Stress and adjustment

STRESS
Anything that produces demands on us to adjust our behavior.
It includes
threats to our changes which
well-being pressures require
us to adjust
to new situations
Psychological demands: conflict and frustration.
Physical demands: infection, disease, injury.

Adjustment
A person is considered well-adjusted when he is able to meet the changing demands of his environment.
3 adaptive responses :
1)maladjustment (poor personal effectiveness);
2) Adjustment (satisfactory)
3) Competence (excellent) (well-adjustment)

Types of stress
Sometimes it is unavoidable and motivates us to lead a full life.

3 major psychological
causes of stress.

Conflict chart

Reactions to stress

General adaptation syndrome (GAS)

GAS CHART

Burnout
A depletion of our physical and mental resources.
People who often experience burnout: -achievers, taking extra work, courses;
teachers, giving extra help to students
Responsible ones – more than can do.
Stress persists until burnout occurs.

Symptoms of Burnout
Exhaustion
Detachment
Boredom
Impatience (irritability)
Sense omnipotence (only you)
Feelings unappreciated
Physiological problems
Occupations: nurses, teachers, counselors, doctors, therapists, policy, social workers ? too much contact with people.

Solutions to burnout.
Setting realistic goals, manageable but still challenging.
Know you limits – no additional responsibilities.
Don’t become involved emotionally with other people
Enjoy yourself by taking a break.

Type A and Type B behavior

SEMINAR questions.
Define stress
Describe a well-adjusted person
Name major psychological causes of stress.
Describe internal and external pressure.
Explain conflict situations (according to the diagram)
When does frustration occur?
Describe most common reactions to stress
Illustrate most common types of frustrations.
Explain how people respond to stress according GAS (general adaptation syndrome)
Describe the causes and symptoms of burnout and possible solutions.