Stress Is Defined As The Body's Reaction To Mental Or Physic

Stress Is Defined As The Bodys Reaction To Mental Or Physical Demands

Stress is defined as the body's reaction to mental or physical demands. Coping skills are used to deal with stress. Describe one of the theoretical views regarding stress. Briefly describe some of the strengths and weaknesses of the theory related to what you have observed or experienced in your own life. Provide some examples of psychological and physical stressors that you have observed or experienced.

Explain the differences between stressors related to short-term life events and chronic life stressors. Briefly describe the different types of coping skills. Explain which type of copings skills, though not actually harmful, can cause more stress in the long run? Justify your answers with appropriate reasoning and research from your text and course readings. Bjorklund, B. L., & Bee, H. L. (2014). Journey of Adulthood (8th ed.) Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc. (ISBN: )

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Stress Is Defined As The Bodys Reaction To Mental Or Physical Demands

Stress, as defined by health psychologists, is the body's nonspecific response to any demand placed upon it. This response involves physiological changes, psychological adaptations, and behavioral reactions that prepare an individual to face perceived challenges or threats. Among the various theoretical frameworks explaining stress, Hans Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) stands out as a foundational model that describes the body's short-term and long-term reactions to stressors. This essay explores the GAS theory, evaluates its strengths and weaknesses based on personal and observed experiences, differentiates between short-term and chronic stressors, discusses various coping strategies, and examines which coping skills might inadvertently increase stress in the long run.

Theoretical View: General Adaptation Syndrome

The General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), developed by Hans Selye in the 1930s, provides a comprehensive physiological framework for understanding how the body responds to stress. The GAS model consists of three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. The initial alarm stage involves the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, leading to the release of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. This prepares the body for a ‘fight-or-flight’ response. The resistance stage involves the adaptation to continued stress, where physiological responses stabilize, but the body remains alert. If the stress persists without relief, the exhaustion stage ensues, resulting in depleted resources and increased vulnerability to illness and mental health issues.

One of the strengths of the GAS model is its emphasis on the physiological underpinnings of stress, which has been supported by extensive research linking stress hormones to health outcomes. It highlights how prolonged stress can lead to adverse health consequences, such as cardiovascular disease and weakened immune function. However, a weakness of the model is that it primarily focuses on physiological responses and does not sufficiently account for the psychological and social factors that influence stress perception and management. Personally, this theory resonates with my own experiences of stressful periods, such as academic deadlines, where initial adrenaline surges give way to fatigue if stress persists.

Examples of Psychological and Physical Stressors

My own life has been shaped by various stressors. Psychological stressors include job-related pressures, relationship conflicts, and academic responsibilities. For instance, during exam periods, the mental demand to perform well causes considerable anxiety and mental fatigue. Physical stressors I have observed include injuries or illness, such as colds or long-term health conditions, that activate stress responses due to physical discomfort and concern about health outcomes. Both types of stressors activate the body's physiological stress systems and influence mental well-being.

Differences Between Short-term and Chronic Stressors

Short-term life events, such as sudden job loss, arguments, or immediate deadlines, typically elicit acute stress responses. These are usually adaptive, mobilizing resources to handle the situation effectively. Once the event passes, stress levels tend to decrease, and recovery occurs. Conversely, chronic stressors involve prolonged exposure to persistent problems like ongoing financial difficulties, caring for a chronically ill family member, or persistent workplace harassment. These stressors can lead to sustained activation of the stress response, resulting in wear and tear on the body—a process known as allostatic load—thereby increasing the risk of health issues like hypertension, depression, and immune suppression (McEwen, 2006).

Types of Coping Skills

Coping skills can be broadly categorized into problem-focused, emotion-focused, and avoidant strategies. Problem-focused coping involves actively trying to eliminate or reduce the sources of stress, such as creating a plan to resolve a work issue or seeking social support. Emotion-focused coping aims to manage emotional responses to stress, such as practicing relaxation techniques, mindfulness, or seeking comfort from friends and family. Avoidant coping involves denial, distraction, or substance use to evade dealing with stressors directly.

Coping Skills That Can Cause More Stress in the Long Term

While problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies can be beneficial, certain avoidant behaviors—such as denial, substance abuse, or excessive distraction—may seem harmless in the short term but can cause more stress over time. For example, substance use might temporarily relieve anxiety but can lead to dependence, exacerbate health problems, and impair judgment, thereby increasing the overall stress burden. Similarly, avoidance of the problem prevents effective problem-solving, allowing stressors to accumulate and intensify. Research indicates that avoidant coping styles are associated with poorer mental and physical health outcomes (Holahan et al., 2005). Therefore, while these strategies may seem to reduce stress initially, their long-term effects often lead to increased stress levels and greater health risks.

Conclusion

Understanding the physiological and psychological responses to stress is crucial for managing stress effectively. The General Adaptation Syndrome provides valuable insight into how the body reacts to prolonged stress, highlighting the importance of timely intervention to prevent exhaustion. Recognizing the differences between short-term and chronic stressors enables individuals to adapt coping strategies accordingly. While avoidance might offer temporary relief, it can ultimately contribute to greater stress and health problems in the long run. Employing problem-focused and adaptive emotion-focused coping strategies, supported by scientific evidence, offers the most health-promoting path toward resilience and well-being.

References

• Holahan, C. J., Moos, R. H., Holahan, C. K., & Schutte, K. K. (2005). Risk, resistance, and psychological distress: A longitudinal analysis with community samples. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 73(2), 229–238.
• McEwen, B. S. (2006). Protective and damaging effects of stress mediators: central role of the brain. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 8(4), 367–381.
• Bjorklund, B. L., & Bee, H. L. (2014). Journey of Adulthood. Pearson Education, Inc.
• Selye, H. (1936). The stress of life. McGraw-Hill.
• Lazarus, R. S., & Folkman, S. (1984). Stress, appraisal, and coping. Springer Publishing Company.
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