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Health Psychology and Stress Management Notes

Introduction to Health Psychology

  • Focuses on how biological, psychological, and social factors influence health and illness.
  • Emphasizes promoting well-being and preventing illness.

Key Concepts in Health Psychology

  • Behavioral Factors: Diet, physical activity, substance use, and adherence to medical recommendations significantly impact health.
  • Cognitive Factors: Beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions about health/illness influence healthcare decisions, treatment adherence, and preventive behaviors.

Stress and Its Implications

Learning Objective 5.1.A

  • Definition: Stress is the process by which we perceive and respond to events (stressors) that seem threatening or challenging.

Essential Knowledge 5.1.B

  • Physiological Effects: Stress is linked to heightened susceptibility to disorders and diseases, such as hypertension, headaches, and immune suppression.
  • Types of Stressors:
    • Eustress: Positive stress that motivates individuals and enhances performance.
    • Distress: Negative stress that exceeds coping abilities leading to anxiety and frustration.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

  • ACEs can have long-term effects on health, causing chronic health problems, mental illness, and substance misuse in adulthood.

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

Learning Objective 5.1.C

  • Describes physiological responses to stress in three stages:
    1. Alarm Reaction: Body's initial response, activating fight-or-flight response. Symptoms include increased heart rate and blood flow to muscles.
    2. Resistance: The body attempts to cope with and resist the stressor, maintaining heightened physiological responses.
    3. Exhaustion: Prolonged stress leads to depletion of resources, increasing vulnerability to illness.

Coping Strategies

Learning Objective 5.1.D

  • Problem-Focused Coping: Involves actively addressing the stressors by finding solutions.
  • Emotion-Focused Coping: Involves managing emotional reactions to stress through techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or medication.

The Impact of Stress

  • Young adults report the highest levels of overwhelm due to stress compared to older age groups.
  • Stress can influence behaviors leading to risky decisions or unhealthy habits, compounding health risks.

Stress and Disease Vulnerability

  • Stress can impair immune system functioning, resulting in slower healing and increased susceptibility to diseases.
  • Studies have shown that chronic stress is associated with heart disease and psychosomatic disorders.

Everyday Stressors

  • Stressors can be categorized as:
    • Catastrophes: Large-scale unpredictable events (e.g., natural disasters).
    • Significant Life Changes: Personal transitions like moving, graduation, or loss of loved ones.
    • Daily Hassles: Routine disturbances (e.g., traffic, minor conflicts).

Tend-and-Befriend Response

  • A stress response that involves seeking social support, predominantly observed in women. This contrasts with a typical 'fight-or-flight' response.
  • Men often resort to withdrawal or turning to substances when stressed.

Conclusion

  • Understanding health psychology and stress responses provides insights into managing both physical and mental health through effective coping mechanisms and a supportive social network.