1. The Concept of Stress Adaptation
Chapter 1
The Concept of Stress Adaptation

2. Introduction The word stress lacks a definitive definition.
Adaptation is defined as restoration of homeostasis to the internal environmental system.
Adaptation includes responses directed at stabilizing internal biological processes and psychological preservation of self-identity and self-esteem.
Stress: Individual’s reaction to change that requires adjustment or response. These responses can be mental, physical, mental, or emotional. These responses are directed at stabilization of biological processes and self esteem.

3. Introduction (cont.)
Maladaptive responses are perceived as negative or unhealthy and occur when the integrity of the individual is disrupted.

4. Stress as a Biological Response
Hans Selye defined stress as “the state manifested by a specific syndrome that consists of all the nonspecifically induced changes within a biologic system.”
“Fight-or-flight” syndrome

5. Fight or Flight

6. Stress as a Biological Response (cont.)
Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome
Alarm reaction stage
Stage of resistance
Stage of exhaustion
Alarm: The physiological Responses are started
Resistance: use of defense in an attempt to adapt to the stressor.
Exhaustion: Prolong exposure or adjustment to stressor. This is when physical problems are seen. Headache, Mental issues,

7. Stress as a Biological Response (cont.)
A 25-year-old man barely avoids a motor vehicle accident. His heart is pounding, his palms are sweaty, and his respirations are increased. This is an example of which stage of the general adaptation syndrome?
Alarm reaction stage
Stage of resistance
Stage of exhaustion
Stage of biological stress

8. Stress as a Biological Response (cont.)
Correct answer: A
The physiological responses of the “fight or flight syndrome” are initiated in the alarm reaction stage of the general adaptation syndrome. These physiological responses generally include an increase in heart rate and respirations and may include other symptoms such as headache, sweaty palms, and a sensation of dizziness.

9. Stress as a Biological Response (cont.)
The Fight-or-Flight Syndrome
Initial stress response
Sustained stress response

10. Stress as an Environmental Event
This concept defines stress as a “thing” or “event” that triggers the adaptive physiological and psychological responses in an individual.
The event is one that
Creates change in the life pattern of the
individual
Requires significant adjustment in lifestyle
Taxes available personal resources
The main point in this concept is the change from existing state 6 months to 1 year period with > numbers of 500 LCU is High Stress There by increasing the risk of Illness due to stress. Down side is not everyone reacts the same and coping is different.

11. Stress as an Environmental Event (cont.)
Stress is measured by the Miller and Rahe Recent Life Changes Questionnaire.
It is not certain whether stress overload merely predisposes a person to illness or actually precipitates it, but there does appear to be a clear causal link.

12. Stress as an Environmental Event (cont.)
A weakness in the Miller and Rahe tool is that it does not consider the following:
The individual’s personal perception of the event
His or her coping strategies and available support systems at the time of the life change

13. Stress as a Transaction Between the Individual and the Environment
This definition of stress emphasizes the relationship between the individual and the environment, which is appraised by the individual as taxing or exceeding his or her resources and endangering his or her well-being.

14. Stress as a Transaction Between the Individual and the Environment (cont.)
Precipitating Event. A precipitating event is a stimulus arising from the internal or external environment and perceived by the individual in a specific manner.

15. Stress as a Transaction Between the Individual and the Environment (cont.)
Individual’s perception of the Event
Primary appraisal is a judgment about the situation in one of the following ways:
Irrelevant
Benign-positive
Stress appraisal
Secondary appraisal is an assessment of skills, resources, and knowledge that the person possesses to deal with the situation.

16. Stress as a Transaction Between the Individual and the Environment (cont.)
The interaction between the primary appraisal of the event that has occurred and the secondary appraisal of available coping strategies determines the individual’s quality of adaptation response to stress.

17. Stress as a Transaction Between the Individual and the Environment (cont.)
A student, with an A average is to take an exam. The student is relaxed and says the exam is not of concern because a failing grade would not affect successful completion of the course. What has contributed to this student’s adaptation response to stress?
A. The student judges the event as irrelevant.
B. The actual precipitating event
C. The student’s cognitive appraisal of the situation
D. The event is appraised as challenging.

18. Stress as a Transaction Between the Individual and the Environment (cont.)
Correct answer: C
The cognitive appraisal is the individual’s evaluation of the personal significance of an event or occurrence. The test, the precipitating event, does not generate increased stress because of the student’s perception or cognitive appraisal of the event.

19. Stress as a Transaction Between the Individual and the Environment (cont.)
Predisposing Factors
Genetic influences
Past experiences
Existing conditions

20. Stress Management
Stress management is the use of coping strategies in response to stressful situations.
Adaptive coping strategies protect the individual from harm and restore physical and psychological homeostasis.

21. Stress Management (cont.)
Coping strategies are considered maladaptive when the conflict being experienced goes unresolved or intensifies.
Some adaptive coping strategies include:
Awareness
Relaxation
Meditation
Interpersonal communication with caring other
Problem-solving
Pets
Music