Thinking About Psychology: The Science of Mind and Behavior Charles T. Blair-Broeker Randal M. Ernst

Stress and Health Chapter 06

Effects of Stress Module 13

Stress Module 13: Effects of Stress

Health Psychology A subfield of psychology that focuses on how stress affects our well being and our health

Stress The process by which we perceive and respond to events that we appraise as threatening or challenging Is a process of perceiving and responding The events are called stressors. The response is called a stress reaction.

Stress Play “What is Stress?” (4:17) Segment #35 from Psychology: The Human Experience.

Stress: Responding to Stress Module 13: Effects of Stress

Responding to Stress

Hans Selye ( ) Psychologist who researched recurring responses to stress Discovered various chemicals caused stress reactions in animals Developed the concept of the general adaptation syndrome (GAS)

General Adaptation Syndrome Alarm Reaction – nervous system activated in response to stressor Resistance – body responds with physiological reactions to cope with the stressor Exhaustion – body’s resistance to stress is depleted (physical deterioration)

General Adaptation Syndrome

Hans Selye Interview Insert “Han’s Selye’s Stress Response Studies” Video #39 from Worth’s Digital Media Archive for Psychology. Instructions for importing the video file can be found in the ‘Readme’ file on the CD-ROM.

Stress: Stressful Events Module 13: Effects of Stress

Daily Stress Stress can be caused by: –Typical demands of the day –Living situations –Economic difficulties

Stress on the Job Insert “Stress on the Job” Video #38 from Worth’s Digital Media Archive for Psychology. Instructions for importing the video file can be found in the ‘Readme’ file on the CD-ROM. This clip is also in the Brain Series.

Stress on the Job Play “Emotions, Stress, and Health” (10:59) Module #21 from The Brain: Teaching Modules (2 nd edition). Part of this clip is also on Worth’s Digital Media Archive CD-ROM.

Burnout Physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion brought on by persistent stress Burnout can result in: –Depression –Decreased performance –Cynicism

Significant Life Changes Stress can be the result of personal life changes –Death of a loved one –Leaving home for college Can result in health problems

Catastrophes Large scale stress events (i.e. earthquakes, floods, war, etc. Prolonged exposure can lead to physical and psychological problems.

Effects of Perceived Control Module 13: Effects of Stress

Perceived Control The sense of control or influence one has over stressful events in one’s life Most studies suggest the lower the perceived control the larger the potential for health-related problems Lower perceived control leads to a lowered immunity to disease.

Control and Stress Play “Coping with Stress: Control and Predictability” (2:49) Module #22 from The Brain: Teaching Modules (2 nd edition).

Optimism A generally positive outlook on the future Optimists have stronger immune systems and recover faster from health problems. Opposite of pessimism

Stress Hormones Hormones released in response to stress The body must work to rid the body of the stress hormones. Pessimism and perceived lack of control both produce more stress hormones.

Stress and Disease: Cancer and Stress Module 13: Effects of Stress

Stress-Cancer Connection Evidence for a connection is not conclusive. Two conclusions: –Stress does not create cancer cells. –Stress affects the body’s malignancy- fighting ability.

Cognition and Cancer Play “Cognition and the Immune System: Mind/Body Interaction” (10:20) Segment #4 from The Mind: Psychology Teaching Modules (2 nd edition).

Stress and Disease: Stress and Heart Problems Module 13: Effects of Stress

Type A Individuals Individuals who are competitive, hard- driving, impatient, verbally aggressive, and anger-prone. More prone to heart attacks and other stress related illnesses

Type B Individuals Individuals who are easygoing, laid- back, and relaxed

The End