Psychology Chapter 5: Understanding Stress
52 Questions
1 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What are the three ways psychologists have viewed stress?

  • As a stimulus, an emotion, and a coping mechanism.
  • As a stimulus, a response, and as cognition.
  • As a stimulus, a response, and an organism-environment interaction. (correct)
  • As a reaction, an emotion, and a behavioral process.

Which of the following best describes 'microstressors'?

  • Daily hassles that can accumulate and contribute to stress. (correct)
  • Internal emotional responses to environmental stimuli.
  • Large scale disasters affecting communities.
  • Significant life events that occur infrequently.

Which characteristic of stressors tends to increase stress responses?

  • Duration and social support.
  • Predictability and familiarity.
  • Significance and suddenness. (correct)
  • Control and lack of urgency.

What does primary appraisal assess in the stress response?

<p>The demands of the situation and what needs to be done. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three phases of the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)?

<p>Alarm, resistance, exhaustion. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of events do catastrophic stressors typically represent?

<p>Unexpected occurrences that impact large groups. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of life event scales in stress research?

<p>To quantify stress over a specific time period. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect does secondary appraisal focus on in the stress response process?

<p>The resources available to cope with stress. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major characteristic of Type A personality?

<p>Experience a constant sense of time urgency (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which coping strategy is generally considered more effective when one has little control over the situation?

<p>Emotion-focused strategies (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do males generally differ from females in their approach to coping?

<p>Males favor problem-focused coping (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the best description of health-compromising behaviors?

<p>Practices that contribute to the development of illness (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a noted effect of bottling up feelings?

<p>Higher likelihood of cancer (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which group is most likely to employ emotion-focused coping?

<p>Asians (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy is NOT associated with positive outcomes in emotion-focused coping?

<p>Denial (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized by health psychology?

<p>The role of behavior in health maintenance (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be a negative consequence of certain spiritual beliefs when coping with stress?

<p>Encouraging a burden of guilt (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the Transtheoretical Model of Change?

<p>The change process is not necessarily smooth (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What stage involves recognizing a problem and contemplating change?

<p>Contemplation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a basic feature of prevention programs for AIDS?

<p>Financial incentives (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which approach combines various techniques, including biological measures and stress management?

<p>Multimodal treatment (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the percentage effectiveness of alcohol abuse treatment up to one year later?

<p>65% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the return to undesirable behavior after a period of abstinence?

<p>Relapse (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What lifestyle factor is linked to increased health issues such as heart disease and obesity?

<p>Sedentary lifestyle (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What behavior change stage is focused on implementing change strategies?

<p>Action (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which exercise mode is characterized by sustained activity that elevates heart rate?

<p>Aerobic exercise (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which behavioral intervention technique involves monitoring one's own actions related to health?

<p>Self-regulation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What challenge do prevention programs often face among adolescents and young adults?

<p>Irrational sense of invulnerability (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary hormone released during the alarm phase of stress?

<p>Cortisol (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the exhaustion phase in stress response?

<p>Continued recruitment of resources (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact does neuroticism have on stress?

<p>It increases the likelihood of experiencing negative emotions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is characterized by which of the following symptoms?

<p>Intense survivor guilt (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a vulnerability factor that can increase susceptibility to stress?

<p>Pessimism (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does social support have on stress?

<p>Blunts the impact of stress. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component represents the strongest factor in mitigating stress effects?

<p>Control over the situation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of stress on chronic conditions?

<p>Stress increases the risk of developing chronic conditions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which phenomenon describes the impact of negative life events on psychological distress?

<p>Correlational relationship (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the consequences of chronic stress on the immune system?

<p>Decreases immune function (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What psychological impact can arise from traumatic experiences?

<p>Long-lasting psychological distress (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is likely to enhance one’s coping self-efficacy?

<p>Observing others succeed (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about optimism is accurate?

<p>It can contribute positively to coping with stress. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which is a symptom of the Residential School Syndrome?

<p>Recurrent intrusive memories (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of harm reduction strategies?

<p>To reduce the harmful effects of behaviors (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT mentioned as a psychological approach to coping with stress?

<p>Aggression management (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who initially coined the term 'positive psychology'?

<p>Abraham Maslow (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT a suggestion from psychological research to enhance personal happiness?

<p>Focus solely on professional success (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do vulnerability and protective factors play in stress management?

<p>They influence overall psychological well-being (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The abstinence violation effect involves which of the following feelings?

<p>Self-blame and guilt (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy is effective in reducing binge drinking according to brief interventions?

<p>Utilizing harm reduction tactics (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does positive psychology emphasize when studying human behavior?

<p>Positive experiences and well-being (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of the Transtheoretical Model?

<p>Attribution theory (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What has been a primary focus of psychology since the 1950s?

<p>Pathology and treating illness (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Stress (stimulus)

Stressful events or stimuli that place demands on an individual (internal or external).

Microstressors

Daily hassles or minor stressors that accumulate over time.

Chronic Stress

Long-term stress, which can result in physiological responses.

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

Physiological response to long-term stress with three phases.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Primary Appraisal

Evaluating the demand or challenges of a situation.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Secondary Appraisal

Evaluating available resources and coping strategies.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Stressors (Catastrophic)

Unexpected events that affect many people, causing high stress.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Stress Response

Physiological and behavioral reactions to perceived stress.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Resistance (GAS)

The second stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), where the body attempts to adapt to a persistent stressor by recruiting additional resources.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Exhaustion (GAS)

The third stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), characterized by depleted resources, making the body vulnerable to illness and disease.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cortisol

A stress hormone released during the alarm phase, involved in rising blood sugars, and suppressing the immune system.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Alarm (GAS)

The first phase of the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), triggering the 'fight-or-flight' response.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Neuroticism

A personality trait characterized by a heightened tendency to experience negative emotions and stress.

Signup and view all the flashcards

PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; a severe anxiety disorder caused by a traumatic event.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Social Support

The feeling of belonging to a group, or community who provide encouragement and assistance.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Coping Self-Efficacy

Belief in one's ability to successfully manage stressful situations.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Optimism

A belief in a positive outcome, or belief that things will work out.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Hardiness

A personality trait characterized by a sense of commitment, control, and challenge.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Vulnerability Factors

Attributes or circumstances that increase susceptibility to stress.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Protective Factors

Characteristics or circumstances that lessen the impact of stress and promote resilience.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Stress and Health

Stress contributes to chronic conditions like arthritis and bronchitis.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Optimist appraisal

Optimists view themselves as less helpless and better able to cope with negative events, leading to better health.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Type A personality

Characterized by high competitiveness, ambition, and potential aggression/hostility; often experience time urgency and negative emotions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Type B personality

More relaxed and agreeable than Type A personalities.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Spiritual beliefs and coping

Spiritual beliefs can aid in stress management, but certain beliefs (e.g., feeling punished) can negatively impact adjustment.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Problem-focused coping

A coping method that focuses on directly addressing the source of stress.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Emotion-focused coping

A coping method that focuses on managing the emotions associated with stress.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Health-enhancing behaviours

Actions that promote well-being and prevent illness (e.g., exercise).

Signup and view all the flashcards

Health-compromising behaviours

Actions that increase the risk of illness (e.g., smoking).

Signup and view all the flashcards

Precontemplation stage

A stage of the transtheoretical model where an individual is not even considering changing a behaviour.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Health Psychology

The study of how psychological factors influence health and illness.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Stages of Change Model

A model that describes how people change behavior, going through six distinct stages: Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance, and Termination.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Preparation Stage

People in this stage are ready to make a change and are taking small steps towards it, like making plans or acquiring resources.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Action Stage

People in this stage are actively changing their behavior, implementing strategies and working towards their goal.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Maintenance Stage

People in this stage have maintained the behavior change for a period of time and are working to prevent relapse.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Termination Stage

The final stage where the change is permanent and requires no further maintenance.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Aerobic Exercise

Sustained physical activity that increases heart rate and oxygen consumption, like jogging, swimming, and bicycling.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Motivational Interviewing

A therapeutic approach that helps individuals identify their own reasons for change and build motivation to achieve their goals.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Abstinence Violation Effect

The feeling of guilt and self-blame after a relapse, which can reinforce feelings of helplessness and make it harder to maintain abstinence.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Harm Reduction

A strategy that aims to minimize the negative effects of harmful behaviors without necessarily targeting complete elimination of the behavior.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Methadone

A medication used in harm reduction strategies to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms for opioid addiction.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Positive Psychology

A field of psychology that focuses on the study of human strengths, well-being, and positive experiences.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Set Meaningful Goals

Setting personally meaningful goals and working towards them can contribute to happiness and well-being.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Nurture Physical Well-being

Taking care of your physical health through exercise, healthy eating, and rest can boost your mood and overall well-being.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cultivate Optimism

Developing a hopeful outlook and expecting positive outcomes can contribute to resilience and happiness.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Be Helpful to Others

Helping others and engaging in acts of kindness can increase feelings of happiness and fulfillment.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Spend Time with Loved Ones

Cultivating close relationships and spending quality time with loved ones is essential for happiness and well-being.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Transtheoretical Model

A model that describes the stages of change that people go through when altering a behavior, from pre-contemplation to maintenance.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Stress, Health, and Coping

  • Stress is viewed in three ways: as a stimulus, a response, and an interaction between the organism and its environment.
  • Stressors are eliciting stimuli, or events, that demand much from us (internal and external).
  • Stressors can be categorized as catastrophic events, major negative events, and microstressors, including daily hassles.
  • Microstressors are everyday demands like traffic, work, or school.
  • Life event scales quantify the stress over a period of time and indicate whether an event occurred, its appraisal, level of control, and predictability.
  • The appraisal process involves primary appraisal (demands of the situation), secondary appraisal (available resources), judgments of consequences, and personal meaning.

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

  • The GAS is a physiological reaction to prolonged stress with three phases: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.
  • The alarm phase is like "fight or flight," activating the sympathetic nervous system and releasing stress hormones (like cortisol), increasing blood sugar and suppressing the immune system.
  • The resistance phase involves continued resource recruitment, but they're being depleted.
  • The exhaustion phase involves dangerous resource depletion, making one vulnerable to diseases and problems like cardiovascular issues and immune system difficulties.

Stress and Health

  • Stress can lead to chronic conditions like arthritis or bronchitis, worsening pre-existing conditions.
  • Stress hormones can contribute to blocked arteries and memory impairment via hippocampal deterioration.
  • Research demonstrates that stress resulting from conflict can decrease immune function within 24 hours.
  • Some stressors (like trauma) have long-lasting psychological impacts, such as PTSD and the Residential School Syndrome. Examples of symptoms include recurrent intrusive memories, nightmares, flashbacks, and emotional detachment.

Vulnerability and Protective Factors

  • Vulnerability factors increase susceptibility to stress, while protective factors such as social support, coping skills, and optimism reduce it.
  • Social support is crucial, enhancing the immune system and preventing maladaptive coping mechanisms. Hardiness is another protective factor involving commitment to goals, perceived control, and challenging situations not as threats.
  • Coping self-efficacy (belief in one's coping ability) and optimism also enhance one's resilience to stress.

Coping With Stress

  • Effective coping strategies are problem-focused and seeking social support, vs. maladaptive approaches like avoidance, denial, and wishful thinking.
  • Emotion-focused coping can be beneficial with identifying and changing irrational thoughts. Techniques like relaxation or meditation can be helpful too (though not always).
  • No single best strategy exists, as coping effectiveness depends on the situation. Adaptive expression of emotions is associated with positive health outcomes, compared to bottling up feelings.

Health Promotion and Illness Prevention

  • Health psychology studies the role of behaviours in health maintenance and illness prevention/treatment.
  • Health-enhancing behaviours improve or maintain health (like exercise, healthy diets, etc.), whereas health-compromising behaviours risk illness (such as smoking, poor diet, etc.).
  • The Transtheoretical Model helps delineate the steps of behavioural change (precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, and termination).
  • Exercises (aerobic and otherwise) have shown benefits to physical and mental health, and longevity (memory and cognitive competence). Positive health behaviors are associated with longevity.

Combatting Substance Abuse

  • Substance abuse has significant societal costs (financial and other).
  • Psychological treatments (like motivational interviewing and multimodal approaches) are employed in treatment, alongside relapse prevention strategies.
  • Harm reduction approaches focus on reducing harm rather than eliminating the behaviour itself (e.g., methadone, needle exchange programs, etc.
  • Factors like insufficient coping skills, and low self-efficacy are linked to relapse.

Positive Psychology

  • Positive psychology focuses on positive experiences and well-being, and is not just about ignoring negative experiences.
  • It uses scientific methodologies to study factors that positively impact mental/emotional well-being, including developing close relationships, nurturing physical well-being etc. and focusing on personal goals.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Description

Explore the foundations of stress psychology in this quiz, covering key concepts like microstressors, General Adaptation Syndrome, and coping strategies. Test your knowledge on the various views of stress and how different personality types respond to stressors.

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser