🥸Intro to Psychology Unit 14 – Stress, Lifestyle, and Health

What is Stress?

• Stress is the body's response to any demand or challenge, whether physical, mental, or emotional
• Involves activation of the sympathetic nervous system, triggering the "fight-or-flight" response
  • Increases heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration
  • Diverts blood flow to muscles and brain, away from digestive system
• Can be caused by both positive (eustress) and negative (distress) events or experiences
• Acute stress is short-term and typically resolves quickly, while chronic stress persists over an extended period
• Stress is subjective; what is stressful for one person may not be for another
• Stressors can be external (work deadlines, relationship conflicts) or internal (negative self-talk, perfectionism)
• Stress is a normal part of life, but excessive or prolonged stress can have detrimental effects on health and well-being

Types of Stress

• Acute stress is short-term, often caused by specific events or situations (public speaking, job interviews)
  • Triggers the "fight-or-flight" response but typically resolves quickly
  • Can be beneficial in small doses, enhancing performance and focus
• Chronic stress persists over an extended period, often due to ongoing stressors (financial difficulties, toxic relationships)
  • Can lead to physical and mental health problems if left unmanaged
  • May cause the body to remain in a heightened state of arousal, leading to wear and tear on systems
• Eustress is positive stress, often associated with exciting or challenging events (weddings, starting a new job)
  • Can be motivating and help individuals grow and develop
• Distress is negative stress, often associated with unpleasant or overwhelming experiences (loss of a loved one, job loss)
  • Can lead to feelings of helplessness, anxiety, and depression
• Anticipatory stress occurs in expectation of a future event or challenge (upcoming exams, medical procedures)
• Vicarious stress is experienced through empathy for others' struggles or trauma (witnessing a friend's hardship)

Physiological Effects of Stress

• Activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to the release of cortisol and other stress hormones
  • Cortisol helps regulate metabolism, immune function, and blood pressure
  • Prolonged elevation of cortisol can lead to health problems (weakened immune system, weight gain)
• Increases heart rate and blood pressure, putting strain on the cardiovascular system
• Diverts blood flow away from the digestive system, potentially causing digestive issues (upset stomach, diarrhea)
• Causes muscle tension, which can lead to headaches, back pain, and other musculoskeletal problems
• Disrupts sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or poor sleep quality
  • Lack of sleep can further exacerbate stress and its physiological effects
• Suppresses the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to illness and infection
• Can lead to changes in appetite, either overeating or undereating, which may result in weight fluctuations

Psychological Impact of Stress

• Can lead to feelings of anxiety, worry, and fear, particularly when stress is chronic or overwhelming
• May cause irritability, mood swings, and emotional exhaustion
• Can contribute to the development or exacerbation of mental health disorders (depression, anxiety disorders)
• May lead to difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and impaired decision-making
  • Stress can interfere with cognitive processes and memory formation
• Can cause feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and low self-esteem, especially when stressors feel uncontrollable
• May lead to social withdrawal and isolation, as individuals may feel overwhelmed or unable to cope
• Can contribute to the development of unhealthy coping mechanisms (substance abuse, emotional eating)
• Chronic stress can lead to burnout, characterized by emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced personal accomplishment

Stress and Health Outcomes

• Chronic stress is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (hypertension, heart attacks)
  • Stress can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis and damage to the heart and blood vessels
• Stress can exacerbate or trigger the onset of autoimmune disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
  • Chronic stress suppresses the immune system, making it harder for the body to regulate immune responses
• Prolonged stress is linked to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes
  • Stress hormones can interfere with insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism
• Stress can worsen symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders (irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis)
• Chronic stress is associated with an increased risk of developing certain cancers (breast, colon)
  • Stress may suppress the immune system's ability to detect and fight cancer cells
• Stress can contribute to the development of mental health disorders (depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder)
• Prolonged stress can lead to cognitive decline and an increased risk of developing dementia in later life

Coping Mechanisms and Stress Management

• Problem-focused coping involves directly addressing the source of stress and finding solutions
  • Examples include time management, problem-solving, and seeking support from others
• Emotion-focused coping aims to manage the emotional response to stress, rather than changing the stressor itself
  • Examples include relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and cognitive reframing
• Regular exercise can help reduce stress by releasing endorphins and improving mood
  • Engaging in physical activity can also serve as a distraction from stressors
• Maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding excessive caffeine and alcohol can help manage stress
• Practicing relaxation techniques (deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation) can reduce stress and promote calmness
• Engaging in hobbies and leisure activities can provide a sense of enjoyment and help individuals unwind
• Seeking social support from friends, family, or a therapist can help individuals cope with stress
  • Talking about stressors and receiving emotional support can be beneficial
• Prioritizing sleep and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being

Lifestyle Factors Influencing Stress

• Work-life balance is crucial in managing stress; overworking can lead to burnout and increased stress levels
  • Setting boundaries and learning to say "no" can help maintain a healthy balance
• Financial stress can be a significant source of stress; budgeting and seeking financial advice can help alleviate this
• Interpersonal relationships can be both a source of support and stress
  • Nurturing positive relationships and setting boundaries in toxic ones can help manage stress
• Physical environment, such as noise levels, crowding, and pollution, can contribute to stress
  • Creating a comfortable and organized living space can promote relaxation
• Lack of sleep or poor sleep quality can exacerbate stress and make it harder to cope with stressors
• Engaging in unhealthy behaviors (smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, overeating) can worsen stress and its effects on health
• Sedentary lifestyle can contribute to stress; regular physical activity can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being

Stress in Different Life Contexts

• Work-related stress is common, often due to high demands, low control, or job insecurity
  • Implementing stress management techniques and seeking support from colleagues or supervisors can be helpful
• Academic stress can be significant for students, particularly during exams or when balancing multiple responsibilities
  • Effective time management, study skills, and seeking help when needed can alleviate academic stress
• Parenting stress can arise from the demands of child-rearing and balancing family responsibilities
  • Seeking support from other parents, family members, or professionals can be beneficial
• Caregiving for elderly or ill family members can be a significant source of stress
  • Respite care, support groups, and self-care practices can help manage caregiving stress
• Financial stress can be prevalent at any life stage, particularly during times of economic hardship
  • Seeking financial advice, creating a budget, and exploring assistance programs can help alleviate financial stress
• Stress related to major life transitions (marriage, divorce, retirement) can be challenging
  • Seeking support from loved ones, counseling, or support groups can help individuals navigate these transitions
• Discrimination and marginalization can be significant sources of stress for minority groups
  • Engaging in activism, seeking support from community organizations, and practicing self-care can help cope with this type of stress