MEP - Stress and Coping Lesson

Learning Target:

  • Discuss theories of stress and the effects of stress on psychological and physical well-being. 

AP psychology course and exam description, effective fall 2020. (n.d.). https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ap-psychology-course-and-exam-description.pdf

Stress 

StressStress is a negative emotional response to events that we perceive as taxing our ability to cope with day-to-day life. Stress arises from events and our appraisal of them. It can be both a positive and negative force. Remember that according to Yerkes-Dodson's Law, a small amount of stress can boost performance. Stress is caused by what we call stressors. These are the events in life that we perceive as harmful, threatening, or challenging. Common stressors for adolescents include grades, getting into college, making friends, and parents.

There are three main types of stressors:

  • Life Changes - Life changes such as death, marriage, loss of job, school, or even retirement can be stressful.
  • Daily Hassles - These are the annoying events of everyday life. It is our most significant source of stress and includes things like sitting in traffic, annoying roommates, long lines, and losing items. Daily hassles can take a toll on our health and well-being.
  • Catastrophes - These are large-scale unpredictable events that can be extremely stressful and change our lives. They have significant health consequences such as sleep and eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.

How We Measure Stress

Stress can be measured by a test called the Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS) which determines stress levels by measuring life-change units (LCUs). When you are affected by stressors like those above, it adds to the number of LCUs you have and therefore increases stress levels. The higher your LCUs or stress levels the more likely you are to suffer from stress-related health issues.

Stress can also be used to divide personality types. In terms of how we deal with stress and related stressors, we can be divided into Type A or Type B. 

Type A Personalities Type B Personalities
  • impatient
  • time conscious
  • highly competitive
  • hostile and aggressive
  • incapable of relaxation
  • prone to heart disease
  • patient
  • relaxing
  • easy-going

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

image of mountainsAustrian-born physician Hans Selye studied stress and formulated a stage theory that he said we experience in reaction to stress. This theory has three stages that a person who experiences stress will pass through. The GAS model provides a framework for understanding the physiological responses to stress and the potential consequences of chronic stress.

  1. Alarm - This is the intense arousal and mobilization of physical resources in response to stress. Heart rate increases and the sympathetic nervous system is aroused in preparation to meet the challenge or stressor.
  2. Resistive - In this stage, the body actively resists stressors. Corticosteroids are released during this stage to maintain a state of readiness.
  3. Exhaustion - Characterized by more intense arousal leading to physical exhaustion. During this stage, the parasympathetic nervous system returns to a normal state, and we are more vulnerable to disease.

Stress Related Illnesses

Excessive or prolonged stress can result in mental and physical health problems. Stress can weaken the immune system, cause cardiovascular disease, digestive problems, anxiety, and depression. There are several treatment options available, including medication, psychotherapy, and stress management techniques. Seeking help when necessary is important when dealing with stress-related illnesses.

Coping Strategies

There are many different coping strategies used to deal with stress, including behavioral and cognitive, which focus on changing our circumstances or interpretation of them to make them less threatening. Active coping strategies include using aerobic exercise to reduce stress, depression, and anxiety while promoting self-confidence, more vigor, and less fatigue. Relaxation methods such as meditation have also proven beneficial in countering the harmful effects of stress.

Review

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