Stress Flashcards
Define to stress
A state of anxiety, produced when demands exceed one’s coping abilities
Process that occurs as the individual attempts to adjust to an unexpected demand
An automatic response to real or perceived challenge
Define stressors
Any stimulus or event that triggers a stress reaction
Sources of Routine Stress
Work: assessment, work-load, interpersonal conflict, deadlines
Personal: relationships, personal loss or crisis, domestic demands, financial difficulties
Environment: noise, vibration, hazards, temperatures extreme
Explain Yerkes-Dodson law
It describes the relationship of performance and arousal
Medium zone is good
Contributors to stress for defence personnel
Organisational change
Operational service
Disaster and trauma
Stresses in Aircrew environment
Course of action limited once airborne
Operational environment
Effect on pilot performance
Aircrew stressors of job and environment
Job stress
- work responsibilities, assigned duties, conflict in the work place, unit cohesion, fatigue & disruption to circadian rhythms, overtasking & under-tasking, Confidence in crew resource management , Trust in aircraft maintenance
Environmental
- Altitude, speed, hot or cold environments, aircraft design, airframe characteristics, instrument flight conditions
Illness: medical examination and fatigue
Family issues: commitment & separation, dangers of flight ops may cause tension
Self-imposed stressors
- self medication, caffeine, fatigue, alcohol, non-prescription drugs
Describe the physical response to stress
Heightened arousal Increase Heart rate Increase BP Rapid breathing Muscle tension Fight or flight
Emotional response with stress
Anxiety Irritability Anger & hostility Tearfulness or depressed mood Loss of self esteem Hopelessness and suicidal ideation
Behavioural response to stress
Work performance Reduced motivation Conflict Insubordination Violence Social isolation Ineffective stress coping strategies
Cognitive response of stress
Simplification heuristic Confirmation heuristic/bias Stress - related regression Perceptual tunnelling/ attentional narrowing Perception Decision making compromised Situational awareness compromised
Order of stress response
Physical > emotional > cognitive > behaviour
Warning signs of trauma related stress
Recurring thoughts or nightmares Changes to sleep and appetite Anxiety and fear Hyper-vigilance Tearfulness and sadness Memory and concentration Irritability Depression
Stress management strategies
Avoid stress if possible Build up your physical reserves - sleep/rest, sensible diet, exercise regularly Alter perceptions Have realistic expectations of yourself and others Accept reality - you may have to make some changes Mental rehearsal Create your own priorities Take control of your time Be productive with your leisure time TALK TO OTHERS Limit alcohol/caffeine intake Acknowledge emotions
support that is available
Psychology support sections
Chaplains
DCO social workers
