Stress: Definition and Measurement Methods

These flashcards cover key concepts about stress, its types, effects, and measurement methods based on the lecture notes.

What is the definition of stress according to WHO?

Stress can be defined as a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation.

What are stressors?

Stressors are defined as what causes stress, which can be subjective.

What are environmental stressors?

External conditions or events perceived as demanding or threatening, such as natural disasters.

What are psychological stressors?

Internal or mental demands and pressures, like workload overload or interpersonal conflicts.

What are physical stressors?

Demands placed on the body, such as illness, injury, or extreme temperatures.

How does stress function as a defense mechanism?

Stress activates our defense system, enabling us to deal with physical threats.

What is the difference between short-term positive stress and long-term negative stress?

Short-term stress can improve performance, while prolonged stress can lead to negative health effects.

What are some consequences of stress on the body?

Consequences include rapid breathing, muscle tension, increased pulse, and decreased pain sensitivity.

What is chronic stress?

Chronic stress is prolonged exposure to stressors or repeated acute stress.

What health problems are associated with chronic stress?

Chronic stress can lead to ailments like burnout, depression, and PTSD.

What does HPA Axis Activation refer to?

It refers to the chronic activation of the HPA axis, leading to high cortisol production.

What impact does chronic stress have on the immune system?

It leads to immunosuppression, making individuals more susceptible to infections.

How does stress affect cognitive functions?

It makes thinking more difficult and can vary in impact from person to person.

What is the Perceived Stress Scale?

A self-report tool measuring how uncontrollable or overwhelming individuals find their lives.

What is the Stress Overload Scale (SOS)?

It measures when stress becomes too much for a person's coping mechanisms.

What does the Holmes Rahe Life Stress Inventory assess?

It assesses the risk of stress-related health issues based on life events.

What is cortisol?

A hormone released in response to stress that can be measured in saliva, blood, urine, and hair.

What are the advantages of measuring cortisol?

It provides an objective measure of physiological stress response.

What are some disadvantages of cortisol measurement?

It has high variability and may be affected by external factors and stress of collection.

What physiological changes occur when stress is experienced?

Increased heart rate, blood pressure, rapid breathing, and muscle tension.

What is psychological detachment in recovery from stress?

Mentally disconnecting from work-related thoughts.

What is the purpose of the Recovery Experience Questionnaire (REQ)?

It measures the psychological components of recovery from stress.

What is the diurnal variation of cortisol?

The natural fluctuation of cortisol levels throughout the day.

What role does heart rate variability (HRV) play in measuring stress?

HRV shows variation between heartbeats and low HRV indicates stress or poor recovery.

How does the sympathetic nervous system relate to stress?

It triggers the 'fight-or-flight' response during stressful situations.

What can affect pulse measurements?

Exercise, caffeine, fever, and other lifestyle factors can influence pulse readings.

What does relaxation refer to in the context of recovery?

Engaging in low-activation activities to help reduce stress.

How does chronic stress differ from acute stress?

Chronic stress is long-lasting and can lead to more severe health effects than acute stress.

What is the impact of stress on sleep?

Stress can make it difficult to sleep, decreasing recovery chances.

What are coping strategies?

Methods used to manage stress, which can be adaptive or maladaptive.

Why is research on stress important?

Understanding stress impacts can inform public health strategies and individual well-being.

What is the psychological impact of chronic stress?

It is associated with anxiety, depression, and emotional burnout.

How can recovery from stress be assessed?

Recovery can be measured using self-reported scales or physiological indicators.

How does stress perception vary among individuals?

Different people have different thresholds for how much stress they can tolerate.

What is the relationship between stress and physical health?

Chronic stress can lead to conditions like hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

What is the goal of measuring stress responses?

To evaluate how stress affects both mental and physical health outcomes.

What does relaxation promote in the context of stress recovery?

It helps to restore balance and reduce physiological activation.

What is an example of an environmental stressor?

Natural disasters such as earthquakes or floods.