Stress

Stress

process by which we appraise and cope with environmental threats and challenges. The appraisal of a situation greatly influences the amount of stress perceived.

What is burnout

physical, mental and emotional exhaustion that is attributable to longterm involvement in stressful situations

1. emotionally exhausted

2. pessimistic

3. detached from others

4. feelings of reduced personal accomplishment

5. loss of meaning

what is eustress

middle ground of stress that provides the motivation for conquering problems without causing harm

What is positive psychology?

focuses on the strengths and qualities that enable individuals to thrive. stress can promote self growth, acquire new skills, and increase self-esteem when dealt with effectively

What is General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

1. Alarm: a brief period of high arousal which readies the body for vigorous activity

2. Resistance: after a few minutes, the body enters a phase of prolonged but moderate arousal

3. Exhaustion: intense, long lasting stress depletes immune system, results in vulnerability to illness

What are the two types of duration of stress

Acute stressors: threatening events with a short duration and clear end date

Chronic stressors: threatening events that have a relatively long duration and no readily apparent end time

• Can cause serious health problems

• 75-90% of all doctor visits are for stress related complaints

What are the three types of stressful life events?

1. Catastrophe: unpredictable, large-scale events that have significant health consequences

2. Life changes: death, marriage, loss of job, divorce; makes person more vulnerable to disease

3. Daily hassles: annoying events in every day life; cumulative effect on health

   • the amount of daily life hassles predicts illness better than major life changes

   • This is offset by uplifts

     • Positive events that buffer against daily hassles

   • Daily hassles and uplifts vary by age and life stage

What are the three types of choice & stress conflict methods?

1. Approach - Approach Conflict

   • two positive choices (oreo cookie icecream or cookie dough icecream?)

   • least stressful

2. Avoidance - Approach Conflict

   • two negative choices (endure back pain or get surgery)

   • most stressful

3. Avoidance - Avoidance Conflict

   • single choice with both positive and negative qualities/possible outcomes

   • asking your crush out: could say no (sad=negative) or yes (happy=positive)

What is perceived control?

a lack of control increases stress.

ex: you are in a car as a passenger with a driver speeding, you press on the imaginary break on the passenger side to assume some control despite knowing there is no break and you don’t have control

What are the 4 personality types?

1. Type A personality

   • motivated, competitive, impatient, prone to anger and hostility

   • Heightened response to and risk from stress

2. Type B personality

   • easygoing, non-aggressive, patient

   • Lower response to and risk from stress

3. Type C personality

   • confident, motivated, competitive, not hostile

   • Lower response to and risk from stress

4. type D (distressed) personality

   • worried, inhibited, prone to anxiety, more isolated

   • Heightened response to and risk from stress