The document discusses various sources and effects of stress and strategies for managing stress. It describes stress as the body's response to demands or stressors and distinguishes between distress caused by excessive stress and eustress from constructive stress. Prolonged stress can lead to health issues like hypertension, heart disease, and depression. The perception of stress depends on life experiences and social environments. Stress management involves preventing and reducing stress through cognitive appraisal, nutrition, exercise, relaxation, meditation, and social support.

1. Chapter Five Managing the Stress of Life

2. Concepts of Stress Stress is the body’s response to the demands A stressor is the demand itself Debilitating or excessive stress is known as distress Constructive stress is known as eustress Initially, as stress increases, so does health, performance, and general well-being ( optimal stress ) Maximum stress (beyond optimal stress) will deteriorate health and well-being

3. Stress and Perception The way you respond to an event is based upon how you perceive it Perceptions are based upon your life experiences and immediate consequences Experts believe that expectations come from social environments you integrate into your value system These expectations can be less than, equal to, or exceed the demands of a particular situation

4. General Adaptation Syndrome (Hans Selye, 1974) 3 Stages of GAS: alarm (fight or flight) resistance (homeostasis) exhaustion (illness, emotional/psychological breakdown) Research suggests that women and men respond to stress differently hormonally

5. Stress Response Figure 5.2

6. Autonomic Nervous System This is activated by the posterior section of the hhypothalamus The ANS excites and inhibits various bodily functions The ANS stimulates the production of catecholamines (stress hormones) such as epinephrine and norepinephrine, resulting in changes of bodily functions

7. Stress and “Dis-ease” Hypertension Stroke Heart disease Kidney disorders Depression Alcoholism Gastro-intestinal Auto-immune disorders Sexual dysfunctions Prolonged stress can lead to these disorders

8. Stress Amenorrhea Menstruation stops because of physical or mental stress Stress also can cause irregular menstrual cycles Fasting, irregular eating habits, or too much exercise can cause amenorrhea Consult with your health care provider if your experience any of the above symptoms

9. Migraine Migraines affect 28 million Americans, 75% of them are women (NINDS) Symptoms occur in various combination and is often described as an intense pulsing or throbbing pain in one area of the head Female sufferers report that migraines affect their ability to control their life Causes are unknown, however, there is a strong genetic connection Stress can trigger migraine headaches

10. Stress and Pregnancy Maternal stress can be harmful for both mother and expected child High levels of stress can cause the following (March of Dimes, 1999): Risk of preterm labor Low infant birth weight Labor and delivery complications Miscarriage Relaxation therapy such as biofeedback can be helpful

11. Stress and Lifestyle The following events can create significant stress in your life, resulting in possible health problems Major Life Events College Stress Undergrad women students are more likely than men to report an unacceptable stress level (Campbell et al. 1992) Daily Life Hassles

12. Impact of Multiple Roles on Today’s Woman A woman is expected to play multiple roles in her life which is demanding Society views the woman as the “giver” vs. the “receiver” of assistance Stressors are greater for those women employed with children in comparison Middle aged women have a unique multiple role which can have a negative impact on her health The “hurried woman syndrome” described a modernized stress-laden lifestyle which results in fatigue, weight gain, and low libido

13. Destructive Qualities of Stress Women described stress as the predictor of marital violence A number of women turn to alcohol and cigarettes as a means of relieving stress Stress, anxiety and depression are among the reported health problems of women which are due to: Lower socioeconomic status Ethnic minority Complex family structure Quality of family relationship Intensity of the labor market

14. Multicultural Issues The following multicultural issues can cause stress levels to rise Spiritual Beliefs Ability to Acculturate Racial Issues Age Factors

15. Financial Stress Attempting to stay current with the use of modern technology is very expensive and very stressful Women receive lower pay, offer fewer opportunities for advancement, and have less gains from experience and authority Many women are expected to be caregivers and have a job to support the family This burden affects relationships with added stress and reduces quality time for many families

16. Environmental Stress Many elements in the environment can produce stress, especially with women who tend to be sensitive towards stressors vs. men Examples of environmental stressors are: Overcrowding Chemical toxins Pollutants Noise Crime

17. Coping Skills for Stress: Prevention, Management, and Treatment Cognitive appraisal Nutrition Use of Herbs Massage and Reflexology Acupressure and Acupuncture Exercise Tai Chi Time Management Body Awareness Relaxation Exercises Biofeedback Meditation Yoga Proper Breathing Social Support

18. Chapter Five Managing the Stress of Life