Coping with Stress and Life Challenges

The body's reaction to a stimulus that disrupts equilibrium and exceeds coping abilities.

Good stress, motivating for peak performance.

Harmful stress that causes 'wear and tear' on the body.

Events that trigger the stress response.

The reaction to external stressors.

The body's physical and emotional reaction to stress.

A nonspecific response to any demand.

Stress originates from Latin words 'strictus' meaning tight and 'stringere' meaning to tighten.

The initial assessment of an event as positive, negative, or neutral regarding its impact on oneself. This includes evaluating potential harm, threat, or challenge.

Assessment of the damage already caused by an event, part of primary appraisal.

Assessment of potential future damage caused by an event, part of primary appraisal.

Appraisal of an event as manageable, potentially leading to growth and positive outcomes, part of primary appraisal.

Evaluation of one's own coping abilities and resources against the challenges of an event.

One's available mental, physical, personal, and social resources.

Subjective assessment influenced by factors such as individual cognition and resources; depends on how events are interpreted.

Aspects of our surroundings that we often can't control, such as air pollution, extreme weather, or natural disasters.

Stresses we create in our minds, often stemming from our thoughts, beliefs, and internal pressures.

The feeling of being blocked from reaching a goal or satisfying a need.

When two or more needs or desires clash, leading to tension and uncertainty.

The stress caused by our own high expectations and standards.

Stress arising from demands and expectations imposed by others.

Stresses that stem from interactions with other people, like strained relationships or difficult social situations.

Changes in life, both big and small, sudden and gradual, can be stressful and disrupt our routine.

Specific responses to stressful situations intended to resolve the problem and reduce stress. These can range from taking action to managing emotions.

Involves getting information, considering options, prioritizing tasks, and taking action to directly address the stressful situation.

Managing emotions, maintaining hope, venting feelings, or accepting the situation as unchangeable.

Denying or minimizing the problem, suppressing stressful thoughts, and replacing them with positive ones.

Views coping as a dynamic process, constantly changing cognitive and behavioral efforts to manage internal or external demands caused by stress.

Directly tackling the problem by gaining information, changing the situation, or altering beliefs and commitments.

Managing emotional responses to stress, such as venting, seeking support, or reframing the situation to reduce negative feelings.

Effective coping strategies can improve immune function, reduce stress levels, and enhance overall well-being.

Everyday annoyances, such as traffic, noise, or arguments, that cause stress.

Daily hassles can have a significant negative impact on an individual's well-being.

Extreme events like accidents, natural disasters, or violent crimes that cause severe stress.

Traumatic events can lead to long-term psychological distress, including anxiety, flashbacks, and intrusive thoughts.

A way to measure the stress caused by significant life changes, both positive and negative.

Both positive and negative life changes can cause stress, impacting your well-being.

On average, people experience about two stressful life events per year without developing serious illness.

The relationship between life events and illness is not always strong, suggesting other factors influence health.

The ability to withstand high levels of stress without experiencing negative health consequences.

A set of beliefs and personality characteristics that promote stress resistance.

Commitment, control, and challenge—the core elements of hardiness.

A sense of purpose and direction in life, engaging in meaningful activities.

The belief that you can influence events and make choices in your life.

Viewing change and adversity as opportunities for growth and learning.

Abilities that enable individuals to cope with everyday demands and challenges.

The ability to express your feelings, needs, and thoughts clearly and confidently.