Understanding Stressors: Triggers and Impact

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following describes potentially traumatic events (PTEs)?

Every individual will experience trauma from these events.

They are minor, everyday annoyances.

PTEs usually refer to events with an obvious and short-term impact.

PTEs are significant events that can lead to long-lasting emotional and psychological harm. (correct)

Chronic stressors have a clear and foreseeable end.

False

Give an example of a daily hassle.

Traffic jams

____ stressors refer to short-term events or challenges that resolve once the stressor is no longer present.

Acute Signup and view all the answers

Match each type of stressor with its description:

Acute Stressors = Short-term events with sudden onset Chronic Stressors = Persistent challenges without foreseeable end Daily Hassles = Micro-stressors from everyday life Chronic Intermittent Stressors = Challenges that come and go cyclically Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of individuals is estimated to experience potentially traumatic events (PTEs) in their lifetime?

70% Signup and view all the answers

Life events and transitions are always negative and cause stress.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are two examples of conditions that can lead to chronic stress?

Chronic illness, financial difficulties Signup and view all the answers

Which type of stressor comes and goes, making recovery difficult?

Chronic intermittent stressors Signup and view all the answers

The 'fight-or-flight' response is a concept introduced by Hans Selye.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are the three stages of the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)?

Alarm, Resistance, Exhaustion Signup and view all the answers

Eustress describes stress that is ______ and can improve focus.

positive Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of stress response with its corresponding description:

Physiological Responses = Racing heart, blurry vision Psychological Responses = Anger, trouble concentrating Behavioural Responses = Changes in appetite or sleep patterns Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential outcome of prolonged exposure to stress according to the General Adaptation Syndrome?

Exhaustion or illness Signup and view all the answers

Distress can be associated with positive feelings and motivation.

False Signup and view all the answers

Who first defined the body's immediate physiological responses to stress as the 'fight-or-flight' response?

Walter Cannon Signup and view all the answers

The second stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome is called ______.

Resistance Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a chronic intermittent stressor?

Recurrent health flare-ups Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Stressors: The Triggers

Stressors disrupt psychological and physiological equilibrium; they can be events, stimuli, people, or memories.
Potentially Traumatic Events (PTEs) can cause significant distress or harm; lifetime prevalence of PTEs is about 70%.
Life Events and Transitions, such as marriage or relocation, bring significant change and can create stress.
Holmes and Rahe’s Social Readjustment Rating Scale rates and categorizes common life event stressors.
Daily Hassles are minor, everyday stressors that accumulate over time and can contribute substantially to overall stress.
Acute Stressors are short-term, sudden events that resolve quickly, like preparing for an exam.
Chronic Stressors are ongoing challenges without an apparent end, such as financial difficulties or chronic illness.
Chronic Intermittent Stressors occur in cycles, fluctuating in intensity over time, causing cumulative stress without complete recovery periods.
Differentiating types of stressors aids in applying effective stress management and coping strategies.

Stress Responses: The Reactions

Stress responses encompass physiological (e.g., increased heart rate), psychological (e.g., anger), and behavioral (e.g., changes in appetite) reactions.

Physiological Models of Stress Responses

Fight-or-Flight Response, identified by Walter Cannon, describes the body's preparation to confront or escape from challenges, essential for survival.
General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), developed by Hans Selye, identifies three stages of stress response:
- Alarm: Immediate physiological response to stress, providing energy to confront the stressor.
- Resistance: Adaptation phase where the body maintains readiness with reduced intensity of reaction.
- Exhaustion: Prolonged stress leads to depletion of resources, risking exhaustion and health issues.

Duality of Stress – Eustress and Distress

Eustress is positive stress that enhances motivation and focus, like excitement before a competition.
Distress is negative stress associated with anxiety and adverse health outcomes.

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Description

This quiz explores the concept of stressors and how they influence our psychological and physiological balance. By identifying and categorizing various types of stressors, participants will gain insights into their effects and how to manage them effectively. Delve into the nature of stressors and their impact on well-being.