Stress- Psychology

Useful for UG & PG Nursing Students and is based on the Curriculum

1. STRESS Mr.Visanth VS Principal Sherwood College of Nursing Barabanki, UP

2. M eaning The word stress is derived from a Latin word “stringere” which means ‘ to draw tight ’. Stress is a universal phenomenon. The term stress is used loosely today and still lacks a proper explanation. 2

3. Definition Stress is the non-specific response of the body to any demand made on it . -Hans Selye Stress is an internal state which can be caused by physical demands on the body or by environmental and social situations which are evaluated as potentially harmful, uncontrollable or exceeding our resources for coping . - Morgan 3

4. Types Of Stress Distress/Bad Stress/Negative Stress Stress due to an excess of adaptive demands placed upon us. Ex ; Unexpected death of a loved person. Chronic or long term illness etc. Eustress The optimal amount of stress, which helps to promote health and growth. Ex; praise from a teacher for a well-written assignment, Eustress is pleasant and desirable. Neutral stress Here , the subject neither feels good nor bad about the stress. Equilibrium or homeostasis is maintained 4

5. Causes Of Stress Biological Factors: Include genetic background, nutritional status, biological sensitivities, general health, and exposure to toxins Psychological Factors: Include intelligence; verbal skills, morale, personality, past experiences, self-concept, motivation, psychological defenses and locus of control or a sense of control over one’s own fate. Socio cultural Factors : Include age, gender education, income, occupation, social position, cultural background, religious upbringing and beliefs, political affiliation, socialization experiences and level of integration or relatedness. 5

6. Stressor Stressors are the events with the capacity to cause stress that include major personal and psychological events. Torf 6

7. Types Of Stressors 7 Sl no Stressor Examples 1 Physiological stressor Infectious process, trauma, diseases, radiation etc. 2 Environmental stressor Pollutants, sensory overload, noise, bad odor etc. 3 Sociocultural stressors Financial status, vocational pressures, family dysfunction, poverty unemployment etc. 4 Chronic Permanent functional disability, chronic illnesses etc. 5 Major complex stressors Involving larger group like natural calamities, war, terrorism

8. Stages Of Stress Hans Selye developed a framework ( General Adaptation Syndrome, GAS ) to describe how people respond to stress. He said that the entire body responds to stress in an attempt to maintain or adapt to the circumstances of the event creating stress. 8

9. Alarm Reaction Stage During this stage, the physiological responses of the “ fight or flight syndrome ” are initiated . Here the organism becomes mobilized to meet the threat. It activates the neuroendocrine response. The sensory nerves receive an external stimulus and relay it to the brain. The brain in turn identifies the stimulus 9

10. Stage of Resistance (adaptation ) The individual uses the physiological responses of the first stage as a defense in the attempt to adapt to the stressor . If adaptation occurs, the third stage is prevented or delayed. Physiological symptoms may disappear. 10

11. Stage of Exhaustion This stage occurs when there is a prolonged exposure to the stressor to which the body has become adjusted. The adaptive energy is depleted, and the individual can no longer draw from the resources for adaptation described in the first two stages. Diseases of adaptation (e.g., headaches, mental disorders, coronary artery disease, ulcers, colitis) may occur. Without intervention for reversal, exhaustion ensues, and in some cases even death 11

12. Symptoms/Effects of Stress Stress manifests itself in a wide variety of symptoms and effects. The reactions to stress can be classified into the following categories; Physiological Affective Cognitive and Behavioral 12

13. Physiological Reactions Rapid increase in pulse rate Muscles becoming tense Dryness of the throat or mouth Feeling sick in the stomach, Trembling etc. 13

14. Affective Reactions Increased anxiety, restlessness Pessimism and Depression Anger and Irritability Lack of interest in usual activities Poor control over the emotions 14

15. Cognitive Reactions Poor attention and concentration Inability to learn new things Forgetfulness Improper judgment Confusion Unhealthy thoughts 15

16. Stress Management Awareness Cognitive therapy Conflict resolution Physical exercise Hobbies Meditation Pets 16 Music Deep breathing Relaxation technique Progressive muscle relaxation Alternative medicine Diversional therapy

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