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Questions and Answers
How does Hans Selye define stress?
How does Hans Selye define stress?
Hans Selye defines stress as 'the non-specific response of the body to any demand'.
According to Cohen, Kessler, and Gordon, what are the consequences of stress?
According to Cohen, Kessler, and Gordon, what are the consequences of stress?
They describe stress as a process that results in psychological and biological changes, putting a person at risk for disease.
What distinguishes stressors from stress itself?
What distinguishes stressors from stress itself?
Stressors are the sources of stress, such as life changes or daily hassles, while stress is the pressure or force experienced by an organism.
What percentage of adults in the US reported experiencing adverse health effects from stress according to a 2006 survey?
What percentage of adults in the US reported experiencing adverse health effects from stress according to a 2006 survey?
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How is distress related to stress according to the content provided?
How is distress related to stress according to the content provided?
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Study Notes
Definitions of Stress
- Hans Selye (1950, 1976) defined stress as the non-specific response of the body to any demand.
- Cofer and Appley (1964) defined stress as the state of an organism when it perceives its well-being (or integrity) is endangered.
- Cohen, Kessler, and Gordon (1997) defined stress as a process where environmental demands exceed an organism's capacity to adapt, resulting in psychological and biological changes.
- Carson, Butcher, and Mineka (2000) defined stressors as adjustive demands and the effects they create in an organism.
- Sarason and Sarason (2002) defined stress as negative emotional experiences with behavioral, biochemical, and physiological changes related to perceived challenges.
Stress and Stressors
- Stress refers to pressure or force on a body.
- Stressors are sources of stress—exam pressures, social relationship issues, life changes (death, divorce, job loss), daily hassles (traffic, noise), and extreme temperatures.
- Distress is a state of physical or mental pain or suffering.
- Some stress is healthy to maintain alertness.
- Prolonged or intense stress can overtax coping ability, causing anxiety, depression, and physical symptoms like fatigue and headaches.
- The American Psychological Association found that 43% of adult Americans report adverse health effects from stress (2006).
Mind-Body Relationship
- The mind and body are closely intertwined.
- Descartes (17th century) believed in dualism (separation of mind and body).
- Modern science recognizes the influence of psychological factors on physical health and vice versa.
- Health psychologists study the interrelationships between psychological factors and physical health.
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Description
Explore various definitions of stress and stressors from leading psychologists and their implications on well-being. This quiz covers fundamental concepts related to stress, its sources, and the psychological and physiological changes it can trigger.
