Summary Course 2 PDF

UMF Carol Davila - Bucharest Faculty of Medicine Department of Medical Psychology SUMMARY COURSE 2 Stress (1) Definition. Stressors. Theoretical models of stress (classical vs. modern understandings). Stressors: types, particularities of psychological stressors compared to othe...

UMF Carol Davila - Bucharest Faculty of Medicine Department of Medical Psychology SUMMARY COURSE 2 Stress (1) Definition. Stressors. Theoretical models of stress (classical vs. modern understandings). Stressors: types, particularities of psychological stressors compared to other stressors. Holmes and Rahe Major Life Events Scale. The relativity of perception and evaluation (appraisal) of stressors. Hormonal correlates of stress. The positive role of endorphins. 1. Definitions (s) Stress = a general non-specific reaction of the body to the action of external factors (stressors) (Hans Selye) se is = a state of tension, tension or discomfort, determined by agents with negative significance (Mihai Golu). Types of stressors Depending on their nature: - physical; N - chemical; - - biological; 299. - - psychological; - & 2 The psychological ones have certain specific characteristics: - -26 - - 1) they have a potentially stressful character - they generate stress only under certain conditions. + 2) have a certain meaning for the individual; sin 3) they can have an unreal, abstract character (e.g. the anticipation +/- unrealistic of the -g consequences of a situation) ("mind as a friend or enemy"). 4) action parameters: # - - intensity; 85  % Ju 55 - duration (including repeatability); - novelty; &5. /S 5.. - abruptness. b 55 2. Theoretical models i Stress response model - General Adaptation Syndrome - - / 98 - Anything that causes stress is life-threatening, if it is not followed by appropriate ~ & / - d) -29 adaptive responses. Adaptability and resistance to stress are necessary and -je fundamental conditions of life; every organ and vital function participates in them. In 1936 Hans Selye describes General Adaptation Syndrome, comprising three stages: 1851 &41 the alarm stage (the "fight or flight" reaction) (includes activation of the sympathetic nervous system and, subsequently, cortisol secretion. via activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis); 1994/ the resistance stage (hormones specific to the stress reaction seek to maintain homeostasis); B, X the exhaustion stage (gradually, the stress-specific hormones decrease, and the organism is unable to efficiently perform its functions). The transactional model of stress Stress is individually experienced, depending on the assessment (appraisal) of the situation. Lazarus and Folkman (1984) designed the Transactional Stress Model. In a stressful situation, an individual goes through two stages of appraisal: IdgX E Primary appraisal (the situation is evaluated, to decide if it is relevant (it can be dangerous or beneficial), or if it is irrelevant); 55 i Secondary appraisal – takes place if the individual decides that the situation is dangerous; the individual decides in this case whether he/she has the ability to adapt to the situation. If he/she feels that the situation exceeds their individual as resources, they will experience negative stress (distress). The stress process model: 5. 5 p Life situations and stress motivates the individual to progress. Pearlin has described a model of the stress process that explains that the individual experiences stress through continuous (even minor) changes throughout life. According to Pearlin, there are four elements that will determine the choices of the individual: personal characteristics (gender, culture, intelligence, personality, education); skills (coping, lifestyle); the characteristics of the stressor (situation, location, time of action); perceived social support (family, partner, friends). 3. Stressors Life events & & - major (= trauma) - 5 - minor, but repeated (= daily hassles) 2%. i Relativity of stressors’ evaluation Stress is experienced whenever the person perceives that "the demands of the environment exceed the personal and social resources that the individual is able to mobilize." 9 S The perception of stress is relative, influenced by factors such as: - - personality; ~ - protective / risky cognitive features; - coping strategies; q:is ig , - previous life experience. is - Categories of stressors 25 g 1. Threat = anticipation of a danger Variants: st 1a. acute threat (unique); jg. 1b. chronic threat, impeding on the allostatic load; can lead to General Adaptation Syndrome;  Els 1c. predictable threat; jog4 1d. unpredictable threat – can lead to learned helplessness. &I 2. Conflict = an individual faces two or more demands with divergent motivations. -05y4) 95 Solving this type of stressor requires flexibility and hierarchization capacity. Ye 9 20 , 3. Frustration = the level of aspirations is much higher than the level of possibilities For example, an obstacle stands in the way of achieving a goal. The obstacle can be real, but also imaginary, abstract. "sist 4. Overload (cognitive, emotional, motivational) = forcing cognitive capacities. Can be cumulative (multiple levels), leading to correspondingly higher effects over health. iss Gg - 5. Underload = the level of aspirations is lower than the level of possibilities) Can occur when the individual has to cope with sensory deprivation, perceived lack of information, or in routine activity. 4. The HOLMES & RAHE STRESS SCALE According to the authors of this instrument, change itself can be associated with a risk X for the health status (be it physical or psychological). This questionnaire evaluates the - y J& amount of stress that an individual "loads", due to a given life event. Each event - (considered a “Life Change Unit”) is assigned a certain number of points. The more events in the person's life in the 6-12 months, the higher the score and the likelihood of getting sick. For example,> 300 points puts the individual in the position of being in a major life crisis. The LINDEMANN Scale (1994) = list of professional stressors.  " witn 5. Hormonal correlations of stress Changes in the brain: depletion of serotonin available at the synaptic level, increased brain synthesis of norepinephrine, stimulation of dopaminergic transmission and increased levels of oxytocin and neuropeptide Y (with a role in resilience). Changes due to endocrine responses: increased cortisol, DHEA Changes due to the maladaptative immune response in chronic stress: decreased number and activity of NK (natural killer) cells. The positive role of endorphins are peptides produced by the central nervous system. act on the opioid receptors in our brain, reducing pain and stimulating pleasure; are released in response to pain or stress, but also during other activities, such as eating, exercise, or sex; low levels of endorphins are observed in depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, bulimia nervosa, in people who commit suicide and in those who are impulsive and aggressive.