1. Stress and Health

2. The Stress Process
Stress is the process by which we perceive and respond to threatening/challenging events.
Example: The Date
Stressor = date
Stress reaction = pimple

3. Health Psychology Focuses on how stress affects our well-being
How are stress and illness related?
Can we control our reactions to stress?

4. Emotional and Physiological Responses to Stress
Stress is inevitable.
Responses should be healthy.
Everyday hassles (Flat tire).
Attitude is the key.
Walter Cannon – Stress hormones
Increased heart rate
Dulls sensation of pain
Blood to major muscles

5. General Adaptation Syndrome
GAS
Hans Selye
Phase 1 Alarm Reaction
mobilizes resources
Stress hormones released
Fight or flight
Phase 2 Resistance
Body works hard
Depletion of reserved energy
Phase 3 Exhaustion
Easier to get sick
Prolonged stress promotes physical deterioration

6. 3 Types of Stressors Daily Stress – Burnout
Change – Divorce, Death, etc.
Catastrophes – Earthquakes, Floods, etc.

7. Effects of Stress
Serious illness such as cancer, heart disease, and strokes.
Personality disorders

8. Who’s in Control? We influence our stress level by how we respond.
Perceived control
Life expectancy
Optimism

9. Coping With Stress How? 5 stages of grief: Denial Anger Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance

10. Just For Fun