Chapter_14_-_Stress_Lifestyle_and_Health
Learning Objectives
Differentiate between stimulus-based and response-based definitions of stress
Define stress as a process
Differentiate between good stress (eustress) and bad stress (distress)
Describe early contributions of Walter Cannon and Hans Selye to stress research
Understand the physiological basis of stress and the general adaptation syndrome
Stress in Context
College students face pressures from exams, debt, and job search challenges.
Non-traditional students may balance education with family or work.
Daily hassles (traffic, internet issues) can also accumulate stress.
Types of Stressors
Chronic Stressors: Long-lasting, e.g., caregiving for someone with dementia.
Acute Stressors: Short-lived but overwhelming, e.g., accidents.
Daily Hassles: Minor irritations like traffic jams and disagreements.
Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS)
Developed by Holmes and Rahe to quantify stress from life changes.
Each life event is assigned a Life Change Unit (LCU) score indicating readjustment required.
Psychophysiological Disorders
Stress can exacerbate conditions like hypertension, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases.
Immune System: Stress suppresses immune function, increasing susceptibility to illness.
Stress Impact on Physical Health
Higher stress levels lead to increased rates of health complications, including cardiovascular issues and asthma.
Coping Strategies
Problem-Focused Coping: Actively addressing the stressor, e.g., seeking help with a difficult subject.
Emotion-Focused Coping: Managing emotions tied to stress, such as seeking support.
Perceived Control
The belief in one’s capacity to influence situations impacts stress reactions.
Social Support
Strong networks can buffer against stress and promote mental health.
Happiness Defined
Includes elements such as the pleasant life, the good life, and the meaningful life.
Positive relationships, fulfillment, and meaningful activities contribute to happiness.
Factors Influencing Happiness
Family and social relationships are critical.
Income plays a role up to a certain point.
Education correlates with happiness but does not guarantee it.
Cultures and life events influence perceived happiness.
Positive Psychology
Focuses on strengths and positive attributes that promote well-being.
Concepts like flow (engagement in activities) and positive affect (emotions) are crucial to happiness.
Learning Objectives
Differentiate between stimulus-based and response-based definitions of stress
Define stress as a process
Differentiate between good stress (eustress) and bad stress (distress)
Describe early contributions of Walter Cannon and Hans Selye to stress research
Understand the physiological basis of stress and the general adaptation syndrome
Stress in Context
College students face pressures from exams, debt, and job search challenges.
Non-traditional students may balance education with family or work.
Daily hassles (traffic, internet issues) can also accumulate stress.
Types of Stressors
Chronic Stressors: Long-lasting, e.g., caregiving for someone with dementia.
Acute Stressors: Short-lived but overwhelming, e.g., accidents.
Daily Hassles: Minor irritations like traffic jams and disagreements.
Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS)
Developed by Holmes and Rahe to quantify stress from life changes.
Each life event is assigned a Life Change Unit (LCU) score indicating readjustment required.
Psychophysiological Disorders
Stress can exacerbate conditions like hypertension, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases.
Immune System: Stress suppresses immune function, increasing susceptibility to illness.
Stress Impact on Physical Health
Higher stress levels lead to increased rates of health complications, including cardiovascular issues and asthma.
Coping Strategies
Problem-Focused Coping: Actively addressing the stressor, e.g., seeking help with a difficult subject.
Emotion-Focused Coping: Managing emotions tied to stress, such as seeking support.
Perceived Control
The belief in one’s capacity to influence situations impacts stress reactions.
Social Support
Strong networks can buffer against stress and promote mental health.
Happiness Defined
Includes elements such as the pleasant life, the good life, and the meaningful life.
Positive relationships, fulfillment, and meaningful activities contribute to happiness.
Factors Influencing Happiness
Family and social relationships are critical.
Income plays a role up to a certain point.
Education correlates with happiness but does not guarantee it.
Cultures and life events influence perceived happiness.
Positive Psychology
Focuses on strengths and positive attributes that promote well-being.
Concepts like flow (engagement in activities) and positive affect (emotions) are crucial to happiness.
