module 5 Flashcards
(119 cards)
A normal part of life involves
being faced with various disappointments and stressful life events. It’s
important to be able to adapt and cope within reason with your ever-changing environment.
Resiliency
is the ability to adjust or recover from a stressor, threat, or
adversity.
Managing Distress
learning how to cope with negative or difficult emotional states
- form of self-regulation
tipping point- what is it?
when the challenges and cumulative stress exceed the optimal performance level
Tipping Point definitions
the point at which someone begins showing signs and symptoms of the
strain/burden of perceived stress. The tipping point will be different for each individual; what might be your tipping point will be different than others.
One way to conceptualize the idea of this tipping point
the stress diathesis model*
Stress
triggers several interconnected biological systems. The process by which the body adapts to changes in the body, such as stress, is called allostasis.
Diathesis
refers to the concept of vulnerability. Specifically, a person’s predisposition or vulnerability to a medical condition.
examples of what A diathesis can be
biological through genetic inheritance, a psychosocial vulnerability created by
exposure to a stressor early in life, or a vulnerability created by the interaction between hereditary
(genetic) and environmental factors (Gx E).
what does the stress diathesis model explain?
a disorder or behaviour through an interaction between genetic predispotion and a stressful exposure
Results from a study by McEwan and Gianaros (2010)
indicate that stress can trigger allostasis-induced brain plasticity*. This suggests that stressful experiences can affect brain structure and function.
the findings from the publication “Stress- and Allostasis-Induced Brain Plasticity”
- The Brain & Regulation
- Stress
- Stress and Health
- Brain Structure
- The Brain & Regulation
- central in the stress diathesis model
- determines what are threatening/adverse and what are positive experiences/exposures
- responsible for regulating an individual’s physical, emotional, behavioural, and cognitive response to stressors, events, and experiences.
- Stress
- Stress must be balanced.
- Stress, if manageable, can lead to positive growth and adaptation (steeling
effect)- which promotes resilience and good health
- Stress and Health
Too much stress, either chronic (cumulative) or acute overwhelming stress, takes a toll on the brain
and body, and is associated with poor mental and physical health outcomes.
- Brain Structure
- When stressed, the brain changes its structure in an adaptive or maladaptive way in response.
- the loss of resilience (physiologically, neurologically, and behaviourally) is a key feature of disorders
related to stress (i.e. anxiety and depression).
Steeling Effect:
Refers to evidence of more resistance to later stress having successfully coped with a stress or challenge.
adaptation process- stress diathesis model
Perceived Stress
Physiologic Responses-
Allostatic Load-
the brain and perceived stress
- The brain processes information from your internal (e.g. level of hydration, hormonal state) and
external (work, friends, family) environment. - Given your genetics and life experience, your brain reacts differently to the same stress. Taken
together, these factors determine your individual perceived level of stress.
physiologic responses
- brain then controls and coordinates the physiological, psychological, and behavioural response to
perceived stress - these responses include influencing metabolism, heart rate, anxiety levels,
emotions, what you tell yourself, and how you behave - The responses result through signalling of various systems including the H P A axis*, autonomic nervous system, the metabolic system, the gut, and the immune system.
allostatic load
refers to the wear and tear on the body and brain resulting from chronic dysregulation or overactivity/strain related to the process of allostasis
Interventions that alleviate allostatic load
healthy diet, regular cardiovascular exercise, social
support, connectedness (sense of belonging), and good quality sleep.
- can help develop resilience in the event of adversity
how G x E interactions appear to influence susceptibility to all experiences, good and bad.
Reduces Risks
Flourish
Reduces Risks
- Your genetic make-up interacts with life experiences good and bad to determine resiliency and
sensitivity to stress - Developing healthy ways to cope with stress and adversity can reduce
the risk of feeling overwhelmed and developing symptoms