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Stress and Health. Chapter 16. Health Psychology. Understand connection between physical & psychological health Understand role of stress Promote disease detection & prevention. Process of Stress. Stressors Stress Mediators Stress Response Life changes Predictability Physical
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Stress and Health Chapter 16
Health Psychology Understand connection between physical & psychological health Understand role of stress Promote disease detection & prevention
Process of Stress • Stressors Stress Mediators Stress Response Life changes Predictability Physical Catastrophic Control Psychological events Coping resources Emotional Daily hassles & methods Cognitive Chronic stressor Social support Behavioral
Stressors • Both pleasant & unpleasant events • Life changes • New circumstances • Catastrophic events • Sudden, potentially life-threatening experiences • Daily hassles • Frequent pressures/annoyances • Chronic stressors • Continue over time
Process of Stress • Stressors Stress Mediators Stress Response Life changes Predictability Physical Catastrophic Control Psychological events Coping resources Emotional Daily hassles & methods Cognitive Chronic stressor Social support Behavioral
Stress Mediators • Individual differences in response to same stressor • Perception of stress • Predictability & control • Coping resources & methods • Problem-focused • Emotion-focused • Social support
Coping • Problem-focused • Altering or eliminating stress • Confronting • Seeking support • Problem-solving • Emotion-focused • Dealing with emotional effects of stress • Distancing • Reappraising • Accepting responsibility • Escaping or avoiding
Coping Examples • Cognitive • Reappraising (“I can manage this”) • Emotional • Support • Behavioral • Time management • Physical • Substance use • Progressive muscle relaxation
Planning to Cope Identify specific stressor(s) & effects (e.g., fatigue) Set goals – what is changeable Planning – specific steps to take Action – implement coping Evaluation – changes as result of coping Adjustment – alter coping if necessary
Coping – Social Support • Social support • Eliminate stressor (e.g., friend helps fix car) • Eases impact (companionship) • Ideas for coping • Effects of support • Reduces emotional stress • Reduces illness
Social Support Causal direction: coping social support Depends on quality of relationship Amount & type of support
Individual Differences in Response • Stress-related illness more common if • “Disease-prone” personality: angry, anxious, depressed • Avoid dealing with stressors • Catastrophize & blame self • Low self-efficacy • Stress-related illness less common if • “Disease-resistant” personality: sociable, optimistic • See stressor as temporary challenge
Process of Stress • Stressors Stress Mediators Stress Response Life changes Predictability Physical Catastrophic Control Psychological events Coping resources Emotional Daily hassles & methods Cognitive Chronic stressor Social support Behavioral
Physical Response • Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) • Sequence • Alarm • Resistance • Exhaustion
Alarm Stage Fight or flight Sympathetic division of autonomic NS Adrenal & pituitary glands
Alarm - Adrenal Gland Hypothalamus stimulates adrenal gland Adrenal gland secretes adrenaline/noradrenaline, which circulate in bloodstream, activating organs Liver, kidneys, heart, lungs Muscle tension, blood sugar, blood pressure
Alarm – Pituitary Gland HPA Axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical) Hypothalamus stimulates pituitary Pituitary secretes hormones (e.g., ACTH) ACTH stimluates adrenal to secrete corticosteroids & pituitary releases endorphins (painkillers) Corticosteroids: release energy supplies & fight inflammation Alarm generates energy If alarm persists, resources can be exhausted
Resistance If stressors persist Body continues to respond but at reduced rate
Exhaustion Physical wear & tear in organs Suppresses immune function Can result in death Selye called diseases caused or worsened by stress diseases of adaptation
Psychological Response • Emotional • Fear, anger, frustration, tension • Behavioral • Affect, posture, escape stressors (quit school), aggression • Cognitive • Decreased concentration, memory, & decision-making • Catastrophizing
Stress & Illness • Immune system • Stress decreases number of “natural killer” cells • Cardiovascular system • Frequent activation of alarm system is linked to • Coronary heart disease • High blood pressure • Strokes
Healthy Behavior Smoking cessation Moderate or no alcohol use Abstinence or safe sex
Health Beliefs Perceive a personal threat Perceive seriousness of threat Perceive specific behavior change will reduce threat Comparison of costs & benefits of behavior change