Psychology Chapter on Social Stressors

Study Notes

Arise from relationships and societal interactions, such as the pressure for acceptance and familial conflicts.

Distress

Characterized by negative stress responses that include physiological symptoms and negative emotions.
Effects: sleep deprivation, headaches, mood swings, chest pain, overwhelming feelings.
Triggers: deadlines, financial struggles, bereavement, abuse, relationship and work-related issues.

Stress as a Transaction

Transactional Theory of Stress and Coping by Lazarus and Folkman suggests stress perception differs among individuals.
Cognitive appraisal process influences how stressors are interpreted and managed, leading to varied stress experiences based on coping resources.

Stress as a Response

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) by Selye defines stress as a physiological process following harmful stimuli.
Consists of three stages: Alarm (initial reaction), Resistance (adaptation efforts), Exhaustion (depletion of resources).
Physical responses: increased heart rate and breathing during stress.

Problem Focused Coping

Involves addressing the source of stress and is used by those who feel equipped to handle challenges.
Examples include conducting research for solutions or developing action plans.

Can lead to both adaptive coping mechanisms (effective strategies) and maladaptive coping mechanisms (ineffective strategies).

Types of Stress

Distress: negative stress response.
Eustress: positive stress response that motivates and enhances functioning.

Cognitive Appraisal

Involves evaluating stressors through two phases:
- Primary Appraisal: assessing the significance of the stressor.
- Secondary Appraisal: evaluating one's coping resources.

Methods of Coping

Includes Emotion-Focused Coping (managing emotions) and Problem-Focused Coping (addressing the stressor).

GAS Model - Resistance Stage

Body's resistance increases, focusing on recovery from stress.
Involves activation of the parasympathetic nervous system to counteract stress effects.
Continued stress can lead to neglect of responsibilities, with risk for advancing to exhaustion stage.

Secondary Appraisal

Involves evaluating internal (personal mechanisms) and external (support systems) resources.
Positive outcomes yield beliefs in resource adequacy, resulting in eustress; negative outcomes lead to feelings of being overwhelmed, resulting in distress.

Eustress

Positive form of stress that enhances energy, motivation, productivity, focus, and resilience.
Often results from activities like exercise, social engagements, mindfulness practices, relationship building, and goal achievement.

Definition of Stress

According to Selye (1936), it is a nonspecific response of the body to any demand, encompassing both psychological and physiological aspects.

Cultural Stressors

Emerge from cultural identities, values, and norms, leading to experiences like discrimination based on cultural beliefs.

Types of Stressors

Environmental Stressors: related to physical surroundings.
Psychological Stressors: involve mental and emotional challenges.
Social Stressors: arise from interpersonal relationships.
Cultural Stressors: linked to cultural identity and norms.

GAS Model - Exhaustion Stage

Prolonged stress leads to depletion of physical and mental resources, affecting adrenal gland function.
Results in lowered resistance levels and can lead to severe health consequences, including increased fatigue and decreased motivation.

Description

Explore the impact of social stressors and distress in this psychology quiz. Understand how these stressors arise from societal relationships, their physiological effects, and transactional theory. Test your knowledge on the factors contributing to negative stress responses.