Psychology Chapter 14 Study Guide

Questions and Answers

What is stress?

Process of appraising and responding to events that we consider overwhelming, threatening, or challenging.

What is the difference between a stimulus-based and response-based definition of stress?

Both definitions are essentially the same.

Response-based focuses on the body's response to the item. (correct)

Stimulus-based and response-based both consider only external factors.

Stimulus-based focuses on whether the item is a stressor. (correct)

What is the difference between primary and secondary appraisal of stress?

Primary appraisal is how significant an event is for a person, while secondary appraisal considers one's ability to cope with the situation.

What are eustress and distress, and what effects do they have?

Eustress is motivating and has positive effects; distress is debilitating and has negative effects. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between stress and performance level?

The more stress you have, the worse you are going to perform, especially if the stress isn't short-lived. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the fight-or-flight response?

To respond to acute stress and prepare the body to either fight or run away. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Stress Concepts

Stress involves appraising and responding to events perceived as overwhelming, threatening, or challenging.
It is both a subjective and psychological response to external pressures.

Definitions of Stress

Stimulus-based definition: Focuses on whether an event is intrinsically stressful.
Response-based definition: Acknowledges that an event is a stressor if the individual’s body reacts to it as such.

Appraisal Processes

Primary appraisal: Evaluates the significance of an event, determining if it is a threat or an opportunity for growth.
Secondary appraisal: Assesses an individual's capacity to cope with the stressor and manage the situation.

Types of Stress

Eustress: Considered good stress, it can motivate individuals and promote positive emotions and health.
Distress: Negatively impacts well-being, leading to reduced memory, health issues, and impaired learning and cognitive functions.

Stress and Performance

Performance generally declines with increased stress levels, especially when stress is prolonged or chronic.

Fight-or-Flight Response

An essential physiological reaction to acute stress, enabling individuals to either confront the threat (fight) or escape from it (flight).

Description

This quiz focuses on key concepts from Chapter 14 of Psychology, exploring the definitions and distinctions of stress. It includes important terminology and definitions that help in understanding stress as both a response and a stimulus. Perfect for reviewing essential content before exams.