Health psychology 5th

Chapter 7: Moderators of the Stress Experience

Learning Objectives

  • LO1: Describe and define coping and the role of personality in coping.

  • LO2: Know the role of external coping resources.

  • LO3: List coping outcomes.

  • LO4: Explain how social support affects stress.

  • LO5: Describe coping interventions.

Key Concepts

  • Coping: Thoughts and behaviors employed to manage internal and external demands of stressful situations.

  • Moderators of Stress: Factors that influence stress experiences, such as individual perception, resources, and external circumstances.

  • External Resources: Include time, financial stability, education, and social support that aid in effective coping.

Case Study: Ice Storm (1998)

  • A significant ice storm affected millions in Canada, leading to varying coping responses among individuals:

    • Fear and Panic: Some remained indoors, fearing extended power outages.

    • Curiosity: Others admired the natural beauty of the icy landscape.

    • Individual responses influenced by social support and personal resources.

Understanding Coping

  • Coping is a dynamic process influenced by individual resources and environmental demands. It is not a one-off action but ongoing transactions influenced by internal and external factors.

  • Examples of coping responses:

    • Emotional reactions (e.g., sadness in a breakup).

    • Actions taken (e.g., attempts at reconciliation).

Personality and Coping

  • Individual personality traits significantly affect coping strategies:

    • Negative Affectivity: Predisposition to experience distress which can worsen stress responses and health (linked to chronic diseases).

    • Optimism: Associated with better coping, healthier outcomes, and resilience during stressful times.

    • Perfectionism: Linked with higher stress levels and adverse health outcomes.

    • Self-Compassion: Acts as a buffer against negative effects of stress and enhances coping efficacy.

Coping Resources

  • Internal resources (personality traits) vs external resources (e.g., social networks).

  • High socio-economic status (SES) correlates with better health outcomes and effective coping due to access to resources.

  • Positive life events and social engagements foster resilience.

Coping Outcomes

  • Successful coping tasks include:

    1. Reducing harmful environmental conditions.

    2. Tolerating or adjusting to negative events.

    3. Maintaining a positive self-image.

    4. Maintaining emotional equilibrium.

    5. Sustaining satisfying relationships.

  • Indicators of successful coping involve:

    • Physiological measures (reduced arousal).

    • Resuming pre-stress activities.

    • Reducing psychological distress.

Social Support and Stress

  • Definition: Emotional, tangible, or informational support from friends, family, and community.

  • Benefits of social support include:

    • Lowering of psychological distress and illness likelihood.

    • Diverse forms of support (tangible, emotional, informational).

    • Importance of perceived social support.

Coping Interventions

  • Various interventions designed to enhance coping due to individual limitations:

    • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): Systematic meditation training to enhance self-regulation.

    • Emotional Disclosure: Sharing emotional experiences to alleviate stress and promote health; writing and confiding benefits are significant.

    • Stress Management Techniques: Teaching individuals to recognize stressors and develop coping skills, including relaxation and mindfulness practices.

Summary of Key Points

  • Coping is influenced by personal resources and environment.

  • Effective coping involves managing outcomes related to emotional, physiological, and social aspects.

  • Interventions can provide individuals with tools to better manage stress and lead to healthier outcomes.