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Questions and Answers
Defence mechanisms are conscious processes that individuals use deliberately to manage their motives.
False
Freud's study of defence mechanisms was based on slips of the tongue and memory lapses.
True
The concept of defence mechanisms has been successfully applied to explain the aetiology of all mental disorders.
False
Lack of a confidant is considered a vulnerability factor in response to stress.
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Previous experiences, such as losing a parent in childhood, can decrease a person's vulnerability to stress in adulthood.
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It is straightforward to examine the remote associations between past experiences and current stress scientifically.
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The classification of reactions to stressful experiences includes PTSD and acute stress reactions.
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Coping strategies and defense mechanisms share the same origin and are discussed together in the chapter.
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The process of 'working through' refers to the conscious processing of emotional difficulties.
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Adjustment reactions include both adjustment to bereavement and adjustment to terminal illness.
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Somatic accompaniments are not part of the emotional response to stressful events.
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Post-traumatic stress disorder is considered a mild emotional reaction to a stressful event.
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Adjustment disorders are simpler and less serious compared to PTSD.
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Individuals experiencing severe stress do not utilize coping strategies.
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Anxiety responses are primarily associated with events that involve separation or loss.
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Depressive responses include pessimistic thinking and increased muscle tension.
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Coping strategies are derived from research in anthropology.
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Problem-solving strategies aim to alleviate emotional responses to stressors.
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Avoidance of the problem can sometimes lead to improved long-term outcomes.
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Maladaptive coping strategies are effective in the long term for managing stress.
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Aggressive behavior can provide immediate relief but may damage relationships long-term.
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Emotion-reducing strategies include evaluation of the problem and positive reappraisal.
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Coping styles involve using specific coping mechanisms repeatedly across different situations.
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Positive reappraisal of a situation recognizes only its negative outcomes.
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Repression is the conscious acknowledgment of painful memories from the past.
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Denial can be both adaptive and maladaptive depending on the situation.
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Displacement involves directing emotions towards the appropriate source of those feelings.
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Projection allows individuals to accept their own feelings by attributing them to others.
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Regression can be adaptive in the early stages of illness by promoting dependency.
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Reaction formation involves expressing emotions that are in line with one's true feelings.
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Rationalization provides a false but acceptable explanation for behavior stemming from unacceptable origins.
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Sublimation redirects unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable activities.
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Identification is the rejection of characteristics of another person.
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Defence mechanisms were first described by Carl Jung.
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Study Notes
Introduction to Stress and Psychiatric Disorders
- Stressful events can trigger psychiatric disorders or emotional reactions that may not meet diagnostic criteria for anxiety or mood disorders.
- The chapter covers less severe reactions alongside post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which involves intense and prolonged responses to stress.
Components of Response to Stressful Events
- The response consists of:
- An emotional response accompanied by somatic symptoms.
- A coping strategy employed by individuals.
- A defense mechanism that operates unconsciously.
- "Working through" stress refers to processing emotions through reflection and re-evaluation.
Emotional and Somatic Responses
- Anxiety responses include:
- Autonomic arousal leading to symptoms such as tachycardia, irritability, and muscle tension.
- Depressive responses manifest as pessimistic thoughts and reduced physical activity.
- These responses are similar to symptoms of anxiety and depressive disorders but are typically less intense.
Coping Strategies
- Serve to mitigate the effects of stress, allowing individuals to maintain performance.
- Two types of coping strategies:
- Problem-solving strategies (e.g., obtaining advice, implementing plans).
- Emotion-reducing strategies (e.g., venting emotions, evaluating the situation).
Maladaptive Coping Strategies
- Provide short-term emotional relief but can worsen long-term effects:
- Use of substances (alcohol or drugs) to escape stress.
- Deliberate self-harm for relief through pain.
- Unrestrained emotional expression might damage personal relationships.
- Aggressive behaviors can provide immediate release but may harm relationships.
Coping Styles
- Refers to the consistent use of certain coping mechanisms across various situations.
- Some individuals employ flexible strategies, adapting to circumstances.
Defense Mechanisms
- Unconscious processes that alter how individuals respond to stress and anxiety.
- Originated with Sigmund Freud, extending to daily behaviors under stress.
- Key defense mechanisms include:
- Repression: Blocking distressing memories or impulses from consciousness.
- Denial: Ignoring the reality of distressing situations, with potential adaptive or maladaptive outcomes.
- Displacement: Redirecting emotions from the source to another target.
- Projection: Attributing one’s own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to others.
- Regression: Reverting to behaviors appropriate to an earlier developmental stage.
- Reaction Formation: Engaging in behaviors opposite to true feelings.
- Rationalization: Providing false explanations for behaviors with less acceptable origins.
- Sublimation: Redirecting unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable actions.
- Identification: Adopting qualities or behaviors of others, often to cope with loss or separation.
Vulnerability Factors
- Current circumstances and past experiences influence responses to stress.
- Lack of support systems (e.g., confidants) increases vulnerability to stress.
Conclusion
- Understanding the interplay between stress responses and coping mechanisms is crucial for effective emotional processing and potentially mitigating mental health issues.
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Description
This quiz covers the emotional and psychological responses to stressful events as discussed in the relevant chapter. It highlights conditions like PTSD and lesser severe reactions, referencing both ICD-10 and DSM-5 classifications. Gain a deeper understanding of psychiatric disorders related to stress responses.
