Understanding Stress and Its Responses

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Questions and Answers

What physiological changes does the body experience during the fight or flight response?

Decreased heart rate and blood pressure

Increased heart rate and shortness of breath (correct)

Lowered body temperature and calmness

Improved digestion and relaxation

What is the first phase of the General Adaptation Syndrome?

Alarm Reaction (correct)

Stage of Exhaustion

Stage of Resistance

Stress Adaptation Phase

What characterizes the Stage of Resistance in the General Adaptation Syndrome?

Complete recovery from the stressor

Exhaustion due to prolonged stress

Resistance rises above normal levels (correct)

Initial emotional shock to the stressor

What leads to the Stage of Exhaustion in the General Adaptation Syndrome?

Depletion of adaptation energy Signup and view all the answers

Who first described the body's response to stress, known as the fight or flight response?

Walter Cannon Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines stress?

A response of the body to any demand placed on it Signup and view all the answers

What primarily influences how individuals respond to stress?

Their perception of the situation and coping ability Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary for a stress response to be initiated?

A person's judgment that a stressful situation exists Signup and view all the answers

Historically, what have physicians associated with adverse life events?

Illness outcomes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors can influence stress?

Both external and internal factors Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, why might a potentially stressful situation not trigger a stress response?

If the individual believes they can manage it effectively Signup and view all the answers

What outcome do many contemporary cultures attribute to inadequate coping with stressors?

Illness Signup and view all the answers

Which term best represents the concept that what is stressful to one person may not be stressful to another?

Subjective appraisal of stress Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between eustress and distress in terms of their effect on individuals?

Eustress is a motivator, whereas distress leads to inability to cope. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an acute stressor?

Preparing for a presentation that is due tomorrow. Signup and view all the answers

How can stress be beneficial in certain situations according to the human performance curve?

It can enhance performance and motivation to complete tasks. Signup and view all the answers

What are common symptoms of acute stress experienced by individuals?

Feelings of tension, worry, or being overwhelmed. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the impact of being over-stressed on normal living?

It interferes with the ability to manage daily routines. Signup and view all the answers

What is a stressor?

A stimulus that can trigger a fight-or-flight response Signup and view all the answers

Which type of stressor includes feelings of loss of self-esteem?

Psychological stressors Signup and view all the answers

What physiological change is NOT associated with the stress reactivity response?

Decreased heart rate Signup and view all the answers

Which is an example of a sociological stressor?

Financial loss due to job loss Signup and view all the answers

Which outcome is NOT classified under strain?

Increased heart rate Signup and view all the answers

Which type of stressor can result from behavior contrary to one’s moral framework?

Philosophical stressor Signup and view all the answers

What action does the body's physiology take in response to a stressor?

Alteration for greater speed and strength Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is a primary source of stress according to the content?

Major Life Events Signup and view all the answers

What does increased neural excitability during stress reactivity lead to?

Increased anxiety Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a behavioral strain resulting from stress?

Getting into fights Signup and view all the answers

How does a Type C personality typically handle negative emotions?

They suppress or inhibit them. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of a Type D personality?

Joint tendency to experience and inhibit negative emotions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following traits is NOT typically associated with Type C personality?

High risk of heart disorders. Signup and view all the answers

According to the study on employees after downsizing, what percentage thrived despite the challenges?

One-third. Signup and view all the answers

What psychological factor is mentioned as a protective factor against negative outcomes in stressful situations?

Hardiness. Signup and view all the answers

Which emotional issue is most likely to be experienced by a Type D personality?

Depression. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of the tendency to be critical for individuals with certain personality types?

Increased anxiety over past mistakes. Signup and view all the answers

What behavior is characteristic of Type C individuals regarding delegation?

Avoid delegating responsibilities. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

What is Stress?

A response of the body to any demand placed on it.
Influenced by external and internal factors.

Why Individuals React Differently to Stress?

Perception of the situation and ability to cope affects stress response.
Appraisal of a stressful situation is key to triggering a stress response.
Stress response may not be triggered if an individual feels capable of coping.

Pioneers in Stress Research

Early association between adverse life events and illness.
Cultures consider illness as a result of imbalance between environment and demands.
Walter Cannon (1932) - described the body's fight-or-flight response.
Hans Selye (1956) - Introduced the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS).

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

Alarm Reaction: The body reacts to the initial stressor.
Stage of Resistance: The body adapts to the ongoing stressor, with resistance levels above normal.
Stage of Exhaustion: Persistent exposure to the stressor leads to exhaustion of adaptation energy, culminating in exhaustion.

Roles of Stressor, Stress Reactivity, and Strain

Stressor: Any stimulus that triggers the fight-or-flight response.
Types of Stressors:
- Biological and environmental (toxins, heat, cold)
- Psychological (threat to self-esteem, depression)
- Sociological (financial loss, unemployment, social isolation)
- Philosophical (loss of purpose or goals in life)
- Guilt is a severe stressor (acting contrary to moral framework).
Stress Reactivity: The fight-or-flight response, characterized by physiological changes:
- Increased muscle tension
- Elevated heart rate, stroke volume, and output
- Increased blood pressure
- Enhanced neural excitability
- Reduced saliva, leading to a dry mouth
- Increased perspiration
- Change in respiratory rate
- Elevated blood glucose
- Increased hydrochloric acid release in the stomach
- Changes in brain waves
- Frequent urination
Strain: The consequence of stress reactivity, manifested as:
- Physical: Tension headaches and backaches caused by muscle tension
- Psychological: Fear of crowds, stemming from the anticipation of that experience
- Behavioral: Alcohol abuse, aggression, or getting into fights

Types of Stress

Acute Stress: A rapid response to stress, often associated with specific events and a short duration.
Chronic Stress: A sustained, prolonged period of stress, triggered by persistent or ongoing stressors.
Traumatic Stress: A severe and impactful stress response to a traumatic experience, involving significant psychological or physical harm.

Effects of Stress on Mind and Body

Mind: Stress can lead to difficulties with concentration, memory, and decision-making. It might contribute to anxiety, depression, and altered sleep patterns.
Body: Stress may impact physical health, leading to muscle tension, headaches, fatigue, and even contribute to increased vulnerability to diseases.

Individual Differences in Stress Response

Personality traits influence how individuals experience and cope with stress.
Type A Personality: Individuals may be prone to impatience, perfectionism, punctuality, and a critical attitude.
Type C Personality: Characterized by suppression of emotions, particularly negative ones, contributing to a "pathological niceness" and conflict avoidance.
Type D Personality: Individuals experience higher negative emotions, tend to suppress and avoid sharing these emotions, often exhibiting worry and social withdrawal.
Hardiness: This trait provides a protective factor against stress, allowing individuals to thrive even under challenging circumstances.

Human Model of Stress

Maintaining a balance between eustress (positive stress) and distress (negative stress) is crucial for optimal well-being.
The Human Performance Curve demonstrates how stress can be beneficial up to a certain point, beyond which it becomes detrimental.

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Description

This quiz explores the concept of stress, including its definition and the physiological responses it triggers in individuals. It discusses how personal perceptions and coping mechanisms influence stress reactions and highlights key contributors to stress research, including General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS).