Stress, Health, and Coping.
Health Psychology The field concerned with the promotion of health and the prevention and treatment of illness as it relates to psychological factors
Stress The general term describing the psychological and bodily response to a stimulus that alters the body s state of equilibrium Stressor (p.589) Acute stressor Chronic stressor Stress response
Psychological Reactions to Stress Anxiety:By anxiety we mean the unpleasant emotion characterized by such terms as worry, apprehension, tension, and fear. Anger and aggression Apathy and depression:learned helplessness explains how experience with uncontrollable negative events can lead to apathy and depression Cognitive impairment: Hard to concentrate and to organize their thoughts logically.
The Biology of Stress The alarm phase( Fight-or-flight response Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis Sympathetic & parasympathetic systems The resistance phase Adaptation The exhaustion phase
Hypothalamus AM AC PG Figure 14.3 Fight-or-Flight Response. The body s mobilization to attack or flee from a threatening situation.
The General Adaptation Syndrome(GAS) A set of responses that is displayed by all organisms in response to stress Alarm body mobilizes to confront a threat Resistance the organism attempts to cope with the threat by fleeing it or fighting it Exhaustion the organism may deplete its physiological resources
Figure 14.4 The General Adaptation Syndrome. According to Hans Selye, the body reacts to a stressor in three phases. In the first, alarm, the body mobilizes to confront the threat, which temporarily expends resources and lowers resistance. In the resistance phase, the body actively confronts the threat, and resistance is high. If the threat continues, the body moves into the exhaustion phase.
Allostasis Other Stability The multiple biological changes that allow you to adapt to stressors so your body functions within a comfortable range Allostatic load: it is affected by our past experience with the stressor, our genetic predisposition, and lifestyle factors
Sources of Stress Cognitive appraisal(p.593) Primary appraisal Secondary appraisal Coping Perceived control Learned helplessness Predictability
Sources of Stress Internal conflict (p.596) Conflict Approach-approach conflict Avoidance-avoidance conflict Approach-avoidance conflict Life s hassles Daily hassles Interruptions
Sources of Stress Work-related factors Environmental factors Lighting, noise, crowding Floor plan Job-related factors Demand-control model Air traffic controllers Burnout Workplace violence Economics
Hostility A personality trait characterized by mistrust, an expectation of harm and provocation by others, and a cynical attitude Associated with heart disease Gender differences Anger management programs
Stress, Disease, and Health The Immune System Cancer Heart disease
The Immune System White blood cells B cells T cells Natural killer cells Glucocorticoids and stress Psychoneuroimmunology Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
The Immune System Cancer Immune system suppression and NK cells Stress Perception of control Heart disease Stress and blood pressure Atherosclerosis Depression and heart disease Anxiety and heart disease
Health-Impairing Behaviors Behaviors that can damage health Smoking Substance abuse Poor nutrition Lack of exercise Unsafe sex Driving under the influence
Health-Impairing Behaviors Why we do it? Lack of knowledge Perceived risk Perceived severity Illusion of invulnerability
Health-Impairing Behaviors Changing health-impairing behaviors(p.606) Precontemplation Contemplation Preparation Action Maintenance Self-test (p.607)
Health-Impairing Behaviors Processes that encourage change Consciousness raising / Social liberation Emotional arousal Self-reevaluation
Coping Strategies Problem-focused strategies Active coping Planning Instrumental social support Suppression of competing activities Restraint coping
Coping Strategies Emotion-focused strategies Emotional social support Venting emotions Positive reinterpretation/growth Behavioral disengagement Mental disengagement
Coping Strategies Thought suppression For the next 30 seconds, do not think of an elephant Rebound effect Humor Immune system effects
Coping Strategies Aggression (p.614) Environmental factors Depression Pain Hostile attribution bias Aggressive tendencies Gender differences Self-esteem Narcissism : an overinflated, unjustified positive view of themselves
Personality and Coping Hardy personality Commitment Control Challenges Optimism Pessimism True pessimism: negative expectations are anchored in past experiences of failure Defensive pessimism : a more negative outcome is expected than is warranted by the facts. A proactive coping strategy Avoiders/repressors vs. nonavoiders /sensitizers Genes and coping
Coping and Social Support Social support affects Survival Depression Immune system Perceived social support The subjective sense that support is available should it be needed Enacted social support Specific support that is provided to you (a meal, marriage?)
Mind-Body Interventions Common mind-body interventions Hypnosis Meditation Yoga Biofeedback Visual imagery Cognitive therapy Stress management/relaxation induction / Prayer Tai chi
Effects of Mind-Body Interventions Research results Improved mood and immune response Increased lung functioning Improved control of pain Decreased stress and emotional distress Fewer subsequent heart problems Placebo effects as a mind-body intervention
Gender, Culture, and Coping Gender differences and stress levels Younger women reported feeling more hassled, depressed, anxious and hostile (Scott & Melin,1998) p.622 Cultural contexts Crowding : density Social support: collectivist culture do not seek out social support because they know that such support is available