A PowerPoint presentation (no narration) containing much
of this information is available at the below web page.
Viewers who have PowerPoint software installed on their
computers can view the actual PowerPoint presentation (look
for the "stressource.ppt" file), or those without
PowerPoint can view the information as a webpage, but only
with MS Explorer 4.0 or above (look for
"stressource.mht" file).
http://facweb.northseattle.edu/troot/HEA150/slides/
We experience stress from many different
sources. Some sources of stress--such as a death
in the family--may cause extreme distress, while
others--such as losing one's keys--may cause less
extreme but more frequent bouts of stress. There
are many ways to categorize sources of stress.
For this course, try to look at the below
examples as different causes for the stress
response.
Life Events
One of the most recognized sources of stress, a life
event is a single (acute) stressor that
typically occurs once, even though the impact from the
stressor may be felt for an extended period of time. Examples
of life events include weddings, deaths, changes in residence,
illnesses, relationship
break-ups, injuries, traffic tickets, loan foreclosures, etc. Life events are frequently
associated with intense distress or intense eustress.
The Holmes-Rahe Test is used to assess a
person's stress based upon major life events
occurring in the past six months, year or two
years. The more life event "points" a
person accumulates, theoretically the more likely
that individual will be vulnerable to illness.
Travel to the
Holmes-Rahe
Test to familiarize yourself with a variety
of "life event" stressors (R, from
stress-management.net).
Daily Hassles and Uplifts
Although daily hassles are generally not as
unpleasant as life events, they are more frequent
and can contribute significantly toward a
person's stress levels. Examples of daily hassles
include standing in lines, driving in heavy
traffic, working on a project with a lazy
employee, and homework. As you may already guess, daily hassles
are typically associated with distress. Those daily stressors
that may cause eustress are known as uplifts. Examples of
uplifts might include a fast commute, enjoying the people we
work with, and physical exercise.
Dr. Stephanie DeLusé
provides an example of a
hassles and uplifts assessment test at her website. (O)
Chronic Stressors
Many life
events are acute: illness, job loss, divorce.
While the impact of an acute stressor may continue to affect
emotions, the
actual stressor occurs one time. Daily hassles
may be acute but temporary: shopping during the
holidays, tripping on the sidewalk, bad weather,
etc. Chronic stressors, on the
other hand, are ongoing or recurrent in nature.
Examples include continuing to work in an
unpleasant job or career, a poor diet, a lack of
social interaction, poverty, an ongoing illness,
etc.
Perceptions and Behavioral Patterns
Many times it is not the situation but how we
perceive it that is at the root of our stress.
"Stella" may view jumping out of an
airplane as exhilarating (heart rate is up,
breathing frequency is up) while
"Stanley" may view the same situation
as terribly frightening (heart rate is up,
breathing frequency is up, but anxiety is also
extremely high). If Stanley can learn to perceive
the concept of jumping out of a plane
differently, his anxiety levels may change.
Established patterns of behavior can dictate
how a situation can become stressful. For
example, if a person with "Type A"
characteristics automatically responds to
stressful situations with anger, other reactions
may follow: an increase in blood pressure, an
inability to concentrate and failure to get along
with others. Changing behavior patterns can make
a situation more comfortable for the person
experiencing the stressor as well as for others
around him.
Slideshare.net provides a
presentation explaining how life events, daily hassles and
personality can contribute to stress (O).
Time Management
Poor time management often leads to stress.
The stereotypical procrastinator creates distress
by waiting until the last minute to work on a
project. Putting off responsibilities so that we
can enjoy ourselves in the moment can lead to
stress when these responsibilities pile up.
Learning how to effectively manage time can help
reduce stress levels significantly.
Educational
Enrichment
Is time management your problem? Why not find
out how you're spending your time? Mind Tools
explains how to make
the most of your time at its website. Will
you check it out...or will you procrastinate?
Illumistream.com provides a video clip,
"Make Your Memory Mighty"
Coping Resources
Even with few stressors in our lives, distress
can develop if we do not have the tools to cope
with these stressors. There are many resources we
can use to help us through stressful situations. Examples including exercise,
adequate sleep, proper diet, effective use of
time, social support, and even our Freudian defense
mechanisms (O--from All Psych Online) can
provide assistance. There are more specific
stress management techniques, however, which can
alleviate unpleasant symptoms associated with
chronic or frequent distress. These techniques
will be described in another 'online' reading
segment this week.
Last Revised: 1-8-10
