Psychology Chapter: Cognitive Appraisal & Stress

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Questions and Answers

What is the first phase of the biological stress response as defined by Selye?

Recovery

Alarm (correct)

Resistance

Exhaustion

Which component of the HPA axis is primarily responsible for releasing endorphins?

Hypothalamus

Adrenal gland

Sympathetic nervous system

Pituitary gland (correct)

In what type of appraisal do individuals evaluate resources available for coping?

Primary appraisal

Tertiary appraisal

Secondary appraisal (correct)

Overall appraisal

Which of the following is NOT a phase of the General Adaptation Syndrome?

Recovery Signup and view all the answers

What bodily response occurs immediately after primary appraisal during an alarm reaction?

Release of adrenaline Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the emotional response associated with a challenge appraisal?

Promotes positive emotions Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the hypothalamus during the alarm reaction?

Sends distress signals Signup and view all the answers

What type of stress event is categorized as threatening?

An event expected to cause future harm Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately defines stress?

Any stimulus that is perceived as challenging or threatening. Signup and view all the answers

What type of stressor is characterized by events that require adjustment but are typically unpredictable?

Involuntary stressors. Signup and view all the answers

Which coping style focuses on managing the problem causing stress?

Problem-focused coping. Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a factor in expressing resilience?

Dietary habits. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a physiological response to stress?

Activation of the HPA axis. Signup and view all the answers

How does cognitive appraisal influence the biological stress response?

It modifies an individual's perception of the stressor. Signup and view all the answers

Which coping technique is considered a positive way to manage stress?

Mindfulness meditation. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of conflict situation involves competing motives that cannot be fulfilled simultaneously?

Approach-avoidance conflict. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT associated with catastrophes?

Require minimal adaptation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of trauma is specifically linked to pandemic-related stress?

COVID stress syndrome Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic is more likely to perceive stress from having too much to do?

Younger people Signup and view all the answers

What is the main factor influencing resilience according to the information provided?

Temperament Signup and view all the answers

Which type of stress is characterized by the challenges faced when adapting to a new culture?

Acculturative stress Signup and view all the answers

How do wealthier individuals typically perceive their control over life?

More control leading to more fun Signup and view all the answers

Which statement regarding racial and ethnic differences in stress is accurate?

African Americans report feeling lonely more than Hispanic Americans Signup and view all the answers

What approach can be taken to enhance resilience during significant stressors?

Shift and persist strategies Signup and view all the answers

In an approach-avoidance conflict, what characterizes the choices involved?

Each choice has both positive and negative qualities. Signup and view all the answers

What type of conflict occurs when faced with two negative events?

Avoidance-avoidance Signup and view all the answers

Which situation best exemplifies a multiple approach-avoidance conflict?

Deciding which job offer to accept, each with pros and cons. Signup and view all the answers

What is typically a consequence of facing multiple approach-avoidance conflicts?

Increased feelings of stress. Signup and view all the answers

What type of conflict would most likely occur when a student must choose a major with both favorable and unfavorable outcomes?

Approach-avoidance Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios illustrates an approach-approach conflict?

Choosing between two job offers with high salaries. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of conflict decision-making, what does the term 'avoidance' refer to?

Choosing not to make a decision. Signup and view all the answers

What might be a potential outcome of prolonged exposure to multiple approach-avoidance conflicts?

Lower levels of personal satisfaction. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of problem-focused coping?

Altering the environment to reduce stress. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered an example of cognitive reappraisal?

Reevaluating a stressful event to find a positive perspective. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following strategies is commonly associated with emotion-focused coping?

Practicing guided imagery of a calming place. Signup and view all the answers

What do defense mechanisms primarily help individuals maintain?

A positive self-image. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following techniques is NOT typically used to manage stress?

Avoiding stressors entirely. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of effective time management in stress reduction?

Prioritizing tasks to reduce feelings of being overwhelmed. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a method to reduce stress through physical activity?

Exercise. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about emotion-focused coping is true?

It addresses stressors that are beyond one’s control. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cognitive Appraisal: Assessing Stress

Stress is any stimulus that we perceive as challenging or threatening
Primary appraisal is the initial interpretation of an event
Secondary appraisal is the evaluation of an event after the initial appraisal
Secondary appraisal can be either positive or negative
Threatening events are perceived as harm in the future
Challenge appraisal typically elicits positive emotions and is perceived as less stressful

The Body's Response to Stress

The general adaptation syndrome is the body's response to stress, divided into three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion
The alarm reaction is the immediate bodily response to a stressor, activating the sympathetic nervous system and causing the release of hormones from the adrenal gland

Alarm Reaction and the HPA Axis

The alarm reaction is triggered directly after the initial primary appraisal
The distress signal is sent to the hypothalamus, which activates the sympathetic nervous system
The adrenal gland secretes stress hormones adrenaline and corticosteroids
The pituitary secretes endorphins to help the body cope with stress
The HPA axis is the interaction between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal gland

Biological Pathway of the Stress Response – The HPA Axis

The HPA axis is triggered by stress, which activates the hypothalamus and pituitary gland
The pituitary gland releases ACTH into the bloodstream
ACTH stimulates the adrenal gland to release corticosteroids and adrenaline
The release of hormones causes various physiological changes, such as accelerated heart rate and increased blood pressure, to prepare the body to respond to a threat.

Chapter Objectives: What Is Stress?

Understand the four types of stressors: life events, catastrophes and trauma, daily hassles, and conflict
Understand the concept of resilience and factors that influence it
Understand the four types of conflict situations: approach approach, avoidance avoidance, approach avoidance, and multiple approach avoidance
Understand the HPA axis and how the body responds to stress, including its variations in males and females
Understand how stress influences immunity
Understand the difference between problem focused and emotion focused coping, and give examples of each
Describe positive and adaptive ways to manage and cope with stress, and how these techniques influence the stress response, one’s health and well-being.

What Is Stress?

Stress is the reaction to a stressor, a stimulus that is perceived as challenging or threatening
Life events are any events, good or bad, that require adjustment

Catastrophes and Trauma

Catastrophes are sudden unexpected events requiring high levels of adaptation
Trauma is an event that causes psychological distress
Examples of trauma include PTSD, rape trauma syndrome, and COVID stress syndrome

Daily Hassles

Daily hassles are events that contribute to health and life satisfaction
Women are more likely to report financial issues, being overwhelmed with tasks, health concerns, and difficulty relaxing
Younger people report more daily hassles, and perceive them as more stressful.
Wealthier people report more control over their lives and report having more fun
African Americans are more likely to report economic hassles, exposure to noise, loneliness, and invasion of personal privacy
Hispanic Americans are more likely to report problems with aging parents
Acculturative stress is the difficulty associated with adapting to a new culture

Resilience

Resilience is adapting to stressors and bouncing back from adversity
Biopsychosocial factors influence resilience including temperament, internal locus of control, social support, and optimism
Shift and persist strategies are helpful for navigating stressful situations

Conflict

There are four common conflict situations:
- Approach-approach conflicts involve choosing between two positive events
- Avoidance-avoidance conflicts involve choosing between two negative events
- Approach-avoidance conflicts involve choices with both positive and negative qualities
- Multiple approach-avoidance conflicts involve multiple choices, each with both positive and negative qualities

Coping with Stress

Coping is the active effort to deal with the effects of stress
Problem-focused coping focuses on changing the situation to manage the source of the stress

Emotion-Focused Coping

Emotion-focused coping involves adjusting our reactions to stressors
Cognitive reappraisal involves changing our interpretation of an event to reduce stress

Managing Stress: Applying the Research

Strategies to help reduce stress include exercise and meditation, relaxation, social support, spirituality, guided imagery, optimism, and time management

Defense Mechanisms

Defense mechanisms are unconscious emotional strategies that reduce anxiety and maintain a positive self-image.

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Description

This quiz explores the concepts of cognitive appraisal and the body's response to stress as outlined in psychology. Key topics include primary and secondary appraisal, general adaptation syndrome, and the physiological processes involved in the stress response. Test your knowledge on how individuals perceive and react to stressors.