Concept of Stress

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Questions and Answers

What is Eustress primarily characterized by?

Causing anxiety and discomfort

Originating solely from external factors

Being controllable and enhancing performance (correct)

Leading to feelings of inadequacy

Which of the following is an example of academic stressors?

Experiencing relationship conflicts

Working on self-improvement

Dealing with environmental noise

Preparing for exams and meeting deadlines (correct)

Internal stress is mainly influenced by which factor?

Noise and overcrowding in the environment

Conflicts with friends and family

External pressures from work

Perfectionism and self-expectations (correct)

What can be an effect of high levels of job-related stress?

Increased burnout and decreased satisfaction Signup and view all the answers

Which type of stress relates to misunderstandings in relationships?

Interpersonal Stressors Signup and view all the answers

How does internal stress typically affect an individual's self-esteem?

It leads to feelings of inadequacy Signup and view all the answers

Which of these factors is a source of environmental stress?

Overcrowding and pollution Signup and view all the answers

What is a common consequence of academic stress?

Lowered overall mental health Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe negative stress arising from harmful events?

Distress Signup and view all the answers

According to Hans Selye, which of the following is NOT a stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)?

Recovery Signup and view all the answers

What can trigger a feeling of stress according to Lazarus and Folkman's cognitive appraisal theory?

Perceiving a situation as exceeding coping resources Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered an internal stressor?

Health issues Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes academic stressors?

Deadlines, exams, and performance expectations Signup and view all the answers

What effect can distress have on an individual's performance?

Leads to anxiety and poor work delivery Signup and view all the answers

Which theory emphasizes the role of cognitive evaluation in stress?

Cognitive Appraisal Theory Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of external pressure that can lead to stress?

High workload and deadlines Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of the alarm stage of stress?

Physiological changes activating the fight or flight response Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes technological stressors?

Fear of missing out and pressure to be constantly available Signup and view all the answers

What stage of stress is characterized by the body's attempt to adapt to an ongoing stressor?

Resistance Stage Signup and view all the answers

What major health issues can arise from the exhaustion stage of stress?

Anxiety, depression, and chronic illness Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following approaches addresses the psychological aspects of stress management?

Mental health counseling and mindfulness practices Signup and view all the answers

What is a common internal stressor that individuals may experience?

Personal fears and self-doubt Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT typically associated with stress's impact on physical health?

Elevated mood and energy levels Signup and view all the answers

What typically signifies the transition from the resistance stage to the exhaustion stage?

Prolonged exposure to stress and resource depletion Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Stress is defined as the body's non-specific response to any demand placed upon it.
Hans Selye is considered the "father of stress research".
General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) is a model with three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

Objectives

Understand the nature and types of stress.
Identify sources and effects of stress.
Determine effective techniques for managing and coping with stress healthily and productively.

What is Stress? (Defining Stress)

Stress can be an internal physiological response (involuntary physical reaction to a stressor)
A harmful external pressure on the body.
A transaction between stimulus and response that depends on the cognitive evaluation of the context (stressor) where it only arises in the absence of coping mechanisms.

Lazarus and Folkman

Proposed a cognitive appraisal theory of stress.
Stated that stress is a result of interaction between the individual and their environment.
Stress arises when a perceived situation exceeds coping resources.

Types of Stress

Distress: Negative stress arising from unpleasant events or conditions (e.g., losing a job or a friend); leads to anxiety, poor work delivery or breakdown in mental and physical systems.
Eustress: Good stress arising from pleasant events or conditions (e.g., having a child or joining a club); enhances performance and stimulates the individual.

Sources of Stress

Academic Stressors: Stress arising from educational demands like exams, deadlines, and performance expectations; impacts grades, workload and competition.
Internal Stressors: Stress originating within a person. Related to self-expectations, perfectionism, and negative self-talk; leads to inadequacy and self-doubt.
Interpersonal Stressors: Stress stemming from conflicts and challenges in relationships (family, friends, colleagues).
Environmental Stressors: Stress arising from external factors like noise, pollution, and crowding in an individual's environment.
Job Stressors: Stress related to workload, job security, and relationships in workplaces—leading to burnout and decreased job satisfaction.
Technological Stressors: Stress caused by the rapid advancement of technology, constant connectivity, information overload, pressure to be available, and fear of missing out (FOMO).

Stages of Stress

Alarm Stage: Initial response to a stressor; fight or flight response, increased heart rate and alertness; body prepares for confrontation or escape.
Resistance Stage: Body adapts to the ongoing stressor; heightened focus and performance—but prolonged exposure leads to fatigue and decreased effectiveness.
Exhaustion Stage: Body's resources are depleted due to prolonged stress; results in physical and emotional burnout, various health issues (anxiety, depression, chronic illness).

Approaches to Stress Management

Physical aspects
Social aspects
Environmental aspects
Psychological aspects
Cognitive aspects

Impact of Stress on Health

Physical: Sleep problems, digestive issues, headaches, increased heart disease risk.
Mental: Depression, anxiety, difficulty concentrating.
Emotional: Irritability, sensitivity, feeling overwhelmed

Relaxation and Breathing Techniques

Meditation: Daily practice to calm the mind.
Deep Breathing: Exercises to reduce physical and mental tension.

Healthy Lifestyle

Regular Exercise: Reduces stress and improves mood.
Balanced Diet: Supports physical and mental health.
Adequate Sleep: Crucial for body and mind recovery.

Talk with Close Ones: Discuss feelings with friends or family.
Join Communities: Find support groups or social activities.
Professional Consultation: Seek help from psychologist or counselor when needed

Conclusion

Stress management is an ongoing process.
It requires attention and effort but enhances quality of life.

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Description

This quiz explores the concept of stress, its definitions, types, and the physiological responses involved. Focus on Hans Selye's research and the General Adaptation Syndrome model. Additionally, gain insights on cognitive appraisal theory and healthy coping techniques.

Concept of Stress - Psychology

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