Stress Management for the Caregiver

Stress Management for the Caregiver Lesson II: Theory of Stress Module III: Types of Stressors

Contents • Module III: Types of Stressors • Content • Discussion Questions • Review • Quiz Ruth's Web Page for Module IV

Module III: Types of StressorsObjectives • In this module the learner will be introduced to the different types of stressors we encounter, such as physical, ecological, social, occupational, and psycho-interpersonal. At the end of this module: • Learners will be able to identify on the previous stress inventories the types of stressors they have in their lives and share this in discussion. • Learners will classify different types of stressors on a quiz with 90% accuracy, or 9/10.

Types of Stressors • Stressors: Situations, circumstances, or any stimulus that is perceived to be a threat to the person. • Generally there are three categories: • Bioecological • Psychointrapersonal • Social Influences • Two others that are considered: • Occupational • Technostress

Types of Stressors • Bioecological: • Anything in the environment or our physical makeup that affect our biorhythms or our health. • Seasonal differences • Day light savings time • Jet lag • Noise • Electrical pollution • Food additives • Environmental toxins • Poor dietary habits

Types of Stressors • Psychointrapersonal: • Our perceptions of stimuli created through our values, beliefs, attitudes, thoughts, and perceptions. • This happens when our ego feels threatened in some way. It is the defense mechanism of the ego. • Someone doesn’t hold the same religious beliefs • You interpret someone’s reaction as negative towards you. • You feel someone is not being supportive in your work environment.

Types of Stressors • Social Influences: • Inability to cope with your environment such as a crowded city. • Financial insecurity • Effects of relocation • Violation of human rights • Low socioeconomic status • Major life changes

Types of Stressors • Technostress: • The inability to adjust to the changes that technology have brought. • Information overload • Lack of clear boundaries • Problems with privacy • Ethical issues • Less free time • Change in social ties

Types of Stressors • Occupational Stress: • Stress we feel due to our jobs. • Too much responsibility but no authority • Unrealistic expectations, inadequate resources, and time • Downsizing or restructuring • Inadequate Training • Lack of appreciation • Inadequate daycare • Lack of creativity and autonomy • Harassment and violence

Discussion and Application • Take a moment to answer the following questions and be prepared to share your answers within the group or if online you may send your responses as a word attachment to ruthvabeach@yahoo.com. I will respond to your comments within 24 hours. • Looking at the stress inventories that you took in Lesson I, describe the types of stressors that you have in you life. Is there one particular category that most of your stressors fall under?

Discussion and Application • Do you feel that there may be any patterns in your life regarding your types of stressors? Are there things that you could be doing to eliminate any of these stressors?

Review • Stressors: Situations, circumstances, or any stimulus that is perceived to be a threat to the person. • Three major types: • Bioecological- Physical and environmental stressors • Psychointrapersonal- Things that threaten our perception of self. • Social Influences- Economic status, living conditions, and major life changes

Review • Two more categories: • Technostress: Stressors that come as a result of technology • Occupational Stress: Stressors that result in the workplace.

Quiz/Matching • Match the stressor with the appropriate category. The stressors may fall under more than one category. • Categories: • Bioecological • Psychointrapersonal • Social Influences • Technostress • Occupational stress

Quiz/Matching • Stressors: • A large project that should take 3 months, however you are given a month to get it done. • Death of a spouse • Job relocation • Change in income status • Rain for three weeks • Cell phone and pager • Someone asks why you aren’t married or don’t have children • You are fired

Quiz/Matching i. New software package at work j. Family member diagnosed with cancer k. Parent moves in with you l. Significant other or spouse asks for a divorce or end to relationship m. Chemical spraying for mosquitoes in your neighborhood n. Low flying planes over your house o. Hurricane or other natural disaster

Quiz Answers • The categories and stressors are listed below: • Bioecological e. Rain for three weeks i. The Month of February n. Chemical spraying for mosquitoes in your neighborhood o. Low flying planes over your house p. Hurricane or other natural disaster

Quiz Answers 2. Psychointrapersonal g. Someone asks why you aren’t married or don’t have children h. You are fired m. Significant other or spouse asks for a divorce or end to relationship

Quiz Answers 3. Social Influences b. Death of a spouse c. Job relocation d. Change in income status h. You are fired k. Family member diagnosed with cancer l. Parent moves in with you m. Significant other or spouse asks for a divorce or end to relationship

Quiz Answers 4. Technostress f. Cell phone and pager j. New software package at work

Quiz Answers 5. Occupational stress a. A large project that should take 3 months, however you are given a month to get it done c. Job relocation f. Cell phone and pager h. You are fired j. New software package at work If you had any difficulty with this and need to review the module, click here. Ruth's Web Page for Module IV

Stress Management for the Caregiver