PSYCH 13 Lecture Notes - Lecture 21: Explanatory Style, Avoidance Coping, Learned Helplessness
Document Summary
Stress results when we perceive a threat to our well being and that we lack the resources to cope with it. Cognitive appraisal: evaluative process to determine degree of threat and ability to cope. High threat + low resources = high stress. Coping mechanisms: ways of dealing with the threatening situation or with the negative emotions. Problem focused coping: attempt to confront (eg; alter) stressor. Emotion focused coping: attempt to regulate emotional. Distress associated with stressor include reappraisal coping strategies and avoidance coping strategies. Effective coping: accept, manage, reduce or eliminate stressor. Physical, psychological and behavioural stress return to normal. Positive health outcomes: state of equilibrium/homeostasis, enhanced confidence and self-esteem, maintain. Ineffective coping: does not allow you to accept, manage, reduce or eliminate stressor. Continued physical, cognitive and behavioural stress reaction. Negative health outcomes: vulnerability to illness/injury, emotional and mental health problems, illness behaviour, relationship problems, performance problems. Seligman (1975): depression results from learned helplessness (ie; perceived lack of control)
