Psychology of Stress and Coping Mechanisms

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Questions and Answers

What characterizes the resistance stage of stress response?

Complete depletion of coping resources

Immediate response to a stressor

Increased susceptibility to infection

Attempt to adapt to stressor (correct)

What are potential consequences of long-term stress in the exhaustion stage?

Increased physical activity levels

Improved immune functioning

Non-functioning adrenal glands (correct)

Adaptive hormonal changes

Which of the following best describes the 'tend and befriend' response to stress?

A physiological response triggered by severe long-term stress

A behavioral response primarily found in females with caregiving roles (correct)

A fight or flight response typically observed in males

A coping mechanism that ignores social support structures

What criticism is leveled against physiological explanations of stress responses?

They are reductionist and overlook individual differences. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of appraisal involves evaluating whether a situation is a threat?

Primary appraisal Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the telephone company employees studied by Maddi suffered from stress-related illnesses?

66% Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter's activity is enhanced by benzodiazepines?

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of beta-blockers in the body?

Reduce heart rate and blood pressure Signup and view all the answers

What common outcome was observed among students with low hardiness in Lifton et al's study?

Higher dropout rates Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common benzodiazepine mentioned?

Alprenolol Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of biofeedback in managing stress?

Teach clients to control involuntary bodily responses Signup and view all the answers

Which step involves the client becoming aware of their body's reactions to stress?

Awareness Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant finding from the Budinsky study regarding group A?

Group A reported significant reduction in headaches Signup and view all the answers

Which type of social support involves tangible, practical, and concrete help?

Instrumental support Signup and view all the answers

Which technique is NOT mentioned as a method for controlling stress responses through biofeedback?

Taking medication Signup and view all the answers

According to the meta-analysis by Tamre, which gender is found to use social support more frequently?

Women use social support more Signup and view all the answers

During which step do clients practice applying the learned techniques to everyday stress situations?

Transfer Signup and view all the answers

What is one issue related to physiological and psychological explanations for gender differences in coping with stress?

Deterministic Signup and view all the answers

What role does oxytocin play in women's response to stress and bonding after birth?

It fosters stronger bonds with their babies. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of support is characterized by reinforcing a person's self-efficacy and providing encouragement?

Esteem support Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the negative consequences of the fight or flight response?

It can lead to prolonged activation and stress. Signup and view all the answers

What biological component primarily comprises natural immunity?

Leukocytes Signup and view all the answers

Which type of lymphocyte is responsible for attacking intracellular pathogens?

T Cells Signup and view all the answers

How does chronic stress contribute to immunosuppression?

By causing elevated levels of cortisol. Signup and view all the answers

What is a maladaptive response to stress?

Using alcohol or drugs to manage stress. Signup and view all the answers

Why is there a generalization issue in stress research based on animal studies?

Human stress often involves higher reasoning and psychological factors. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the impact of stress hormones on the immune process?

They divert energy from immune responses. Signup and view all the answers

What is the HPA system's role in response to stress?

It regulates the body's hormonal response to stress. Signup and view all the answers

What does SRRS stand for in the context of life events?

Social Readjustment Rating Scale Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a limitation identified in the research on life changes and stress?

Subjectivity in rating life events Signup and view all the answers

In Rahe et al's 1970 study, what was the correlation found between the SRRS score and illness score?

+0.118 Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary method used by Holmes & Rahe to determine the effect of life events on adjustment?

Questionnaire and medical record review Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the SRRS is accurate?

It groups positive and negative life changes together Signup and view all the answers

According to Byrne and Whyte, what factor was found crucial in predicting heart attacks?

Individual perceptions of life changes Signup and view all the answers

What key aspect of life changes did Turner and Wheaton find to be important?

The desirability of the life changes Signup and view all the answers

The findings of Holmes & Rahe indicated a total of how many major life events were identified?

43 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Stress Physiology

Stress is an emotional response to physical or psychological threats.
Acute stress is short-lived and can be beneficial, part of the fight-or-flight response.
Chronic stress is long-term and results from unresolved problems, maladaptive.

Acute and Chronic Stress

Acute stress is adaptive for short-term threats, but prolonged exposure can be harmful.
Chronic stressors require an ongoing adaptive response which depletes resources.
The fight-or-flight response is an extreme bodily state, while chronic stress significantly impacts well-being.

SAM Pathway

Hypothalamus activates the sympathetic nervous system (SNS).
Adrenal medulla releases adrenaline and noradrenaline.
Resulting physical symptoms initiate the fight-or-flight response.
Parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) reactivates, reducing the response.

HPA Pathway

Hypothalamus releases corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF).
Pituitary gland releases adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).
ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex to release corticosteroids (e.g., cortisol).
Cortisol increases blood sugar, provides energy, and suppresses the immune system.
High cortisol triggers reduction in CRF and ACTH.

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

Consists of three stages:
- Alarm reaction (immediate response to stressor)
- Resistance (adaptation to stressor)
- Exhaustion (depletion of resources)

The Role of Stress in Illness

The immune system protects against bacteria and viruses, and helps prevent tumors.
Natural immunity quickly attacks invaders and uses Natural Killer cells.
Specific immunity recognizes specific invaders for a slower but adaptable response using lymphocytes.

Immunosuppression

Stress can impact the immune system as resources are diverted.
Stress hormones and maladaptive coping behaviours also negatively affect the immune system.
Chronic stress suppresses lymphocyte production, making someone more susceptible to illness.

Cardiovascular Stress

SNS activation increases heart rate and blood vessel constriction, raising blood pressure.
Prolonged stress can lead to unhealthy coping behaviors that can damage the cardiovascular system.
Increased risk of heart attacks with chronic stress, especially during high-tension situations.

Life Changes as a Source of Stress

Significant life changes, whether positive or negative, require significant adjustment.
Holmes and Rahe's Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS) assesses the stressfulness of life events.
High life change units (LCUs) are linked to increased stress and a greater risk of illness.
Individual differences significantly impact the experience of life stressors.

Daily Hassles as a Source of Stress

Daily hassles are minor everyday annoyances.
Lazarus's cognitive appraisal model explains how we interpret and evaluate hassles.
Cumulative effects of daily hassles can be considerably more stressful than major life events.
Individual perceptions and reactions to daily hassles vary.

Workplace Stress

Workplace stress is caused by high demands and an inability to cope.
Demands-control model (Karasek) highlights the importance of control in mitigating demands.
Social support systems at work play an important role in stress management.
High demands and low control increase strain.

Personality Type as a Difference in Stress

Personality types (e.g., Type A) influence stress response.
Type A individuals (competitive, time-urgent, hostile) are more vulnerable to cardiovascular diseases.
Type B individuals (patient, easygoing) seem to be more resilient.

Hardiness as coping mechanism

Hardiness is a personality trait that makes individuals resilient in the face of stress.
Hardiness consists of three characteristics: commitment, control, and challenge.
Kobasa proposed that people with high hardiness are better equipped to handle stressor.

Drug Therapy in Coping with Stress

Benzodiazepines (e.g., Librium, Valium) enhance GABA action to reduce anxiety.
Beta-blockers decrease the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline, helping to physically reduce stress response.

Biofeedback as a coping mechanism

Biofeedback teaches individuals to monitor and control physiological responses like heart rate and muscle tension.
Relaxation techniques and coping mechanisms are a key part of treatment.
Helps clients reduce stress response and improve coping in various stressor settings.

Gender Differences in Coping with Stress

Women use primarily tend-and-befriend approach, while men often employ problem-focused coping.
Both men and women react to stressor differently which influences their emotional response.

Social support, which provides emotional, informational, and tangible assistance, can play a critical role in managing stress.
Social support can buffer the impact of stress.
Perceived and received social support positively impacts a variety of health outcomes.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the psychological aspects of stress, including the resistance and exhaustion stages, coping mechanisms, and physiological responses. This quiz covers key concepts related to stress management and the impact of hardiness on well-being.