Lecture 40

Stress 1

1. Stress and Coping Overview
2. Stressors
1. Three Types
2. Cognitive Appraisals
3. Stress Syndrome
1. Components
2. General Adaptation Syndrome
3. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis
4. Stress and the Immune System
5. Sex Differences in Stress Response
4. Coping
1. Types of Coping
2. Stress Flow Chart

Overview

Stress is an all-too-common experience in modern life, as people confront a variety of experiences that threaten to overwhelm their coping resources. In this lecture, we discussed stress and well-being, focusing on four issues: (a) the kinds of events that produce stress; (b) the nature of stress; (c) the manner in which stress affects immune system functioning and overall well-being; and (d) the role that coping plays in the stress process.

Specifics

• Distinguish three events that commonly produce stress.
• Know what is meant by the term "cognitive appraisals" and distinguish 2 types.
• Be familiar with the stress syndrome, including 4 ways stress can manifest itself.
• Describe the general adaptation syndrome, and be familiar with the pathway from the hypothalamus to the production and release of stress hormones.
• Describe the effects 2 stress hormones have on immune system functioning and well-being.
• Be familiar with gender differences in stress reactions and the hormone that is thought to guide women's reaction to stress.
• Distinguish problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, and stress management with respect to the role they play in the stress process.