Stress and Health Lecture 2

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Questions and Answers

What is a key feature of cognitive restructuring in coping strategies?

Finding someone else to blame

Mourning over the situation

Reassessing a situation for a positive spin (correct)

Avoiding the problem entirely

Which method is classified as a form of emotional focus in coping strategies?

Socializing to alleviate stress

Creating a detailed action plan

Rumination on negative experiences (correct)

Problem-solving discussions

What detrimental impact can stress have on physical health?

Increases immunity to diseases

Improves psychological well-being

Promotes weight loss

Leads to coronary artery disease (correct)

What is an example of a behavioral approach to coping with stress?

Cognitive behavioral therapy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of social support?

Isolation support Signup and view all the answers

How does stress affect the immune system?

It can increase the frequency of respiratory infection episodes Signup and view all the answers

Which coping strategy involves actively seeking information to resolve problems?

Problem-focused coping Signup and view all the answers

In which situation would finding meaning in a traumatic experience be most applicable?

After experiencing a serious loss or trauma Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a coping strategy in response to stress?

Physical exercise Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential physiological response to stress?

Muscle tension Signup and view all the answers

According to the person-situation interaction model, what factors contribute to the intensity of stress experienced?

Both situational demands and internal resources Signup and view all the answers

What negative effect might stress have on a person's health?

Increased susceptibility to illness Signup and view all the answers

The Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale is used to assess what aspect of stress?

The impact of life changes as stressors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of cognitive appraisal in the context of stress?

Managing emotional responses Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'chronicity' refer to in the context of stress?

The duration over which stress is experienced Signup and view all the answers

Which cognitive appraisal outcome might lead to increased feelings of hopelessness in a stressed individual?

Low confidence in coping resources Signup and view all the answers

What role does emotional-focused coping play in managing stress?

It aims to reduce negative emotional responses. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential cognitive response to stress?

Difficulty concentrating Signup and view all the answers

What type of coping strategy involves finding methods to minimize the impact of a stressor?

Problem Focused Signup and view all the answers

Which physiological response is primarily associated with the activation of the Sympathetic Adreno-Medullary (SAM) system?

Norepinephrine/Epinephrine release Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe how an individual interprets a stressor within the context of their own resources?

Cognitive Appraisal Signup and view all the answers

What negative effect of stress is associated with a heightened susceptibility to illness?

Expect the worst Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a component of the HPA axis?

Adrenal Medulla Signup and view all the answers

Which coping strategy primarily involves seeking out others for emotional support?

Social Support Signup and view all the answers

How can stress impact health according to the physiological responses outlined?

Cortisol decreases immune function Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of situational stress refers to how predictable a stressor is?

Predictability Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

What is Stress?

Defined as both a stimulus and a response involving cognitive appraisals, physiological responses, and behavioral tendencies.
A person’s situation may create stress when demands exceed coping resources (e.g., exams, personal issues, and breakdowns).

Types of Stress Responses

Stimulus: Stress perceived through external events leading to feelings of pressure.
Response: Feelings such as tension, irritability, trouble concentrating, and insomnia.

Person-Situation Interaction

Stress is influenced by:
- Situational Components: Intensity, duration, predictability, controllability, and chronicity.
- Internal Processes: Cognitive appraisal, physiological responses, and coping strategies.

Physiological Responses to Stress

Sympathetic-Adreno-Medullary System (SAM): Involves norepinephrine and epinephrine, enhancing alertness.
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenocortical System (HPA): Releases cortisol, helping the body manage stress over longer periods.

Coping Strategies

Problem-Focused: Directly addressing the stressor through problem-solving and cognitive restructuring.
Emotion-Focused: Managing emotional responses through techniques like emotional expression and self-blame.
Avoidance: Includes strategies like distraction, denial, or humor to evade the stressor.

Appraisal Support: Providing guidance and information.
Belonging Support: Ensuring emotional connections.
Tangible Support: Offering practical help to alleviate stress.

Therapeutic Approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Addresses thought patterns contributing to stress.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Encourages acceptance of thoughts and feelings.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Focuses on emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.
Pharmacotherapy: Medications like SSRIs to manage stress symptoms.

Impact of Stress on Health

Psychological Well-Being: High levels of stress can lead to conditions such as PTSD, as seen in soldiers exposed to combat trauma.
Physical Illness: Links between workplace stress and heart diseases, especially in men aged 47 to 55.
Immune System: Increased stress can lead to higher rates of respiratory infections in children following stressful life events.

Conclusion

Understanding stress and coping mechanisms is crucial for improving psychological well-being, managing physical health, and supporting the immune system.

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Description

In this lecture, Associate Professor Damian Scarf discusses the concept of stress, how individuals cope with it, and its overall impact on health. The session examines stress as both a stimulus and a response, highlighting the interactions between person and situation. Gain insights into the various facets of stress and its significance to well-being.