Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

• 

• self actualization — realizing one’s fullest potential; what do you want to be?

• esteem — also includes achievement

stress

• stress: the body’s response to a demand

  • stressor: the demand put on the body

• eustress: manageable stress that can lead to growth

• distress: uncontrolled, overwhelming stress that is destructive and negative

• general adaptation syndrome (GAS)

  • alarm = fight or flight response

    • also includes tertiary “freeze” response

  • resistance = body attempts to return to normal

  • exhaustion = “wear and tear,” illness may occur

• physical symptoms of stress

  • headaches, diarrhea, dizziness, loss of appetite, increase in appetite, dry mouth, heartburn

• positive ways to handle stress (examples, not a conclusive list)

  • hobbies

  • exercise

  • deep breathing

  • taking breaks

  • relaxation and meditation

  • talking through problems

• negative ways to handle stress (examples, not a conclusive list)

  • violence

  • procrastination

  • destruction

  • addiction

  • taking anger out on others

  • denial

  • over eating

  • under eating

• defense mechanism: a strategy used to cope with a stressful situation

  • can be positive or negative, or dependent on the situation

    • positive mechanisms relieve stress whereas negative mechanisms add to stress

    • most mechanisms can be both

  • sublimation: positive; the direction of energy into a useful rather than unacceptable goal

  • identification: may be positive or negative; assuming the qualities of someone you admire

  • compensation: positive; making up for weakness in one area by excelling in another area

  • rationalization: negative; making excuses for actions or feelings

  • daydreaming: may be positive or negative; fantasizing to escape unpleasant realities

  • displacement: negative; transforming emotions or thoughts from the original source to another

  • regression: negative; reverting to immature behavior to express emotions

  • projection: negative; putting your own faults onto someone else

  • denial: negative; refusing to recognize or otherwise acknowledge an emotion or problem