Stress

This unit includes the following chapters.

“Introduction” Introduces stress and how we adapt and cope as a longstanding scientific interest in psychology.

“What is Stress?” differentiates between stimulus-based and response-based definitions of stress; defines stress as a process; differentiates between good stress and bad stress; describes the early contributions of Walter Cannon and Hans Selye to the stress research field; and explains the physiological basis of stress and describes the general adaptation syndrome.

“Stressors” describes different types of possible stressors; explains the importance of life changes as potential stressors; describes the Social Readjustment Rating Scale; and explains the concepts of job strain and job burnout.

“Stress and Illness” explains the nature of psychophysiological disorders; describes the immune system and how stress impacts its functioning; and describes how stress and emotional factors can lead to the development and exacerbation of cardiovascular disorders, asthma, and tension headaches.

“Regulation of Stress” defines coping and differentiate between problem-focused and emotion-focused coping; describes the importance of perceived control in our reactions to stress; explains how social support is vital in health and longevity.

“The Pursuit of Happiness” defines and discusses happiness, including its determinants; describes the field of positive psychology and identifies the kinds of problems it addresses; explains the meaning of positive affect and discusses its importance in health outcomes; describes the concept of flow and its relationship to happiness and fulfillment.