Ch 12 psyc

Chapter Overview

• Stress and Health Psychology

Defining Stress

• 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.

General Adaptation Syndrome (Hans Selye)

• 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.

Stress Scales and Measurements

• 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.

Sources of Stress

• 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.

Responses to 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 and Health

• Stress can initiate disease processes affecting major causes of death:

  • Heart disease, cancer, stroke, lung disease, and accidental injuries.

Heart Disease and Stress

• 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, Immune System, and Health Behaviors

• 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 with Stress

• 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.

Coping Strategies

• Passive Strategies: Often involve avoidance, but limited effectiveness and potential risks.

• Active Strategies: Generally more effective; includes emotion-focused and problem-focused coping.

Health Psychology

• 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.

Barriers and Attitudes Towards Health

• Factors influencing health behaviors include social/economic conditions and cognitive biases (optimistic bias).

• Cultural attitudes affect perceptions of health and illness.

Compliance with Medical Advice

• Compliance is crucial for managing chronic diseases; high noncompliance rates due to several influences.

• Improved compliance linked to clear communication and tailored health advice.

Health Lifestyle Factors for College Students

• Major Concerns: Accidents, alcohol consumption, sexual health practices.

• Health Promotion Programs: Aim to reduce risks and encourage safer behaviors.