Find out the major causes of stress and how to deal with them!

1. Conflict, Stress, and Coping Stress S tress and conflict are part of everyday life. Those who can use stress as a motivator can achieve greater things. EXIT

2. Frustration Anxiety Stress Conflict Click on a term for more information. EXIT

3. Some can be serious, as when airline flights are cancelled or talents or abilities don’t measure up to expectations. Frustration Frustration may be defined as the emotion produced when we are blocked from reaching our goals. Most frustrations are minor (busy signals, traffic slowdowns, late arrivals, etc.). Stress Anxiety Conflict Click on a term for more information. EXIT

4. Conflict Conflict arises when a person needs to decide between two alternatives. Types of conflict: Approach - Approach Avoidance - Avoidance Approach - Avoidance Double Approach - Avoidance EXIT

5. Approach-Approach The person is attracted to two goals. The approach - approach conflict is not all bad. You have to decide between two attractive choices. EXIT

6. Approach - Avoidance The person is attracted to one goal but it comes with a negative aspect. The approach - avoidance conflict can be distressing. EXIT

7. Avoidance - Avoidance The person has to choose between them. The avoidance - avoidance conflict presents two undesirable goals. EXIT

8. Double Approach - Avoidance The person has two goals, each has both good and bad characteristics. The double approach - avoidance conflict is the most common. Frustration Stress Anxiety Click on a term for more information. EXIT

9. Anxiety Anxiety is a feeling of hopelessness, a feeling of fear or fright. It often follows feelings of frustration and conflict. Anxiety attacks can produce physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, chest pain, breathlessness or headache. Frustration Stress Conflict Click on a term for more information. EXIT

10. When stress is good and leads to something desirable such as studying for a big exam and then receiving a good grade on the exam, it is called eustress . When the stress has negative effects such as confusion, an inability to make decisions, and illness, it is called distress . Stress Stress is defined as the physical pressure and strain that result from change. EXIT

11. Sequence of Steps in the Fight or Flight Behaviors 1. The brain appraises a situation as threatening and dangerous. 2. The lower brain structure secretes a stress hormone. 3. The stress hormone signals the adrenal glands to secrete adrenaline . 4. This causes the muscles to tense, the heart to beat faster, and the liver to send out sugar to be used in the muscles. Fight or Flight EXIT

12. The General Adaptation Syndrome Defined as a series of stages the body goes through when exposed to stressful situations. 1. The alarm stage is the initial stage where the body prepares for attack—either psychological or physical. 2. The second stage is called the stage of resistance . The body uses up a great amount of energy to prepare for the stressor. 3. The third stage is exhaustion . It is marked by body exhaustion and health problems. Alarm Resistance Exhaustion EXIT

13. Some Psychological Stressors for High School Students Life Event Stress Points Divorce of parents 98 Expulsion from school 79 Major injury or illness 77 Getting a job 62 Major illness of close friend 56 Peer difficulties 45 Moving away 41 Christmas 30 Vacation 25 Traffic ticket 22 Frustration Anxiety Conflict Click on a term for more information. EXIT

14. Coping with Stress Issue of Control People deal better with stress if they have some degree of control in a stressful situation. Self-Concept If people don’t feel confident (have a positive self-concept), they will become anxious and withdrawn. Self-Esteem Worthwhile feelings people have. If we are expected to meet impossible standards, we often stop trying at all. EXIT

15. Regression Psychological Defense Mechanisms Psychological defense mechanisms are distortions (actions) that keep people psychologically stable. Examples include: Rationalization Projection Sublimation Reaction Formation Intellectualization Identification with the Aggressor Denial Displacement Repression Click on a term to have it defined. EXIT

16. Psychological Defense Mechanisms Psychological defense mechanisms are distortions (actions) that keep people psychologically stable. Examples include: Click on a term to have it defined. Pushing painful material out of consciousness Regression Rationalization Projection Sublimation Reaction Formation Intellectualization Identification with the Aggressor Denial Displacement Repression EXIT

17. Psychological Defense Mechanisms Psychological defense mechanisms are distortions (actions) that keep people psychologically stable. Examples include: Click on a term to have it defined. Refusing to admit a problem exists Regression Rationalization Projection Sublimation Reaction Formation Intellectualization Identification with the Aggressor Denial Displacement Repression EXIT

18. Psychological Defense Mechanisms Psychological defense mechanisms are distortions (actions) that keep people psychologically stable. Examples include: Click on a term to have it defined. Venting feelings on something not related to the frustration Regression Rationalization Projection Sublimation Reaction Formation Intellectualization Identification with the Aggressor Denial Displacement Repression EXIT

19. Psychological Defense Mechanisms Psychological defense mechanisms are distortions (actions) that keep people psychologically stable. Examples include: Click on a term to have it defined. Expressing the opposite of what one feels Regression Rationalization Projection Sublimation Reaction Formation Intellectualization Identification with the Aggressor Denial Displacement Repression EXIT

20. Psychological Defense Mechanisms Psychological defense mechanisms are distortions (actions) that keep people psychologically stable. Examples include: Click on a term to have it defined. Taking all feelings out of a frustrating situation Regression Rationalization Projection Sublimation Reaction Formation Intellectualization Identification with the Aggressor Denial Displacement Repression EXIT

21. Psychological Defense Mechanisms Psychological defense mechanisms are distortions (actions) that keep people psychologically stable. Examples include: Click on a term to have it defined. Taking on a punishing person’s characteristics Regression Rationalization Projection Sublimation Reaction Formation Intellectualization Identification with the Aggressor Denial Displacement Repression EXIT

22. Psychological Defense Mechanisms Psychological defense mechanisms are distortions (actions) that keep people psychologically stable. Examples include: Click on a term to have it defined. Moving backward and acting as a helpless child Regression Rationalization Projection Sublimation Reaction Formation Intellectualization Identification with the Aggressor Denial Displacement Repression EXIT

23. Psychological Defense Mechanisms Psychological defense mechanisms are distortions (actions) that keep people psychologically stable. Examples include: Click on a term to have it defined. Explaining a situation to avoid responsibility Regression Rationalization Projection Sublimation Reaction Formation Intellectualization Identification with the Aggressor Denial Displacement Repression EXIT

24. Psychological Defense Mechanisms Psychological defense mechanisms are distortions (actions) that keep people psychologically stable. Examples include: Click on a term to have it defined. Assigning to others our own thoughts and feelings Regression Rationalization Projection Sublimation Reaction Formation Intellectualization Identification with the Aggressor Denial Displacement Repression EXIT

25. Psychological Defense Mechanisms Psychological defense mechanisms are distortions (actions) that keep people psychologically stable. Examples include: Click on a term to have it defined. Channeling emotional energy into constructive or creative activity Regression Rationalization Projection Sublimation Reaction Formation Intellectualization Identification with the Aggressor Denial Displacement Repression EXIT

26. Healthy Characteristics EXIT Take credit for successes and responsibility for failures. Learn from both. Appreciate life. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Keep a sense of humor. Accept yourself. Take control of your life as much as possible. Develop a sense of independence.

34. Summary of Main Topics Covered Frustration Conflict Anxiety Stress Coping with Stress Substance Abuse Fight vs. Flight General Adaptation Syndrome Psychological Stressors { { Psychological Defense Mechanisms Healthy Characteristics { Alcohol, Marijuana, Nicotine, Amphetamines, Cocaine, Opiates, LSD, Steroids EXIT