Psychological Factors in Stress.pdf

Thursday, January 25, 2024 Psychological Factors in Stress Appraisals first place where psychology is involved is how we appraise a situation: ‣ If benign/irrelevant = no stress ‣ If stressful = need to cope If coped well = favourable outcomes If not = unfavourable outcome ‣ distress (feeds back to...

Thursday, January 25, 2024 Psychological Factors in Stress Appraisals first place where psychology is involved is how we appraise a situation: ‣ If benign/irrelevant = no stress ‣ If stressful = need to cope If coped well = favourable outcomes If not = unfavourable outcome ‣ distress (feeds back to the problem) ‣ Change how event is viewed (meaning-based coping) Makes event benign/irrelevant Creates new ways to cope STRESS, APPRAISAL & COPING When exposed to event/potential stressor, there is a primary appraisal to evaluate the event (good or bad), when completed, there is a secondary appraisal to evaluate how to deal with it (coping) Primary Appraisal 1. Irrelevant 2. Benign or positive 3. Stressful (harm, loss, threat, challenge) Secondary Appraisal 1. Coping possibilities 2. Control serenity prayer Moderators COPING STYLE Coping: Cognitions (thoughts) & behaviours that a person used to reduce stress and to moderate it’s emotional impact - Anything you think or do to reduce stress 1 Thursday, January 25, 2024 1. Problem-focused coping - Typically used in situations that are controllable Active coping - What I engage in to try to solve the problem Planning Instrumental social support Problem solving 2. Emotion-focused coping - Typically used in situations perceived as uncontrollable, or beyond individual resources Emotional coping - Emotional social support - Expressing emotions - Praying for guidance and strength Avoidance coping (only good for terminal events in the short term) - Keeping yourself busy to take your mind off the issue - Ignoring the problem in the hope that it will go away - Denial of the problem - Distracting yourself (e.g. TV, eating) - Drug use for avoidance Positive reinterpretation/growth Studies: Problem vs Emotion focused solving Problem-focused ✓ positively correlated with overall good health ✓ led to more positive outcomes ✓ Women at increased risk of hereditary cancer, PF coping and sense of control resulted in greater long term suffering Emotional focused ✓ negatively correlated with overall good health ✓ men (EF) were better able to deal with the stress of infertility that those who didn’t Combination of both is better than one on their own emotion focused coping must precede problem: focused approaches upon exposure to a stressor individuals who were first encouraged to express their emotions were more effective in solving a problem after a stressful event None are better, depends on the stressor LOCUS OF CONTROL Internal locus of control: confidence in your ability to influence events 2 Thursday, January 25, 2024 - if I feel like I can control the event, then I can fix it **External: Knowledge and preparation: The more you know about, and can prepare for, a stressful situation, the easier it is to cope PERSONALITY Vulnerable Personality - Creative and active individuals who forget their limits and set unrealistic goals High achievers, striving for perfection - People who believe they have to perform perfectly at all times in order to be loved and respected People pleasers - Insecure individuals who always feel the need to prove themselves Lack of self-esteem - Leads to burn out SOCIAL SUPPORT - Support network acts as buffer against life’s stressors BELIEFS Optimistic outlook: embrace challenges and accept change Psychological Stress Response 1. Emotional (any change) Nervous, worried, or fearful Irritated or impatient Angry or argumentative Tearful or sad Hopeless or withdrawn Feeling tense Apathetic (stop caring) Overwhelmed by responsibility Emotionally drained Hypersensitive to criticism 2. Cognitive Forgetting appointments, deadlines, etc. Misplacing items 3 Thursday, January 25, 2024 Difficulty completing simple tasks Trouble concentrating Unable to get worries off your mind Easily distracted Indecisive Vague feelings of confusion Disorganized Self-critical General negative attitudes or thoughts Difficulty thinking in a logical sequence 3. Behavioural Difficulty “unwinding” at the end of the day Drinking or smoking more than usual Difficulty falling asleep Early morning awakening Eating more or less than usual No time for family or friends No time for relaxation or exercise Psychological Consequences of Stress 1. Personal Severe Anxiety Loss of interest in life’s pleasures Depression Emotional outbursts Alcohol and drug abuse Insomnia Eating disorders Physical health problems 2. Interpersonal Cynicism Hostility Loss of intimacy Relationship break-up Devalued relationships Family conflicts Conflicts with co-workers 4 Thursday, January 25, 2024 3. Performance Decreased productivity Deterioration in work quality Declining work habits Inability to meet deadlines Work absenteeism Complete breakdown in functioning 5