Psychology - Psychology Stress and Health | Psychology

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Study GuidePsychology–Psychology: Stress and Health1.Effects of StressStress can affect people in many different ways. While a small amount of stress can sometimes behelpful,too much stress—especially over a long period—can cause serious problems. Theseeffects can show up in performance, physical health, and mental well-being.1.1Impaired PerformanceOne common effect of stress isimpaired performance, which means difficulty handling a taskeffectively.For example:•A student may understand a geometry theorem well.•However, if the student is suddenly asked to solve it in front of the class, stress andembarrassment may interfere.•As a result, the student may performworse than they would when working alone.Stress can interfere with concentration, memory, and confidence, making even familiar tasks harder tocomplete.1.2BurnoutLong-term stress can lead toburnout, a state ofcomplete mental and physical exhaustion.People experiencing burnout often feel:•Trapped•Hopeless•Helpless•Emotionally drainedBurnout is common in situations involving constant pressure, such as demanding jobs or intenseacademic environments, especially when there is little time to rest or recover.

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Study Guide1.3Psychosomatic DisordersStress does not only affect the mind—it can also affect thebody.Psychosomatic disordersare physical illnesses that appear to result fromlong-termpsychological stress or conflict.Examples of stress-related psychosomatic conditions include:•Peptic ulcers•Asthma•High blood pressure (hypertension)•Chronic headaches•Some menstrual problemsAlthough these conditions are physical, stress may play a significant role in triggering or worseningthem.1.4Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)The effects of stress are not always immediate. In some cases, symptoms appearlong after thestressful event has ended.This is seen inposttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which has affected many people exposed toextreme stress, such as war veterans.Common symptoms include:•Sleep disturbances•Paranoia•Emotional numbness•Guilt about surviving when others did not•Feelings of isolation•Difficulty forming or maintaining relationshipsPTSD shows how deeply stress can affect emotional and psychological functioning over time.

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Study Guide1.5Other Stress-Related ProblemsStress is also linked to a wide range of additional difficulties, including:•Drug abuse•Sexual problems•Sleep disturbances•Eating disorders•Poor academic performanceStress can also contribute to serious psychological conditions, such as:•Depression•Some psychoses•Some neurosesKey Takeaway•Stress can interfere withperformance,health, andemotional well-being.•Long-term stress increases the risk of burnout and physical illness.•Severe or prolonged stress can lead to lasting psychological disorders.•Managing stress effectively is essential for both mental and physical health.2.Personality Factors and StressPeople do not all respond to stress in the same way.Personality traits play an important roleinhow much stress we experience and how stress affects our health. Psychologists have identifiedcertain personality patterns that seem to be linked to stress and physical well-being.

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Study Guide2.1The Type A PersonalityTwo California cardiologists,Meyer FriedmanandRay Rosenman, noticed clear behaviordifferences among their heart patients. Based on these observations, they identified what is called theType A behavior pattern.Characteristics of Type A IndividualsPeople with a Type A personality tend to be:•Highly competitive•Hard-driving and achievement-oriented•Impatient•Easily aroused or stressed•Very concerned about wasting time•Often angry or hostileBecause of these traits, Type A individuals often experiencehigh levels of stress.2.2Type A Personality and HealthStarting in the 1980s, health professionals tried to identify Type A individuals early in order toreducetheir risk of coronary heart disease. However, later research has producedmixed results.•Not all studies support a strong link between Type A behavior and heart disease.•Researchers now believe that more careful research is needed to determinewhich traitstruly increase health risks.2.3Hardiness: A Stress-Resistant PersonalityAnother important personality factor related to stress ishardiness. This concept emerged fromstudies ofmale business executiveswho faced high levels of stress over long periods.Those who coped best with stress were described as having ahardy personality style. Hardinessincludes three main qualities:

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Study Guide2.4The Three Components of Hardiness1.CommitmentoA strong involvement in work, family, and meaningful activitiesoFeeling engaged rather than detached2.ControloA belief that one can influence events in their lifeoA sense of personal mastery rather than helplessness3.ChallengeoViewing life changes as challenges instead of threatsoSeeing stress as an opportunity to learn or grow2.5What Research ShowsLater studies found that:•Commitment and controlare strongly linked to better health.•Thechallengecomponent is not always necessary for good health.•Feelinghelplessoruncommittedcan itself be stressful.•People with anoptimistic outlookon life tend to be healthier overall.Key Takeaway•Personality influences how stress affects the body and mind.•Type A traits may increase stress, but their link to heart disease is not fully proven.•Hardiness—especially commitment and control—helps people handle stress more effectively.•Optimism, involvement, and a sense of control are important protective factors against stress.

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Study Guide3.Health-Related DisciplinesStress is a major focus in modern health research. Two important fields—behavioralmedicineandhealth psychology—study how stress affects health and how people can better manage stress-related problems. Both areas aim to improve well-being by combining knowledge about the body,behavior, and the mind.3.1Behavioral MedicineBehavioral medicinegrew out of research showing a strong link betweenstress and physicalillness. As a result, many health professionals became interested in howbehavior changesandpsychological strategiescould be used to improve health.Key features of behavioral medicine include:•Aninterdisciplinary approach, combining medical science with psychology•A focus on how behavior influences disease and recovery•Using psychological techniques to help prevent illness and support treatmentIn simple terms, behavioral medicine looks at how changing behaviors—such as stress management,lifestyle habits, or coping strategies—can lead to better physical health.3.2Health PsychologyHealth psychologyfocuses onpromoting good healthand improvinghealth care outcomes. Itstudies the psychological and social factors that influence health, illness, and medical treatment.Health psychologists are especially interested in:•Why peoplefollow or ignore medical advice•What motivates healthy behaviors, such as:oLosing weightoQuitting smokingoExercising regularlyoManaging stressThis field recognizes that habits, personality traits, and stressful life situations can increase healthrisks—but also that many of these factorscan be changed.

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