Health Psychology Unit 6 Assignment: Mind And Body In A 5-Pa

Health Psychologyunit 6 Assignment Mind And Bodyin A 5 Page Essay You

In a 5-page essay, you will evaluate the following case study and explore how different psychological perspectives and theories affect wellness and illness due to life stressors. In your paper, you will address the following questions using the different psychological theories and perspectives covered in Units 1–6 on wellness and illness.

Case Study for Unit 6 Assignment: Unit 6 Assignment: Case Study: Nancy is a 50-year-old woman who has been smoking since she was 17-years-old. Over the years, she has developed a two pack per day habit. Nancy works as a case manager at a residential facility for children with mental health problems. She has a caseload of over 20 clients at any given time for whom she must conduct intakes and coordinate discharge plans when their treatment is completed. She also fields calls from health insurance companies and worried parents. Co-workers often ask her to fill in and provide direct service to clients when a staff member calls in sick. This is not in her job description, but Nancy likes to help out. She recently heard that the facility where she works may close due to budget cuts, and she is worried about what she will do if her position is eliminated.

Nancy is a single mother. She has a good relationship with her college-age daughter, who lives at home; her daughter stays busy with work and classes and is rarely home. About 4 weeks ago, Nancy's mother learned she was terminally ill and moved in so that Nancy could look after her. Nancy's mother is demanding and often complains that she does not like Nancy's house or how Nancy cares for her, but Nancy is trying her best. Nancy has recently lost over 10 pounds because she has been so busy with work and caring for her mother that some days she forgets to eat or loses her appetite.

Nancy used to enjoy going to the gym several times per week, but she finds she does not have time to go anymore. Nancy has wanted to quit smoking for the past two decades. About 3 months ago, she spoke to her doctor about a structured, medically-supervised plan to help her to quit. Unfortunately, she has found her smoking habit has actually gotten worse. She is up to 2 ½ packs of cigarettes per day.

The folder the doctor gave her with the smoking cessation plan inside sits untouched on her kitchen table.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The intricate web of stresses faced by individuals in modern society can significantly influence their health and wellness. Understanding the various stressors in a person's life, their physiological and psychological impacts, and appropriate coping mechanisms is crucial in health psychology. The case of Nancy, a 50-year-old woman coping with multiple stressors, provides an illustrative example of these dynamics. This essay evaluates her stressors, explores methods of stress measurement, discusses coping resources, examines the health consequences of maladaptive coping such as tobacco use, and proposes strategies to prevent stress-related illnesses and foster healthier lifestyles.

Stressors in Nancy’s Life

Nancy experiences multiple stressors spanning family, occupation, and health domains. Family-related stress is evident in her caregiving role for her terminally ill mother and her relationship with her daughter. The responsibility of caring for a demanding parent and managing her own work and personal life creates chronic stress. Her occupation adds further strain; job insecurity due to potential facility closure, heavy caseloads, and extra responsibilities without formal recognition compound her workplace stress. Health-wise, Nancy's smoking habit serves as an external manifestation of her attempts to manage stress, despite its detrimental effects. Additionally, her recent weight loss and neglect of self-care highlight the physiological repercussions of sustained stress.

Measuring Stress and Coping Resources

Stress measurement encompasses physiological, psychological, and social parameters. Physiologically, indicators such as cortisol levels, blood pressure, and heart rate variability can provide objective stress markers. Psychologically, assessments include self-report questionnaires like the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and clinical interviews to evaluate an individual's subjective stress perception and emotional responses. Social coping resources involve support networks, community engagement, and access to mental health services. Effective coping mechanisms activate psychological resilience, biological regulation, and social support, thereby decreasing stress impacts. Conversely, when positive strategies are absent or ineffective, the body’s stress response persists, leading to chronic health issues such as hypertension, immune suppression, and mental illness.

Implications of Tobacco Use as a Coping Mechanism

Nancy's reliance on tobacco to handle her stress exemplifies maladaptive coping. Long-term tobacco use introduces numerous health risks, including cardiovascular disease, respiratory illnesses, and increased cancer risk. Nicotine addiction compounds psychological dependence, making cessation difficult. Tobacco’s immediate soothing effect is temporary and falsely reinforces its use as a stress reliever, potentially leading to a vicious cycle of increased dependency and health deterioration. Additionally, tobacco consumption exacerbates emotional stress, creating a paradoxical worsening of overall well-being.

Prevention of Stress-Related Chronic Illnesses and Lifestyle Changes

Preventing chronic illnesses linked to stress involves proactive stress management, health promotion, and cultivating resilience. Regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, mindfulness practices, and social support are critical components. For individuals with existing chronic illnesses, acceptance and adaptation are vital. This involves education about the illness, fostering a positive outlook, and integrating healthy habits into daily routines. Psychological interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can assist in reframing negative thought patterns and developing adaptive coping skills.

Applying these insights to Nancy, targeted interventions could include structured smoking cessation programs, counseling around stress management techniques, and encouragement of self-care activities like exercise and leisure. For instance, gradual introduction of relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and mindfulness meditation can reduce her cortisol levels and improve emotional regulation. Re-establishing her physical activity routine, even through brief daily walks, can enhance mood and decrease reliance on nicotine as a stress buffer.

Recommendations for Nancy

Given Nancy’s multifaceted stressors, a comprehensive approach is necessary. First, she should seek professional help for smoking cessation, which could include pharmacotherapy combined with behavioral counseling. Additionally, her workload and caregiving responsibilities should be addressed through workplace support programs or counseling to reduce burnout. Prioritizing self-care activities, like returning to the gym or engaging in relaxation techniques, can significantly improve her resilience. Lastly, improving social support by reaching out to friends, participating in community groups, or joining stress management workshops can help her develop healthier coping skills and reduce feelings of isolation.

In conclusion, understanding and addressing stressors through multi-dimensional strategies is essential for maintaining health and preventing stress-related diseases. Nancy’s case underscores the importance of early intervention, adaptive coping, and lifestyle modifications in promoting overall well-being.

References

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