There Are Many Different Types Of Stress And Various Impacts

There Are Many Different Types Of Stress And Various Impacts That Stre

There are many different types of stress and various impacts that stressful situations can have on all areas of our health. Review these possible stress-provoking situations. Sally is a hardworking young professional who was applauded for her work performance and given more responsibility. After a few months, there is a rapid decline in her productivity, and she is seen withdrawing from work. Sally's new manager constantly criticizes her for her lack of productivity, which makes her performance worse and causes her more worry. Nancy is ready to leave the house for work and spills coffee on her clean work clothes. Then, she finds that her car will not start. When she tries to call for help, she realizes her cell phone is disconnected because she did not pay the bill. She starts to cry. Bob found out that one of his best friends just died. The funeral will be held next week. Tom is called at work and told that he needs to pick up his teenage son from school. This is the second time this year that his son has been sent home for fighting. Tom’s boss is not happy that he requests to leave work early. Tracy, a single mother, finds she doesn’t have enough money left to buy food for her children before her next paycheck in two weeks. This is the third time this year she has struggled to put food on the table. Choose one situation to evaluate and answer the following questions: Does this represent chronic or acute stress? What type of response might the body and brain be experiencing to manage the stressor? What would be the goal for coping with this stress? (eliminate, reduce, tolerate) What type of coping strategy should be implemented—emotion-focused coping or problem-directed coping? How would the individual employ this approach? In other words, using this type of coping strategy, what could he or she do to cope with the stressor? Give 2 examples. Write 2 “coping self-statements” the individual might make in response to this stressor. You will find some examples of coping self-statements in your textbook. What are some of the potential long-term impacts on this individual's health if he or she does not find a way to cope with this stressor? Please be sure you address each question, using terms and concepts from your text. A good initial discussion response should be at least 150–250 words in length.

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Selected Situation: Tracy, the single mother struggling to provide food for her children within a limited budget, exemplifies a case of chronic stress. This ongoing financial strain persists over time, distinguishing it from acute stress which is temporary and usually related to a specific event. Chronic stress, such as Tracy’s struggle with food insecurity, can lead to significant physiological and psychological effects over an extended period. The body's response to chronic stress involves sustained activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, resulting in prolonged elevated cortisol levels, which can impair immune function, increase risk for cardiovascular disease, and contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression (McEwen, 2007). The brain’s response includes heightened activity in the amygdala, the brain region involved in processing fear and stress, which can lead to increased emotional reactivity and impaired decision-making (Arnsten, 2009). The goal of coping with Tracy’s ongoing financial stress should be to reduce the stressor when possible and to build resilience against its effects—thus, the aim is to reduce rather than tolerate the stress, which can be detrimental long-term.

Regarding coping strategies, Tracy should primarily utilize problem-focused coping, which involves addressing the root cause of the stressor—that is, her financial hardship. First, she might seek assistance from community food programs, such as food banks or government aid, to alleviate immediate need. Second, she could develop a budget and financial plan to better manage her income and expenses, possibly seeking financial counseling. These strategies directly target the stressor and aim to mitigate its impact.

In terms of self-statements, Tracy might say, “I am doing everything I can to support my children,” which fosters a sense of control and effort. Another could be, “Reaching out for help is okay and can make a difference,” emphasizing acceptance of external assistance. These internal affirmations can bolster her motivation and resilience.

Long-term, if Tracy fails to cope effectively, chronic stress can contribute to adverse health outcomes including hypertension, compromised immune function, depression, and exacerbated cardiovascular risks (Lupien et al., 2009). Persistent stress without effective coping mechanisms can also perpetuate a cycle of poverty-related health disparities, impacting her well-being and that of her children. Therefore, adopting proactive, problem-focused coping strategies is essential for managing long-term health consequences associated with chronic stress.

References

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