Stress Lecture Notes

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering the definitions, causes, models, effects, and management strategies for stress based on lecture slides by Sampson Opoku Agyemang from the University of Cape Coast.

Work-related Stressors

Causes of stress related to employment, including job pressure, deadlines, workload, and conflicts.

Personal Stressors

Sources of stress from personal life, including relationship problems, financial difficulties, and major life events such as divorce or loss of a loved one.

Environmental Stressors

External environmental factors that cause stress, such as noise, pollution, traffic, and overcrowding.

Internal Stressors

Self-generated psychological sources of stress, including negative self-talk, perfectionism, and unrealistic expectations.

Stress on the Outside Model

A perspective viewing stress as external events or situations that happen to an individual, which can be big events or minor daily irritants.

Chronic Stressors

Long-term, ongoing stressful situations, such as caring for somebody with an illness.

Acute Stressors

Short-term, immediate stressful events, such as taking an exam or going for a screening test.

Daily Hassles

Minor day-to-day irritants that cause stress, such as traffic jams or being unable to find a parking space.

Life Events

Major occurrences that cause stress, such as getting married, getting divorced, or experiencing a death in the family.

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

One of the earliest physiological models of stress, focusing on the body's reaction to stress, as identified by Selye (1936).

Fight or Flight Syndrome

Bodily responses experienced under stress, such as increased heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration, which prepare the body for action as mediated through the nervous and endocrine systems.

Transactional Model of Stress

An interactional model proposed by Lazarus and Folkman (1984, 1987) stating that stress involves a transaction between individuals and their external world, where a stress response is elicited only if an individual perceives a potentially stressful event as stressful.

Physical Effects of Stress

Physiological consequences of stress, including headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and a weakened immune system.

Emotional Effects of Stress

Affective responses to stress, including anxiety, depression, irritability, and mood swings.

Cognitive Effects of Stress

Impacts of stress on mental functioning, including difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and racing thoughts.

Behavioural Effects of Stress

Changes in actions or habits resulting from stress, such as altered eating or sleeping patterns, substance abuse, and social withdrawal.

Lifestyle Changes for Stress Management

Managing stress through a healthy diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.

Time Management for Stress

Strategies to reduce stress by prioritizing tasks, setting realistic goals, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and delegating responsibilities.

Social Support

Managing stress by seeking help from friends, family, or support groups, maintaining healthy relationships, and engaging in social activities.

Cognitive-Behavioural Techniques

Stress management strategies involving challenging negative thoughts, practicing positive self-talk, developing coping strategies, and practicing problem-solving skills.

Relaxation Techniques

Methods used to calm the mind and body, including progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and mindfulness meditation.

Professional Help for Stress

Seeking counselling, therapy, or consultation with a healthcare professional for support and guidance in managing stress.