OpenStax Psychology 2e
Chapter 14 - Stress, Lifestyle, and Health
'What is Stress?'
Stress, either physiological or biological, is an organism's response to a stressor such as an environmental condition. Stress is the body's method of reacting to a condition such as a threat, challenge or physical and psychological barrier.
Identify strategies to deal with stress
Stress in America - Conquering Your Stress
Stress can take over your life and ruin your health. There’s no magic pill to manage it, but a psychologist working with your primary care provider can provide the stress antidote.
How do Americans react to and manage their stress? Read the latest report from the American Psychological Association at http://www.stressinamerica.org.
Assignment 1: How Stressed Are You? Stress Test
Instructions: How stressed-out are you? This test will give you some idea about how much stress you deal with in your life right now. For each item, indicate how much you agree or disagree with the statement.
This takes most people about 5 minutes to complete. Take your time and answer truthfully for the most accurate results.
Assignment 2: Psych Stress Assessment
Instructions: Stress is a necessary part of our lives and can have both beneficial and negative effects. The stress response is primarily determined by our perception of an event, transition, or problem. Finding a balance in our lives and managing our stress can be a challenge.
An important first step is recognizing the degree to which we are affected by the stress in our lives and then move toward strategies to make it better.
The following are series of self-assessment scales to help us determine the degree and type of stress we are experiencing and how well our stress coping skills are working.
Download a copy of the Psych Stress Assessments and use KAMI to complete it. Submit your completed packet.
Assignment 3: Coping with Stress
Instructions: Congratulations! You are a fitness and lifestyle counselor at the YMCA, and because of your expertise in the area of stress. One of the requirements for this position is that you create a podcast directed at teens and young adults about the topics of stress and stress management.
To create your podcast, you may use GarageBand, Anchor, or another free podcast app of your choice. You may also use the voice recording option on your phone or computer. You may work individually or in a small group (no more than 3). If you decide to work in a group, every member must speak on the podcast.
Your podcast should include the following:
1. Clear Audio
2. Under 5 minutes
3. Hook/Introduction – make your audience want to listen to your podcast.
4. Following content:
- a. Define Stress, Acute Stress, and Chronic Stress.
- b. Explain the difference between good stress (eustress) and bad stress (distress).
- c. Explain the body and brain’s response to stress.
- d. Discuss healthy stress relievers/ tips to manage stress (minimum of 5 but can include more)!
Download a copy of the "Coping with Stress" and use to as a resource in completing the assignment.