Stress and Health: Introduction to Health Psychology

Stress & Health

Health Psychology

Health psychology is a specialization within behavioral medicine that examines how psychological factors influence health, illness, and recovery. It focuses on both adaptive responses to stress and the negative impacts of stress on physical and mental health.

• Behavioral Medicine: Integrates psychological knowledge with medical practice to improve health outcomes.

• Adaptive Stress Responses: Positive ways individuals cope with stress.

• Negative Impact: Chronic stress can lead to health problems.

Definition of Stress

Stress is defined as tension, discomfort, or physical symptoms that arise when a stimulus strains an individual's ability to cope effectively.

• Stressor: An event or condition perceived as threatening, challenging, or overwhelming.

• Types of Stress:

  • Catastrophic: Major crises (e.g., natural disasters).

  • Major Life Changes: Significant transitions (e.g., starting college, new job).

  • Daily Difficulties: Everyday hassles that accumulate over time.

• Some Stress is Beneficial: Moderate stress can motivate and enhance performance, but excessive stress is harmful.

Models of Stress

Psychologists conceptualize stress in several ways:

• Stress as Stimuli: Focuses on identifying types of stressful events.

• Stress as Response: Examines physiological and psychological reactions to stress.

• Stress as Transaction: Views stress as an interaction between individuals and their environment.

The Diathesis-Stress Model

This model explains how mental and physical disorders develop from a combination of genetic or biological predisposition (diathesis) and exposure to stressful conditions.

• Diathesis: Genetic or biological vulnerability to illness.

• Stress: Environmental factors that trigger symptoms.

• Plasticity vs. Vulnerability: Some individuals are more resilient (plasticity), while others are more susceptible (vulnerability).

• Example: A person with a genetic predisposition for depression may develop symptoms after a stressful life event.

Stress Appraisal

Appraisal is the process by which individuals evaluate stressors.

• Primary Appraisal: Is the event harmful?

• Secondary Appraisal: Am I equipped to deal with this?

• Challenge vs. Threat: If equipped, the event is a challenge; if not, it is a threat.

• Process: Potential Stressor → Primary Appraisal → Secondary Appraisal → Challenge or Threat

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

Hans Selye's model describes the body's response to stress in three stages:

1. Alarm: The nervous system prepares the body for "fight or flight."

2. Resistance: The body adapts to the stressor as it is addressed.

3. Exhaustion: Resources are depleted, and the body's ability to resist is reduced.

Physiological Response to Stress

The body responds to stress through both the nervous and endocrine systems.

• Fight or Flight: Norepinephrine and epinephrine are released, increasing heart rate and dulling pain.

• Endocrine Response: The brain signals adrenal glands to produce cortisol and other stress hormones.

• Chronic Activation: Frequent activation of the stress response can wear down the body.

Gender Differences in Stress Response

• Women: Tend to nurture themselves and others, using "tend and befriend" strategies.

• Men: More likely to become aggressive or withdraw.

Impact of Stress on Health

Chronic stress diverts energy from the immune system, increasing vulnerability to illness.

• Psychoneuroimmunology: Studies the interaction between psychological processes and the immune system.

• Associated Health Risks:

  • Cancer

  • Chronic Inflammation: e.g., arthritis, multiple sclerosis

  • Heart Disease: Strong link with chronic stress

Stress and Illness Pathway

Step	Description
Stressors	Events or conditions causing stress
Appraisal	Evaluation of stressor
Thoughts	Cognitive response
Feelings	Emotional response (e.g., anxiety)
Brain Signals	Activation of stress response
Hormonal Action	Release of stress hormones
Immune Suppression	Reduced immune function
Risk of Illness	Increased vulnerability to disease

Coping with Stress

• Problem-Focused Coping: Directly addressing and reducing stressors; considered the most rational and healthy approach.

• Emotion-Focused Coping: Seeking support and comfort; can be helpful but may lead to becoming overwhelmed by others' issues.

Level of Control

Perceived control over a situation influences how stress is experienced.

• Internal Control: Belief that one can take action to improve the situation.

• External Control: Belief that events are outside one's control.

• Example: Being fired (external), quitting (internal).

Promoting Health

• Address stressors directly.

• Evaluate what is and is not under your control.

• Work on aspects you can change or control.

• Maintain optimism.

• Utilize support networks; avoid isolation.

• Ensure adequate sleep.

• Exercise regularly to reduce cortisol levels.

• Accept imperfection; everyone has unique traits.

Additional info: The notes expand on the original content by providing definitions, examples, and structured explanations suitable for exam preparation in an Introduction to Psychology course.