Ch 12 psyc

Chapter Overview

Stress: A nonspecific response to real or imagined challenges or threats.
Some definitions emphasize stress as an internal response to external stressors (environmental stimuli).
Stressors: Environmental stimuli affecting physical and psychological states.
Lazarus's Theory: Stress is tied to personal appraisal of the situation; must be perceived as stressful.

Stages of Stress Response:
- Alarm: Initial response to stress; involves physiological arousal.
- Resistance: Continued arousal on a moderate level.
- Exhaustion: Result of prolonged stress leading to depletion of resources; can cause serious illness or death.
Important Note: Failure to cope effectively can lead to exhaustion and is linked to stress and illness.

Social Readjustment Rating Scale (1967):
- Developed to assess stress from life-changing events;
- Scores over 300 indicate higher risk of stress-related illnesses.
- Critiques: Limited standardization and focus on major events.
Undergraduate Stress Questionnaire (1992):
- Addresses common college stressors; higher scores correlate with healthcare needs.
Hassles Scale (1981):
- Includes daily irritations and personal appraisal of stressors; linked to physical and psychological health.

Catastrophes: Large-scale events (natural disasters, terrorism) leading to PTSD.
- PTSD common in trauma survivors (e.g., combat veterans, victims of violence).
- Symptoms like flashbacks and heightened anxiety; longer-lasting in those with prior emotional issues.
- Lifetime risk: 10% of women; 5% of men.
Unhealthy Environments (Environmental Psychology):
- Examines how environmental factors like poverty, noise, and overcrowding contribute to stress.
- Urban lifestyle increases stress through factors like crime and commuting.
Discrimination:
- High rates of discrimination correlate with mental health issues; exacerbated by poverty and cultural factors.
- Additional stressors for immigrants and women include sexism and stigma.
Personal Factors:
- Workplace stress related to demands, long hours, and lack of control; contributes to 'burnout'.
- Relationship stress impacts function and coping abilities.
Marriage and Relationships:
- Both positive and negative events (e.g., marriage, divorce) can be stress-inducing.
- Adjustments in division of labor and time also contribute to relational stress.

Stress triggers both physiological (sympathetic nervous system) and behavioral responses.
Moderate arousal can optimize performance; both low and high arousal can hinder productivity.

Stress can initiate disease processes affecting major causes of death:
- Heart disease, cancer, stroke, lung disease, and accidental injuries.

Leading cause of death; linked to lifestyle choices and stress behaviors.
- Type A (competitive) vs. Type B (calm) personality traits studied; lifestyle factors are significant predictors.

Stress can weaken the immune system, reducing resistance to illnesses.
Behaviors affected by stress include smoking, drinking, and unhealthy eating habits; can increase disease risk.

Coping: Active process involving evaluation, management, cognitive and behavioral strategies to handle stress.
Key Factors Influencing Coping:
- Personal Resources: Resilience, social skills, financial stability.
- Sense of Control: Internal locus of control linked to better coping; helps maintain a positive outlook.
- Social Support: Critical for effective coping; can include therapy and group support.

Passive Strategies: Often involve avoidance, but limited effectiveness and potential risks.
Active Strategies: Generally more effective; includes emotion-focused and problem-focused coping.

Focuses on psychological principles to enhance health and manage illness.
Behaviors significantly influence health outcomes both positively and negatively.
Key health-related behaviors include sleep, exercising, moderation of alcohol, and not smoking.

Factors influencing health behaviors include social/economic conditions and cognitive biases (optimistic bias).
Cultural attitudes affect perceptions of health and illness.

Compliance is crucial for managing chronic diseases; high noncompliance rates due to several influences.
Improved compliance linked to clear communication and tailored health advice.

Major Concerns: Accidents, alcohol consumption, sexual health practices.
Health Promotion Programs: Aim to reduce risks and encourage safer behaviors.