Stressors

Events or situations that trigger stress responses in individuals.

Eustress

A positive form of stress that can enhance motivation, performance, and well-being, often experienced during challenging yet manageable situations.

Distress

A negative form of stress that can lead to anxiety, decreased performance, and health issues, typically resulting from overwhelming demands or scenarios.

Daily Hassles

Minor irritations or annoyances that occur regularly, contributing to overall stress levels.

Significant Life Changes

Major alterations in a person's life, such as moving, changing jobs, or experiencing a loss, that can evoke substantial stress and require adjustment.

Catastrophies

Unexpected, large-scale events that cause significant distress and disruption, such as natural disasters or terrorist attacks.

ACES

Adverse Childhood Experiences that can impact health and well-being.

General Adaptation Syndrome

A three-stage physiological response to stress, including alarm, resistance, and exhaustion stages.

Alarm Reaction Phase

The initial response to a stressor, characterized by the body's immediate reaction, including the release of stress hormones and heightened alertness.

Fight-Flight-Freeze Response

The physiological reaction to perceived threats, which prepares the body to either confront or flee from danger. It involves the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, resulting in increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and heightened awareness.

Resistance Phase

The second stage in the General Adaptation Syndrome, where the body attempts to adapt to the ongoing stressor by maintaining a heightened state of alertness and energy utilization.

Exhaustion Phase

The final stage in the General Adaptation Syndrome, where prolonged exposure to stressors results in depletion of resources and can lead to negative health effects such as fatigue and burnout.

Tend-and-Befriend Theory

A behavioral response to stress, where individuals seek social support and nurture others, enhancing social connections as a coping mechanism, particularly observed in women.

Problem-Focused Coping

A coping strategy aimed at tackling the root cause of stress directly. It involves identifying the problem, brainstorming solutions, and taking action to alleviate the stressor.

Emotion-Focused Coping

A coping strategy that focuses on managing the emotions associated with a stressor rather than addressing the stressor itself. It often involves techniques like seeking emotional support or engaging in relaxation methods.