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What is stress in the most simplified way?
What is stress in the most simplified way?
A feeling of emotional or physical tension.
What is the definition of stress?
What is the definition of stress?
A conscious or unconscious psychological feeling or physical situation which comes as a result of physical or mental 'positive or negative pressure' to overwhelm adaptive capacities.
What are the three primary types of stress?
What are the three primary types of stress?
Acute stress is classified as short-term and emotions and the body return to their normal state soon.
Acute stress is classified as short-term and emotions and the body return to their normal state soon.
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Episodic acute stress occurs when acute stress happens frequently. This can happen because of repeatedly tight work deadlines or because of frequent high-stress situations experienced by certain professionals such as healthcare workers.
Episodic acute stress occurs when acute stress happens frequently. This can happen because of repeatedly tight work deadlines or because of frequent high-stress situations experienced by certain professionals such as healthcare workers.
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Chronic stress is caused by stressors that last for a short period of time.
Chronic stress is caused by stressors that last for a short period of time.
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What is the fight-flight-freeze response?
What is the fight-flight-freeze response?
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What are the major categories of stress?
What are the major categories of stress?
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Daily Life stressors are minor stressors that are short-term, less severe and can cause feelings of sickness or lack of sleep and concentration.
Daily Life stressors are minor stressors that are short-term, less severe and can cause feelings of sickness or lack of sleep and concentration.
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Major Life Events are either positive or negative, which create major emotional changes and require adjustments. They include health issues, death in family, divorce, financial problems. Major age related transitions such as marriage, child birth, career or retirement also play a role.
Major Life Events are either positive or negative, which create major emotional changes and require adjustments. They include health issues, death in family, divorce, financial problems. Major age related transitions such as marriage, child birth, career or retirement also play a role.
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What are the internal stressors?
What are the internal stressors?
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What are the components of stress?
What are the components of stress?
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The fear of being harmed physically or emotionally such as worrying of not being invited in the party and being afraid to walk after dark is known as 'threat'.
The fear of being harmed physically or emotionally such as worrying of not being invited in the party and being afraid to walk after dark is known as 'threat'.
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Frustration refers to when the demands are not met such as not being able to complete assignment on deadline because your sister is using the computer.
Frustration refers to when the demands are not met such as not being able to complete assignment on deadline because your sister is using the computer.
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Pressures refers to having to measure up to an expectation or standard such as competing at a higher level to get top rank because of high expectations from parents.
Pressures refers to having to measure up to an expectation or standard such as competing at a higher level to get top rank because of high expectations from parents.
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Conflicts refers to when two or more needs oppose such as a friend wanting to go to a party and go to your home.
Conflicts refers to when two or more needs oppose such as a friend wanting to go to a party and go to your home.
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What are the effects of stress on behaviour?
What are the effects of stress on behaviour?
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What is general adaptation syndrome?
What is general adaptation syndrome?
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The first stage of General Adaptation Syndrome is known as the Alarm Stage which is the primary stage where the sympathetic nervous system and adrenal glands are activated. This leads to the release of hormones and physical symptoms such as fight-flight and acute stress.
The first stage of General Adaptation Syndrome is known as the Alarm Stage which is the primary stage where the sympathetic nervous system and adrenal glands are activated. This leads to the release of hormones and physical symptoms such as fight-flight and acute stress.
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The second stage of General Adaptation Syndrome is known as the Resistance Stage where the stress hormones continue to release, and the body continues to fight.
The second stage of General Adaptation Syndrome is known as the Resistance Stage where the stress hormones continue to release, and the body continues to fight.
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The third stage of General Adaptation Syndrome is known as the Exhaustion Stage where the body is completely tired and drained. This stage is often characterized by symptoms such as: heart diseases, blood pressure and ulcers.
The third stage of General Adaptation Syndrome is known as the Exhaustion Stage where the body is completely tired and drained. This stage is often characterized by symptoms such as: heart diseases, blood pressure and ulcers.
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Positive stress is also known as Eustress which can be short-term and increases performance, whereas negative stress is also known as Distress which can be short-term or long-term and decreases performance.
Positive stress is also known as Eustress which can be short-term and increases performance, whereas negative stress is also known as Distress which can be short-term or long-term and decreases performance.
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What are the signs and symptoms of stress?
What are the signs and symptoms of stress?
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There is a connection between family history and stress. Those who have a history of mental health issues in their family may usually have problems with anxiety. Stressful life events can also trigger anxiety such as stress at work, loss of a love one or troubled relationships. Health issues can also cause anxiety such as thyroid problems, asthma, diabetes, heart disease or depression, and sometimes people with personality traits such as perfectionists or those who like to be in control can develop anxiety-related issues.
There is a connection between family history and stress. Those who have a history of mental health issues in their family may usually have problems with anxiety. Stressful life events can also trigger anxiety such as stress at work, loss of a love one or troubled relationships. Health issues can also cause anxiety such as thyroid problems, asthma, diabetes, heart disease or depression, and sometimes people with personality traits such as perfectionists or those who like to be in control can develop anxiety-related issues.
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The Stimulus-Based Model of Stress proposes that life changes (LIFE EVENTS) or (STRESSORS), either positive or negative, are stressors that impact the adaptation capacity of an individual, causing physiological and psychological strains that lead to health problems.
The Stimulus-Based Model of Stress proposes that life changes (LIFE EVENTS) or (STRESSORS), either positive or negative, are stressors that impact the adaptation capacity of an individual, causing physiological and psychological strains that lead to health problems.
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The Response-Based Model of Stress emphasizes the common physiological consequences of stressful situations. It is similar to the “Fight or Flight” response, which occurs in situations perceived as very threatening. This response involves arousal of the sympathetic nervous system leading to physiological and somatic changes and finally disruption of homeostasis.
The Response-Based Model of Stress emphasizes the common physiological consequences of stressful situations. It is similar to the “Fight or Flight” response, which occurs in situations perceived as very threatening. This response involves arousal of the sympathetic nervous system leading to physiological and somatic changes and finally disruption of homeostasis.
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Happy life events can bring big changes and lead to stress because it requires adaptation and adjustment.
Happy life events can bring big changes and lead to stress because it requires adaptation and adjustment.
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What are the stress relief strategies?
What are the stress relief strategies?
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What are the healthy ways to cope with stress?
What are the healthy ways to cope with stress?
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What are the ABC strategies to control stress?
What are the ABC strategies to control stress?
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Awareness is the first step to controlling stress. It involves understanding what causes your stress and how you react to it.
Awareness is the first step to controlling stress. It involves understanding what causes your stress and how you react to it.
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Balance is also an important factor in stress management. It involves recognizing the fine line between positive and negative stress and how much you can cope with stress before it becomes negative.
Balance is also an important factor in stress management. It involves recognizing the fine line between positive and negative stress and how much you can cope with stress before it becomes negative.
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Control is the final step in effective stress management. It involves taking proactive steps to combat the negative effects of stress. This could involve using coping mechanisms, seeking support from others, or making lifestyle changes.
Control is the final step in effective stress management. It involves taking proactive steps to combat the negative effects of stress. This could involve using coping mechanisms, seeking support from others, or making lifestyle changes.
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What are the three ways to manage stress?
What are the three ways to manage stress?
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Re-framing is a technique to change the way a person looks at things in order to feel better about them. There are many ways to interpret a certain situation, so pick the one you like.
Re-framing is a technique to change the way a person looks at things in order to feel better about them. There are many ways to interpret a certain situation, so pick the one you like.
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Positive Thinking is a technique to forget powerlessness, dejection, despair, failure, as stress makes us vulnerable to negative suggestion, so focus on the positives. Focus on your strengths to develop resilience.
Positive Thinking is a technique to forget powerlessness, dejection, despair, failure, as stress makes us vulnerable to negative suggestion, so focus on the positives. Focus on your strengths to develop resilience.
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What are the tips for changing your behavior?
What are the tips for changing your behavior?
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What are the tips for changing your lifestyle?
What are the tips for changing your lifestyle?
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Strategies to reduce stress involves following a written plan, setting goals, and following through. Focus on the most essential tasks. Talk to someone you trust, discuss problems and find solutions. Visualize a happy place to reduce stress.
Strategies to reduce stress involves following a written plan, setting goals, and following through. Focus on the most essential tasks. Talk to someone you trust, discuss problems and find solutions. Visualize a happy place to reduce stress.
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Defensive mechanisms are conscious and deliberate reactions to stress, while coping strategies are unconscious and often involve avoidance or denial. Defensive mechanisms are typically maladaptive, because they can prevent individuals from addressing underlying issues effectively.
Defensive mechanisms are conscious and deliberate reactions to stress, while coping strategies are unconscious and often involve avoidance or denial. Defensive mechanisms are typically maladaptive, because they can prevent individuals from addressing underlying issues effectively.
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What are the defensive mechanisms in stress?
What are the defensive mechanisms in stress?
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What are the coping mechanisms in stress?
What are the coping mechanisms in stress?
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Coping strategies are used to manage stress in a healthy way, whereas defensive mechanisms are not constructive and can lead to negative consequences.
Coping strategies are used to manage stress in a healthy way, whereas defensive mechanisms are not constructive and can lead to negative consequences.
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Study Notes
Stress: Causes and Effects
- Stress is defined as a feeling of emotional or physical tension. It can arise from events, thoughts, threats, frustration, pressures and conflict.
- Stress is the body's response to a challenge or demanding situation. This can be a conscious or unconscious psychological or physical reaction. It is a response to positive or negative pressure, which can overwhelm adaptive capacities.
Types of Stress
- Acute stress: A short-term reaction to a new or challenging situation (e.g., an upcoming deadline, narrowly avoiding an accident). Usually emotions and body return to normal soon.
- Episodic acute stress: Acute stress that happens repeatedly and frequently (e.g., tight work deadlines, frequent high-stress situations in occupations like healthcare). The effects accumulate and individuals may feel like they are constantly reacting to crisis.
- Chronic stress: Stress that lasts for a long period (e.g., living in a high-crime area, continuously fighting with a partner). It feels never-ending, and individuals often struggle to see a way to improve the situation.
Stress Response (Fight-Flight-Freeze)
- The stress response begins in the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for perceived fear.
- The amygdala sends signals to the hypothalamus, which activates the autonomic nervous system (ANS).
- The ANS involves both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic system triggers the "fight-or-flight" response, while the parasympathetic system activates the "freeze" response.
Major Categories of Stress
- Daily Life stress: Minor, short-term stress from daily events or problems (traffic, peer/work relations, time pressures).
- Major Life Events: Positive or negative events that produce major emotional changes and adjustments (health crisis, death in family, divorce, financial problems, major life transitions).
- Internal Stressors: Factors from within the individual (lifestyle choices like caffeine, lack of sleep, an overloaded schedule; negative self-talk like pessimistic thinking, over-analyzing; mind traps like unrealistic expectations or all-or-nothing thinking; personality traits such as perfectionism; chronic worry; rigid thinking).
Components of Stress
- Threat: Fear of being harmed physically or emotionally (e.g., worrying about a party, being afraid to walk after dark).
- Frustration: Occurs when demands are not met (e.g., unable to complete an assignment due to a sibling using a computer).
- Pressures: Expectations to meet a certain standard or expectation (e.g., competing at a higher level to get top rank).
- Conflict: Occurs when two or more needs oppose each other (e.g., a friend wanting to go to a party and also come to a person's home).
Effects of Stress
- Behavioral: Eating too much/little, food cravings, sudden anger outbursts, substance abuse, increased tobacco use, alienation, frequent crying, relationship problems.
Stages of Stress (General Adaptation Syndrome)
- Alarm Stage: The initial response to stress, activating the sympathetic nervous system and adrenal glands, releasing hormones & producing physical symptoms (e.g., fight-or-flight).
- Resistance Stage: The body attempts to maintain homeostasis, continuing to release cortisol and continue to fight the stress.
- Exhaustion Stage: If stress persists, the body's resources are depleted, leading to physical and mental exhaustion (e.g., heart diseases, blood pressure problems, ulcers).
Classification of Stress
- Positive Stress (Eustress): Acute stress, mental alertness, motivation, high efficiency, increases performance.
- Negative Stress (Distress): Chronic stress, causes anxiety, can be short or long-term, decreases performance, death of a spouse or being neglected.
Signs and Symptoms of Stress
- Cognitive: Inability to concentrate, memory problems, pessimism, anxiety, constant worrying.
- Emotional: Irritability, moodiness, agitation, inability to relax, overwhelm, loneliness, depression, unhappiness.
- Physical: Aches, pain, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, dizziness, accelerated pulse rate, frequent colds.
- Behavioral: Eating more/less, sleeping too much/little, isolation, substance abuse, nervousness (nail-biting, pacing).
What Causes Stress?
- Family history: People with a history of mental health issues in their family often have problems with anxiety.
- Stressful events: Stress from work, loss of a loved one, troubled relationships, etc. can trigger anxiety.
- Health issues: Thyroid problems, asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or depression can also cause anxiety.
- Personality factors: Perfectionists and those who like control or order are more likely to develop anxiety.
Models of Stress
Two models of stress:
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Stimulus-Based Model: Focuses on life changes (events) as stressors. Positive or negative events trigger physiological and psychological strains and can lead to health problems.
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Response(Fight-or-flight)-Based Model: Emphasizes the common physiological responses to stressful situations, such as the "fight-or-flight" response. High arousal from the sympathetic nervous system results in physiological and somatic changes that disrupt the body's homeostasis.
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Stressors; coping skills & strategies.
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Defensive vs Coping strategies
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Additional coping strategies & strategies to reduce stress.
Coping Strategies
- Healthy Ways: Distance from source, change the source of stress, accept responsibility, challenging previously held beliefs that are no longer adaptive, maintaining supportive relationships.
- Unhealthy Ways: Smoking, substance abuse, procrastination, isolating, catastrophic thinking, taking out stress on others, toxic positivity, overworking.
ABC Strategies to Control Stress
- Awareness: Identifying what causes stress and how one reacts.
- Balance: Understanding the positive and negative potential of stress and coping one's limits.
- Control: Using techniques to control or combat the effects of negative stress
Stress Management Techniques
- Change Your Thinking: Reframing to positive thinking, challenge beliefs, focus on strengths.
- Change Your Behavior: Be assertive, organize, ventilation, use humour and distraction.
- Change Your Lifestyle: Light diet, regular exercise, enough sleep, leisure time, relaxation (e.g., daily self-talk sessions).
- Strategies to reduce stress: Follow a plan, prioritize tasks; talk to someone, visualize success and breathe calmly.
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Description
This quiz explores the various causes and effects of stress, providing insights into acute, episodic acute, and chronic stress. Understand how stress impacts both emotional and physical well-being. Test your knowledge and learn about effective coping strategies.
