Stress

Chapter 10

Children

Teenagers

College-age

Young adults

Middle age

Elderly

1. What stresses you out?

2. In what negative ways do you handle stress?

3. In what positive ways do you handle stress?

Stress and Life

Lecture Objectives

1. Explain what stress is and how people react to it: physically, emotionally, and behaviorally.

2. Describe the theories on human reactions to stress

3. Discuss how personality, gender, and past experiences affect stress.

4. Explain why stress can be dangerous?

5. Describe coping strategies and techniques used to manage stress.

What Is Stress?

StressorStress responseStress

Types of stressorsResponses to stressors

The Stress Target Zone

EUSTRESSEUSTRESS (The optimal amount of stress)(The optimal amount of stress)

BURNBURN

OUTOUT RUSTRUST

OUTOUT

Theories on Human Reactions to Stress

Fight or Flight

General Adaptation Syndrome

Personality, Gender,Past Experiences, and Stress

Personality types

Gender differences

Influence of past experiences

Hardiness

StressorStressor

High StressHigh Stress

Low StressLow Stress

StressStressAppraisalAppraisal

See stressor See stressor as a challengeas a challenge

See stressor See stressor as a threatas a threat

Appraisal of Stressors

OutcomeOutcomeCopingCoping

Why is Stress Dangerous?

Health CHD and stroke Gastrointestinal

problems such as ulcers Impaired immune

system Insomnia

Wellness Fewer positive

behaviors

More negative behaviors

diseased heart

healthy heart

CounterproductiveCoping Strategies

Tobacco

Alcohol

Other drugs

Binge eating

Managing Stress

Exercise

Nutrition

Sleep

Social support

Communication

Spiritual wellness

Time management

Manage anger

Cognitive Techniquesto Manage Stress

Modify expectations

Engage in realistic self-talk

Live in the present

“Go with the flow”

Cultivate your sense of humor

Relaxation

Relaxation techniques:– Progressive relaxation– Biofeedback– Visualization– Hypnosis

– Deep, slow breathing– Listening to music– Meditation, yoga– Massage

Relaxation response

Getting Help

Peer counseling and support groupsProfessional help

Is it stress or something more serious?– Depression– Severe depression is linked to suicide

Lecture Summary

1. Explain what stress is and how people react to it: physically, emotionally, and behaviorally.

2. Describe the theories on human reactions to stress

3. Discuss how personality, gender, and past experiences affect stress.

4. Explain why stress can be dangerous?

5. Describe coping strategies and techniques used to manage stress.