concept of fitness
Questions and Answers A Guide to Fitness and Wellness 4th Edition
Gary Liguori │ Sandra Carroll-Cobb
©McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. Authorized only for instructor use in the classroom. No reproduction or further distribution permitted without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
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CHAPTER 10
Stress and Its Sources
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COMING UP IN THIS CHAPTER
Discover the physiology of stress and relaxation
Know the factors that affect your experience of stress
Recognize the effects of stress on your health and performance
Identify the sources of stress in your life
Develop personalized strategies for managing stress
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Stress and the Stress Response
Question: What is stress really?
Stress is the collective physical and emotional changes experienced in response to a stressor
A stressor is a specific event that triggers stress
A physical or emotional demand from your internal or external environment
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The Stress Response: Fight or Flight, 1
Question: When I get stressed, I sweat a lot. Is this normal?
Any response to stress can be normal
Homeostasis: a stable state of physiological functioning
The stress response prepares the body for a physical reaction to a threat, whether real or imagined
Involves the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which provides unconscious controls of critical internal body processes
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The Stress Response: Fight or Flight, 2
Sympathetic nervous system
Generates the fight-or-flight response, an acute state of stress
Releases adrenaline and cortisol
Initially beneficial, but can have negative health effects in the long term
Parasympathetic nervous system
Returns the body to homeostasis after the threat has passed
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FIGURE 10-1 THE FIGHT-OR-FLIGHT RESPONSE
©PM Images/Getty Images
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The Stress Emotions: Anger and Fear, 1
Question: What’s wrong with getting angry? Everybody does it.
Anger is a natural response to a perceived threat (i.e., injustice, jealousy), real or imagined
Harmful manifestations of anger:
Shouting; using violent words
Inability to deal with difficult situations without anger
Using or being tempted to use aggression or violence
Using anger to make you feel better
Being recognized as an angry person
Avoiding situations because you fear your own temper
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The Stress Emotions: Anger and Fear, 2
Question: What’s the best way to deal with my anger?
Suppressing anger can lead to passive-aggressive behavior
Ask yourself three questions:
Is this situation important enough to get angry about?
Am I justified in getting angry?
Will expressing my anger make a positive difference?
If the answer to all three questions is yes, a calm expression of anger is appropriate
If no to any, find a way to calm yourself
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The Stress Emotions: Anger and Fear, 3
Question: What’s the difference between fear and anxiety? Is either good?
Fear is often used interchangeably with the word anxiety: a persistent state of worry, unease, and nervousness not directed at any particular threat
Fear or anxiety can be categorized as rational (useful) or irrational (useless)
Rational: reactions to real events in order to survive or avoid danger
Irrational: unreasonable or excessive fear or anxiety
Phobia
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The Stress Emotions: Anger and Fear, 4
The fear response is altered in people who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Those with PTSD have fear and stress when there is no danger; they may be constantly on edge and experience nightmares
The difference between ordered and disordered anxiety is frequency and the effect on everyday functioning
Generalized anxiety disorder: constant anxiety that interferes with your ability to function and relax
Can cause physical problems like body aches, insomnia, and exhaustion
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The Stress Emotions: Anger and Fear, 5
Question: What can I do to stop worrying so much?
Psychosocial techniques for worriers:
Self-monitoring: familiarize yourself with your patterns of worry and adjust your thinking
Cognitive therapy: reappraise worrying by making thought patterns more positive
Worry exposure: being presented with ideas that create worry in order to become used to the worry
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Factors Affecting the Experience of Stress
Stress is an individualized experience
Factors that play a role in an individual’s response to stress:
Personality
Gender and biological sex
Cognitive factors
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Personality, 1
Question: What personality types experience the most stress?
Researchers in the 1950s developed a model of personality based on two patterns of behavior:
Type A personality: rushed, ambitious, impatient , time conscious, goal driven, competitive, aggressive, quick to anger; having difficulty relaxing
Type B personality: patient, easygoing, and adaptable to changing circumstances
The model has been criticized as oversimplified
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Personality, 2
Additional types (equally controversial)
Type C: introverted, respectful, eager to please, compliant
Type D: increased levels of anxiety, irritation, and depressed mood, along with elevated levels of cortisol
Threefold increased risk for future cardiovascular problems
Personality is a result of heredity and social, psychological, and behavioral factors
Personality traits fall within five broad domains: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism
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Gender and Biological Sex, 1
Question: Do guys and girls handle stress differently?
Hormonal and evolutionary differences cause men and women to handle stress differently
Women are more likely to nurture and reach out
Men are more likely to initiate confrontations or withdraw
Cultural differences may also play a role
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Gender and Biological Sex, 2
There is also a biological component: oxytocin
Oxytocin is produced in both men and women, but in men, its effects are diminished by testosterone
This could help explain different responses between the sexes
These differences may have evolutionary roots
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Ways of Thinking: Cognitive Strategies
Question: Why does it seem my friends handle stress better than I do?
Theories about stress responses:
The transactional model of stress outlines how we assess and approach a stressful situation
Primary appraisal
Secondary appraisal
Coping
Reappraisal
Attribution theory focuses on how we assess success or failure after a stressful event
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Stress and Performance
Question: I’d rather drop a class than give a presentation. Why is public speaking so stressful for me?
Yerkes-Dodson law (inverted-U hypothesis)
Some stress is good
Too much is not
Too much or too little stress, and performance will suffer
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FIGURE 10-2 YERKES-DODSON LAW: STRESS AND PERFORMANCE
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Acute versus Chronic Stress, 1
Question: Can stress really make me sick?
Acute stress is usually temporary but can cause:
Muscle tension
Headache
Heartburn
Chronic stress can be more serious and long-lasting
Especially if adrenaline and cortisol levels remain elevated
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Acute versus Chronic Stress, 2
General adaptation syndrome (GAS)
Selye’s three-stage model of how chronic stress affects health
Alarm reaction: an acute reaction (fight or flight)
Resistance: the body’s attempt to adapt to the demands of a persistent stressor
Exhaustion: state of impaired functioning if a persistent stressor exhausts the body’s resources for coping
Distinguishes between positive (eustress) and negative stressors (distress)
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Acute versus Chronic Stress, 3
Another way to consider the consequences of stress is allostatic load
Cumulative physical damage of chronic exposure to stress hormones
Increase in circulating blood adrenaline and cortisol levels
When allostatic load exceeds one’s ability to adapt and cope, the risk for health problems increases
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FIGURE 10-3 STRESS WARNING SIGNALS
(top): ©Ingram Publishing/AGE Fotostock RF; (middle): ©ximagination/123RF; (bottom): ©Nathan Lau/Design Pics/Corbis RF
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TABLE 10-1 STRESS-RELATED HEALTH PROBLEMS
| CONDITION | POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF ACUTE AND CHRONIC STRESS |
| CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE | Damage to arteries from increased blood pressure, heart rate, blood-fat and glucose levels, and inflammation |
| INFECTIONS AND OTHER PROBLEMS RELATED TO IMMUNE FUNCTIONING | Increased risk of an acute infection or a flare-up of a chronic infection (for example, genital herpes) due to suppression and dysregulation of immunity; possible reduction in the body’s ability to fight cancer due to immunity changes |
| BODY COMPOSITION AND FAT DISTRIBUTION | Increased body-fat storage due to the stress-related rise in glucose and insulin in the blood; weight gain and abdominal obesity resulting from long-term exposure to cortisol |
| DIABETES | Glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes due to excess glucose; with acute stress, destabilization of blood glucose levels in people with diabetes |
| MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS | Increased risk for development or worsening of certain psychological disorders, including depression |
| HEADACHES | Muscle tension in the head, neck, and shoulders linked to tension and migraine headaches |
| DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS | Worsening of heartburn; changes in how quickly food moves through the digestive tract, leading to diarrhea or constipation |
| SKIN CHANGES | Increased skin sensitivity and worsening of acne, psoriasis, and hives |
| SLEEP | Disruption of sleep patterns |
©Fuse/Getty Images RF
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Sources of Stress
Major underlying causes of stress:
Change
Fear of the unknown
Sources of stress:
Life experiences, large and small
Job and financial pressures
Relationships and families
Social and environmental stressors
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Life Experiences Large and Small
Big life changes that are unexpected can cause stress
So can routine aspects of daily life
“Little” things outside our control
These can add up over time
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Job and Financial Pressures
Question: What causes the most stress?
The top stressors are money and work
Chronic workplace stress is linked to cardiovascular disease and premature mortality
For college students: money, academics, roommates, and relationships are top stressors
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Relationships and Families, 1
Question: I really miss my friends back home. How do I deal with being so homesick?
Homesickness is a common experience for those leaving home for the first time
“Friendsick”
Find a support group
Focus on developing new friendships
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Relationships and Families, 2
Question: What about dealing with stress when you’re not 19, single, and living in the dorms?
Nontraditional students typically have a myriad of life responsibilities
Such students need:
Creative time management
A realistic course load
The support of family and coworkers
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Social and Environmental Stressors, 1
Social stressors
Interacting with new people
Facing tough competition or discrimination
Using English if it isn’t your first language
Environmental stressors
Crowded or loud residences
Poor public transit
Extreme weather
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Social and Environmental Stressors, 2
Question: I’ve never shared a bedroom before. How am I supposed to live with someone I’ve never met?
Communication and respect are key to living with someone new
Common courtesy
Learn about each other
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Managing Stress
Once you’ve identified your major stressors, it’s time to think about coping strategies
More than 90% of Americans report trying some form of stress-management technique
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TABLE 10-2 AMERICAN ADULTS’ STRESS-MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES
| TECHNIQUE | PERCENT REPORTING USE OF TECHNIQUE |
| Eating healthier foods | 77% |
| Exercising more | 75% |
| Losing weight | 66% |
| Getting more sleep | 58% |
| Reducing or eliminating alcohol | 17% |
| Quitting smoking | 13% |
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Time Management
Question: I thought computers were supposed to make me use my time better, but every time I log on, I waste tons of time! What can I do?
Set online time limits, stick to the original task, and plan Web destinations before logging on
Other time management strategies:
Prioritize, schedule, make to-do lists, and stay on task
Use your planner
Effective use of time is crucial to accomplishing one’s personal and professional goals
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Cognitive Strategies, 1
Question: Does positive thinking really stop me from worrying?
Engage in realistic self-talk
Strategies for dealing with negative self-talk:
Problem-focused coping
Attempt to do something practical and constructive about the stressor
Emotion-focused coping
Attempt to regulate the emotions elicited by the stressful event
Positive self-talk, talking with others, and journaling
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Cognitive Strategies, 2
One way to restructure more positive self-talk: the ABCDE model
A—Identify your Adversity: I lost my job
B—Identify your instinctive Belief about the adversity: I can’t pay my bills
C—Identify the Consequences of the belief: I’ll have to quit college
D—Begin to Dispute the belief: I can certainly find another job
E—Become re-Energized: I can stay in school
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Cognitive Strategies, 3
Question: I just can’t seem to get over my bad quiz grade. How can I move on?
Focus on the present; don’t stress about yesterday or tomorrow
Setting realistic goals is key
Develop problem solving skills:
Identify the problem
Brainstorm possible solutions
Consider positives and negatives; and select the best approach
Evaluate the effectiveness of the solution tried
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Healthy Relationships and Social Support, 1
Question: I can’t seem to make any new friends. Any advice?
Meet new people, and make time for your friends
Be a good listener
Ask people about their feelings and really pay attention to what they say
Reflect back what you hear, so the other person knows you genuinely understand
Focus your questions, comments, and attention on the other person
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Healthy Relationships and Social Support, 2
Practice assertive communication
Clearly express needs and wants in a respectful and sensitive way
Use “I” statements
Say no when necessary
Use appropriate body language
Keep emotions in check
Understand other patterns of communication
Passive communication
Aggressive communication
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Healthy Relationships and Social Support, 3
Question: How do you know whether a friendship is worth it?
Try to surround yourself with positive, sharing people
Not everything goes perfectly in any relationship
Relationship violence is NEVER OK
Don’t compromise when it comes to your own safety
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Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Activity, Diet, and Sleep, 1
Question: Does working out really relieve stress?
Physical activity is a proven stress buster
Any amount of physical activity will help
Exercise bouts as short as 10 minutes have been shown to elevate people’s moods
Good stress-relieving activities include:
Yoga
T’ai chi
Pilates
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Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Activity, Diet, and Sleep, 2
Question: Does what I eat affect my stress level?
Eating habits can affect your stress level for better and for worse
Good eating habits counteract stress by supporting your immune system and controlling blood pressure
Limit caffeine intake
Too much can make you jittery and anxious
Fried and fatty foods may make falling asleep difficult
Pay attention to sugar and salt intake
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Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Activity, Diet, and Sleep, 3
Question: Why do I need sleep?
Sleep is essential for optimal wellness
6–8 hours for an adult
Lack of sleep may lead to problems in the short term (colds) and the long term (high blood pressure, blood glucose abnormalities, abdominal fat accumulation)
You will function at a higher mental and physical level
Persistent snoring may be linked to obstructive sleep apnea
Can cause daytime sleepiness, cardiovascular problems
Requires medical care
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Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Activity, Diet, and Sleep, 4
Question: I just can’t seem to get to sleep. How can I turn my brain off?
Insomnia is characterized by persistent difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
Emotional stress is the primary cause
Stress management techniques should be used
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Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Activity, Diet, and Sleep, 5
Question: Is there really such a thing as a power nap?
Power naps can restore alertness, enhance performance, decrease stress, and reduce mistakes
Keep them to 20–30 minutes
Be consistent
Keep warm and turn off the lights
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Spiritual Wellness, 1
Question: Will spirituality make me more or less stressed?
Spirituality has three general components:
Feeling a connectedness to ourselves and to others
Developing a system of personal beliefs and values
Finding meaning and purpose in life
Spirituality does not necessarily mean religion
Spirituality is personal and subjective
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Spiritual Wellness, 2
Steps to develop spiritually include:
Improve your self-esteem
Engage in meaningful activities
Foster relationships with the people who are important to you
Help others
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Relaxation Techniques, 1
Question: What are some good relaxation techniques?
The relaxation response: a physiological state of deep rest that reverses the body’s responses to stress
Breathing and posture
Progressive muscle relaxation
Meditation
Visualization and mental imagery
Many other strategies
©RuslanDashinsky/iStock/Getty Images RF
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Relaxation Techniques, 2
Breathing and posture
Diaphragmatic breathing relaxes muscles, quiets the mind, and gets oxygen to the blood
Good posture radiates ease and confidence and can make you feel better about yourself
Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR)
Tense your muscles and then actively reduce tension while your concentration is on the body, not on stressors
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Relaxation Techniques, 3
Question: How does meditation reduce stress?
Meditation is an internal state of relaxed awareness
Exclusive meditation
Inclusive meditation (mindfulness meditation)
Prayer
Repeating a mantra
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Relaxation Techniques, 4
Question: I like to listen to music when I’m upset. Does that reduce stress?
Other strategies for relaxation:
Music
Journaling
Reading
Massage
Spending time with a pet
Laughter
©Asia Images Group/Getty Images RF
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Relaxation Techniques, 5
Visualization/mental imagery:
Visualization is a technique using all the senses to imagine a place or scene that is comfortable, soothing, and relaxing
Temporarily removes us from reality
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When Stress Becomes Too Much: Getting Help, 1
Question: What’s the difference between stress and depression?
Stress becomes dangerous when it interferes with your ability to live normally
It is important to recognize signs of depression
Realize that feelings of exhaustion and helplessness are part of the illness
Don’t be scared to seek help or ashamed of doing so
Virtually all colleges and universities provide free counseling
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When Stress Becomes Too Much: Getting Help, 2
Question: What should I do about a friend who seems depressed or suicidal?
If someone appears suicidal, take action
If the danger seems imminent, call 911
If you’re not sure, call the suicide prevention hotline
If the threat is not imminent, talk to your friend
Listen, show empathy, and do not judge
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FIGURE 10-4 SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION AND RISK FACTORS FOR SUICIDE
©lzf/Getty Images RF
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