Stress and Coping
Richard Lazarus’ Model of Stress Stressor (Environmental or Internal) Primary Appraisal (Stressor) Secondary Appraisal (Coping) Threat and Coping Reappraisal Abnormal Psychology, 11/e by Sarason & Sarason © 2005
A definition of stress “….stress is any event in which environmental or internal demands (or both) tax or exceed the adaptive resources of an individual.” Lazarus & Launier (1978) Abnormal Psychology, 11/e by Sarason & Sarason © 2005
Physiological Responses to stress Sympathetic ANS arousal (preparation for “fight or flight”) Parasympathetic ANS activation (as a response to Sympathetic ANS arousal) Abnormal Psychology, 11/e by Sarason & Sarason © 2005
Stress and Coping Abnormal Psychology, 11/e by Sarason & Sarason © 2005
Stress and disorder Abnormal Psychology, 11/e by Sarason & Sarason © 2005
Psychological reactions to stress Psychophysiological Disorders Pain Disorders Sleep Problems Abnormal Psychology, 11/e by Sarason & Sarason © 2005
Possible Stress-response Disorders Adjustment Disorder Acute Stress Disorder Dissociative Disorders Abnormal Psychology, 11/e by Sarason & Sarason © 2005
Treating Stress-related Disorders Supportive therapy Medications Relaxation training Systematic desensitization Cognitive modification Social intervention Abnormal Psychology, 11/e by Sarason & Sarason © 2005
Challenges in Treating Stress-related Disorders Selecting an appropriate treatment. Is the person motivated to talk? What is the interpersonal situation? What mix of emotions are involved? What are the persons strengths and vulnerabilities? Abnormal Psychology, 11/e by Sarason & Sarason © 2005