Coping Skills Self Assessment An exploration of stress

Coping Skills Self- Assessment An exploration of stress and coping

What is Stress? No, seriously what is it… A psychological and physiological response to a stressor Stressor REAL or IMAGINED Psychologically Stressor-> Primary Appraisal-> Secondary Appraisal-> Coping Lazarus, R. S. , & Folkman, S. (1984) Stress, appraisal, and coping.

What is stress… Physically Stage 1: Alarm Doing Something Stage 3 Recovery or Exhaustion Fight-or-Flight Response Stage 2: Resistance 3 stages Dealt with Stressor or Depleted Resources Selye, H. (1956). The Stress of Life

Cool story, but how is this dangerous? Chronic Stress Prolonged & repeated activation of the body’s stress response Effects May cause Major Depressive Disorder Lucassen, P. J. , et al. (2014). Neuropathology of Stress May cause memory problems Lucassen, P. J. , et al. (2014). Neuropathology of Stress May cause cardiovascular disease Bunker, S. J. , et al. (2003). “Stress” and coronary heart disease: psychosocial risk factors Decreases immune system functioning O’Leary, A. , (1990). Stress, Emotion, and Human Immune Function

How do we deal with stress? Coping (Folkman, S. , et al. , 1986) Cognitive and behavioral responses http: //www. fortrefuge. com/quiz-COPE. php

Types of Coping Adaptive vs Maladaptive If it causes harm Problem Focused Coping Active coping Planning Suppressing Competing Activities Restraint Instrumental Social Support

More Types of Coping Emotion Focused Coping Emotional Social Support Positive Reappraisal Acceptance Denial Religious Coping

Even More Types of Coping Avoidance Venting Emotions Behavioral Disengagement Mental Disengagement Substance Use Humor

Let’s Try Something New Breathing Exercise Sit upright in comfortable position Hands on knees and shoulders relaxed You can close your eyes or look down Focus your attention on your breathing Exhale completely Slowly breathe in through your nose or mouth Slowly breathe out through your nose or mouth Don’t worry if your mind wanders

Some Other Effective Techniques Mindfulness Meditation Awareness Being Present Focusing Attention Acceptance Jon Kabat-Zinn Mindfulness: A Practical Guide by Tessa Watt

In Conclusion Stress is a physical and psychological response May cause psychological and physical harm Multiple ways to deal with stress Problem focused Emotion focused Avoidant Mindfulness