ch 14

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What does the alarm reaction involve?

The body's energy being depleted.

Immediate physiological reactions to a stressor. (correct)

A gradual adaptation to a stressor.

The body entering a state of calmness.

Which stage comes after the alarm reaction in Selye's general adaptation syndrome?

Stage of adaptation

Stage of exhaustion

Stage of recovery

Stage of resistance (correct)

What is a key characteristic of job burnout?

Increased job satisfaction

Strong support from coworkers

Feelings of accomplishment and pride

Diminished personal accomplishment (correct)

During which stage does the body become depleted and unable to resist stressors?

Stage of exhaustion Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is identified as a substantial risk factor for job burnout?

Job strain Signup and view all the answers

What example illustrates the alarm reaction?

A person discovers their house is on fire. Signup and view all the answers

What demographic is most commonly observed to experience job burnout?

Older, unmarried workers in manual labor Signup and view all the answers

How does the stage of resistance affect physiological reactions?

Reactions become less intense as adaptation occurs. Signup and view all the answers

What lifestyle factor is associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing job burnout?

Heavy alcohol consumption Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the body if stress exposure is prolonged?

Illness and permanent damage may occur. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Hans Selye's research?

The physiological response of the body to stress. Signup and view all the answers

How do many people suffering from job burnout feel about their efforts at work?

They have invested considerable energy with little return Signup and view all the answers

What emotional change can occur in workers who experience job burnout?

Callous and hostile attitudes toward others Signup and view all the answers

Which response is comparable to the alarm reaction described by Cannon?

Fight-or-flight response. Signup and view all the answers

In the case of Tyre, what primary source of dissatisfaction contributed to their job burnout?

Long hours for insufficient pay and lack of respect Signup and view all the answers

What mental health issue often co-occurs with job burnout?

Depression Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor that influences how an individual reacts to a stressor?

The individual's appraisal of the stressor Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes primary appraisal?

Judging the degree of harm or threat a stressor may bring Signup and view all the answers

An employee perceives a promotion as a threat because they anticipate excessive work demands. This scenario exemplifies which type of appraisal?

Primary appraisal Signup and view all the answers

What triggers a secondary appraisal in response to a perceived threat?

An evaluation of coping options and their effectiveness Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of psychoneuroimmunology?

How psychological factors influence immune function Signup and view all the answers

How can one view graduation from college differently based on their appraisal of the situation?

Either as a threat or as a challenge depending on personal beliefs Signup and view all the answers

In what year was the term psychoneuroimmunology first coined?

1981 Signup and view all the answers

What role does self-efficacy play in the process of coping with stressors?

It influences the perception of stressors as challenges Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a stressor that has been studied for its effects on the immune system?

Public speaking Signup and view all the answers

Receiving unexpected good news can trigger physiological reactions similar to those of challenging situations. This supports the idea that:

Stress can arise from both positive and negative appraisals Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of appraisal is emphasized as particularly critical in the definition of stress?

The individual's perception of events as overwhelming Signup and view all the answers

What evidence suggests that immune responses can be classically conditioned?

Rats exhibited a conditioned aversion to flavored water paired with a drug. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes how the central nervous system and immune system are connected?

Psychological factors can influence immune responses. Signup and view all the answers

What effect did the pairing of flavored water and immunosuppressive drug have in Ader and Cohen's study?

Sickness response to flavored water alone. Signup and view all the answers

How does the belief in the availability of effective options influence the perception of a threat?

It decreases the level of stress experienced. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT listed as a type of stressor tested for effects on the immune system?

Undergoing a personality test Signup and view all the answers

What was Robin's primary concern after discovering the breast lump?

She might have to quit her job. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is likely to increase stress when dealing with a potential health threat?

Believing the threat is extremely serious. Signup and view all the answers

The field of research focused on the connection between psychological factors and immunity primarily evolved from discoveries in which area?

Central nervous system functions Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Madhuri's outlook from Robin’s regarding their breast lumps?

Madhuri sees it as potentially manageable. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in evaluating a stressor according to the content provided?

Make a primary appraisal of the threat. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does the provided content suggest that stressors can vary in their impact?

Due to individual cognitive appraisals. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following most accurately reflects Robin's view of the breast lump?

She views it as a potentially life-threatening situation. Signup and view all the answers

What common emotional reaction is depicted by Robin regarding her condition?

Panic about possible negative scenarios. Signup and view all the answers

What environmental factors are known to trigger asthma exacerbations?

Air pollution Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following locations is identified as having high rates of asthma due to pollution?

Long Beach, California Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological factor is believed to contribute significantly to asthma attacks?

Anxiety and negative emotions Signup and view all the answers

What effect do high levels of emotional distress have on individuals with asthma?

They negatively affect airway function Signup and view all the answers

What role do expectations play in asthma symptom experiences?

They can create asthma-like symptoms. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common emotional response reported by individuals with asthma?

Fear Signup and view all the answers

How do psychological factors influence asthma exacerbation according to the content?

They are an important trigger for exacerbation. Signup and view all the answers

What was the finding of the investigation where adults with asthma used portable devices to measure airway function?

Higher stress correlated with increased airway obstruction. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Stress and the Human Condition

The term stress emerged in scientific literature in the 1930s but entered common usage in the 1970s.
Today, the term is used loosely to describe unpleasant feelings like frustration, anger, or fatigue.
Defining stress precisely is difficult due to individual differences in how people interpret and respond to situations considered stressful.

Conceptualizations of Stress

Some conceptualize stress as a demanding or threatening stimulus (e.g., a high-pressure job). This is known as a stimulus-based definition.
Other conceptualizations highlight the response to the stimulus, focusing on physiological changes (e.g., increased arousal). This is known as a response-based approach.
Hans Selye defined stress as the body's response to any demand, whether pleasant or unpleasant.

Appraisals of Stressors

Stress is better understood as a process. Individuals perceive and respond to events they judge as threatening.
Two appraisals are considered:
- Primary appraisal: judgment of potential threat or harm.
- Secondary appraisal: assessment of available coping strategies and their effectiveness.

Good and Bad Stress

Though typically viewed negatively, stress can be beneficial when experienced in moderate amounts—eustress.
It can motivate individuals to perform better and improve quality of life.
Excessive, prolonged stress is harmful–known as distress.

Stages of Stress Response (General Adaptation Syndrome)

Stress response involves three stages:
Alarm reaction: Initial response to a stressor; the body mobilizes resources (fight-or-flight response).
Resistance: Adaptation to the stressor; the body attempts to maintain homeostasis.
Exhaustion: Prolonged stress overwhelms the body's ability to cope, leading to physical and mental exhaustion, illness, or even death.

Physiological Basis of Stress

Physical stress response involves the nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA).
The sympathetic nervous system activates rapid reactions (e.g., increased heart rate).
The HPA axis releases hormones like cortisol for sustained stress response.

Stressors

Chronic stressors last for an extended period (e.g., unemployment or a serious illness).
Acute stressors are brief, intense events (e.g., an unexpected emergency or accident).
Traumatic stressors involve threatened or actual death or physical injury (e.g., military combat, assault, natural disaster).
Life changes are significant life events that require adaptation (e.g., marriage, divorce, having a child, moving).
Daily hassles are minor irritations and annoyances in daily life (e.g., rush-hour traffic or interpersonal conflict).
Occupation-related stressors are specific to certain professions (e.g., police officers, firefighters, or social workers).

Positive social connections help individuals cope with stress and lead to better health outcomes.
Social support is essential for resilience to stress.
Having close relationships reduces risk of disease and mortality.

Control and Stress

Perceived control is the feeling of influence and ability to manipulate future outcomes.
When people experience a lack of control over stressors, or perceive themselves as powerless, it can lead to learned helplessness, contributing to depression and other health issues.

Psychophysiological Disorders

Psychophysiological disorders are diseases and illnesses that are worsened by emotional stress.
Stress has been linked to physical ailments with certain conditions like headaches, some heart conditions and asthma.

Coping Styles

Problem-focused coping: attempting to manage the cause of the stressor (modifying or eliminating it).
Emotion-focused coping: managing the feelings and emotions associated with the stressor.

Positive Psychology

Research in positive psychology investigates human strengths and what allows individuals to lead fulfilling lives.
It challenges the traditional view of mental health, focusing on well-being and thriving.

Happiness

Happiness is a subjective state with aspects of pleasurable engagement with one's environment, engagement with fulfilling pursuits, and the sense that one's life has meaning and value.

Flow

Flow describes a feeling of complete absorption in an activity.
It happens when an activity is challenging but matches one's skills.

Studying That Suits You

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

Description

This quiz covers key concepts related to stress and job burnout, focusing on Hans Selye's general adaptation syndrome. Explore the physiological and psychological stages of stress response, including the alarm reaction and resistance stage. Test your knowledge on risk factors and characteristics associated with job burnout.