Chapter 9 - Stress and Health

stress

process that includes stressor, physical response, interpretation, and management

stressors

stimuli or events that necessitate the use our our resources

fight or flight

the urge to run away from or confront a stressor

stress hormones

chemicals that affect and regulate stress responses

adaptive

ability to modify or change your behavior to best suit your environment

maladaptive

responses (to stress) that are harmful

diathesis-stress model

model that explains how psychological disorders can develop; predisposition (vulnerability) and stress are both necessary elements

perceptions

the ways we think about stress and interpret all aspects of the stress process

resources/buffers

assets that help us attain our objectives/and protect us from the effects of stress

coping

ways in which we respond, both in thought processes and outward behavior, as we attempt to navigate stress

preventive coping

activities performed habitually, to keep ourselves balanced, and grounded so that stress is not as overwhelming

proactive coping

envisioning what we want and anticipating obstacles that may arise on the path toward our goals

biopsychosocial model

viewpoint that considers biological, psychological, and social factors to explain behavior

biopsychosocial approach

viewpoint that considers biological, psychological, and social factors to explain behavior

acute stress

stress that is short in duration

chronic stress

stress that is long in duration

daily hassles

small, day-to-day events or situations that elicit irritation or frustration

major life events

events that may change the course of one's life

positive

aspect of a major life event wherein event is experienced as pleasant or desirable

negative

aspect of a major life event wherein event is experienced as unpleasant or undesirable

controllable

aspect of a major life event wherein event is perceived as within one's control

uncontrollable

aspect of a major life event wherein event is perceived as outside one's control

economic stressors

financial strain leading to worry about how to make ends meet

minority status

social standing of portions of society that have less power and are often smaller in numbers

racism

system of structuring opportunity and assigning value based on how one looks, unfairly disadvantages some while advantages others

discrimination

behavior directed against people because of their membership or affiliation with a particular social group

acculturation

process of assimilating into the mainstream culture

digital technology

devices such as computers and cell phones

autonomic nervous system

automatic, reacts quickly to keep us safe, includes sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems

sympathetic nervous system

activating system, mediates fight-or-flight response in stressful or threatening situations

parasympathetic nervous system

part of the autonomic nervous system that is responsible for organ function under normal conditions; when activated causes slowing of heart rate and breathing

sympathetic-adrenal-medullary (SAM) system

responsible for release of adrenaline/epinephrine into bloodstream by adrenal medulla

adrenal medulla

core of the adrenal gland, SAM system

adrenaline/epinephrine

hormone released directly into the bloodstream by the adrenal medulla, SAM system

hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis

responsible for release of cortisol by adrenal cortex; slower developing, longer-lasting, more widespread responses to stressor

adrenal cortex

outer covering of the adrenal gland, HPA axis

cortisol

steroid hormone released by adrenal cortex, HPA axis

tend and befriend

stressors can lead us to band together

General Adaptation Syndrome

theory of chronic stress, describes three phases

alarm

first phase of GAS, body mobilizes its resources to address the stressor

resistance

second phase of GAS, body tries to cope and adapt to ongoing strain

exhaustion

third phase of GAS, body's resources are depleted and illness often follows

eustress

challenging events that are potentially rewarding and lead to growth

post-traumatic growth

people may emerge from suffering or challenging life events with a profound sense of growth

Yerkes-Dodson Curve

performance depends on level of stress; relationship between arousal and performance described as inverted-U-shaped curve

cognitive appraisal (Lazarus)

two-step process that describes the thinking component of stress

primary appraisal

first step of cognitive appraisal, determines if situation holds danger, will lead to harm, or might be a difficult adventure

secondary appraisal

second step of cognitive appraisal, determines if you have what you need to face the situation

explanatory style

combinations of attributions that can lead to a heightened vulnerability to depression

internal, stable, global

cognitive triad of attributions to explain negative events, associated with increased risk of depression

perceived personal control

degree to which individuals have confidence in their ability to navigate life's stressors and influence outcomes

internal locus of control

individuals' belief that destiny lies in their own hands

external locus of control

individuals' belief that external circumstances determine their destiny

personality characteristics

factors that help explain differences in how individuals respond differently to stressors

hardy personality

type defined by commitment to self, control over one's life, and a view that adaptations are challenges

optimism

disposition characterized by the general expectation that things will turn out well

hostility/anger

characteristics that are hard on the heart, include being mistrustful of others, cynical, and aggressively expression emotion

social support

ties with others, linked to better physical health and mental health outcomes, as well as longer life expectancy

spirituality and religion

search for meaning through connection with greater power

socioeconomic status

status associated with income and social class

problem-focused coping

form of coping that is oriented toward trying to change the stressor or improve the situation

confrontive coping

type of problem-focused coping that involves addressing a problem head on

planful problem solving

type of problem-focused coping that entails reflecting on options and creating a guide going forward

emotion-focused coping

form of coping that is oriented to addressing the emotional distress resulting from the situation

seeking social support

emotion-focused coping strategy that seeks ties with others

finding meaning

emotion-focused coping strategy that looks for positive meaning in adversity

avoiding the situation

emotion-focused coping strategy that hopes the situation will improve on its own

escape-avoidance

toxic form of emotion-focused coping, includes denial and substance use

self-care

form of preventive coping, includes actions that fortify our physical and emotional well-being

health behaviors

preventive action taken to maximize our physical and emotional well-being

complementary and alternative medicine

wide range of activities that may have health benefits but are not a part of mainstream western medicine

mindfulness meditation

practice of paying attention in the present moment, on purpose, and in a particular way (i.e., with curiosity, kindness, and openness)

yoga

a series of poses and movements and breathing methods that encourage individuals to pay attention to the present moment

motivational interviewing

intervention designed to resolve ambivalence in individuals who are unsure of their readiness to change

relaxation strategies

progressive muscle relaxation and imagery, designed to better manage stress levels

cognitive-behavioral therapy

type of psychotherapy, focuses on recognizing automatic, biased ways of thinking that lead to anxiety and other negative emotions, and interpreting information in more realistic and healthy ways

emotional disclosure

revealing how one's life has changed since the onset of a disease, expressing grief and loss

psychoeducation

learning skills that improve daily functioning