Stress and Coping Mechanisms

This set of flashcards covers the major concepts related to stress, its biological causes, different responses to stress, coping strategies, and predictors of life satisfaction.

What is stress?

A physiological or psychological response to internal or external factors, often seen as a threat.

What are the biological factors that cause stress?

Biological factors include the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands.

What is the General Adaptation Syndrome?

A three-stage physiological change in response to prolonged stress.

What are the three stages of General Adaptation Syndrome?

1. Alarm reaction 2. Resistance 3. Exhaustion.

What happens during the alarm reaction phase?

The body releases stress hormones and cortisol.

What occurs during the resistance phase?

The body adapts to the ongoing threat and attempts to return to normal function.

What are the signs of the body's exhaustion phase?

Decreased energy and immunity, decreased stress tolerance, and potential organ failure.

What is the HPA Axis?

A system of connections between the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands that controls stress.

What is cortisol?

The stress hormone that releases sugars in the blood to help the body respond to threats.

What is the Fight or Flight response?

A physiological reaction that includes dilated pupils, rapid heartbeat, and trembling.

What does the Tend and Befriend response entail?

A behavioral reaction to stress that creates social networks for protection.

What are the main functions of the autonomic nervous system?

To self-regulate and control glands and internal organ muscles for homeostasis.

What is the role of the Sympathetic Nervous System?

It gets activated during stress responses.

What does the Parasympathetic Nervous System do?

It is active during resting and digesting.

What are the three main types of stressors?

Traumatic events, significant life changes, and daily hassles.

What is primary appraisal?

The assessment of how likely a situation is to harm you.

What is a low appraisal response?

Fatigue and sleepiness that can lead to weak performance.

What is optimal appraisal?

When stress leads to strong performance.

What is high appraisal?

Strong stress leading to anxiety and impaired performance.

What is secondary appraisal?

Judgment regarding one's ability to cope with stress.

What does peak performance refer to?

Arousal level that enables an individual to perform challenging tasks.

How can one cope with stress through emotion-focused strategies?

Exercise, meditation, or taking a bath.

What are problem-focused coping strategies?

Managing time, asking for help, establishing boundaries.

What is avoidance coping?

Using techniques to avoid dealing with stressors.

What is progressive muscle relaxation?

A stress-relief technique involving tensing and relaxing muscle groups.

What factors predict overall life satisfaction?

GBP per capita, positive affect, social support, and healthy life expectancy.

How much of our happiness is influenced by circumstances?

Approximately 10%.

What percentage of happiness is attributed to genetics?

Around 50%.

What is the role of activity or practice in happiness?

It contributes to about 40% of happiness.

What is benevolence?

Helping others without expecting any benefits.

What does 'positivity angle' refer to?

Focusing on the good moments and being present.

What happens when seeking out positive experiences?

Dopamine decreases with each experience.

How can practicing gratitude affect stress?

It can strengthen focus on positive things and improve wellbeing.

What are some examples of random acts of kindness?

Giving money to causes or helping others.

What role does social connection play in happiness?

Finding others who share similar interests improves wellbeing.

How does exercise help with stress?

It engages the body and improves mental health.

What is the significance of sleep in managing stress?

Avoiding too much or too little sleep is essential for health.

What is a gratitude letter?

A letter expressing thanks to someone, benefiting both parties.

What is chronic stress?

A prolonged state of stress that has negative effects on physical health.

How does stress typically function?

It helps respond to potentially dangerous events.

What are the signs of the body's fight or flight response?

Dilated pupils, trembling, rapid heartbeat, and changes in skin color.

What hormone is primarily responsible for the fight or flight response?

Cortisol.

What happens to glucose levels during the resistance phase?

Glucose levels increase to sustain energy.

What can prolonged stress lead to in terms of health?

Illness or death due to exhaustion of the body's resources.

Why is social support important in coping with stress?

It provides protection from threats and enhances well-being.

What does high arousal do to performance on difficult tasks?

It can lead to low performance.

What is the emotional coping strategy involving exercise?

Using physical activity to relieve stress.

What is a common strategy for time management to cope with stress?

Creating a to-do list.