Discussion – Stress from A to Z

M4 Discussion
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Part A
The stress theories proposed by Richard Lazarus and Hans Selye are both relevant. Selye’s stress model relies on psychobiology and physiology as “General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS).” The model posits that an occurrence that threatens the well-being of an organism causes three-stage body reactions. These response stages are an alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. Each of these stages plays an important role in the overall outcome. Lazarus, on the other hand, believes that stress involves two processes, (Ganster& Perrewé 2011). The environment first produces stressors followed by the response of the individual exposed to these stressors. Lazarus’ conception contributed to the cognitive appraisal theory.
Close analysis of the two theories reveals that Lazarus’ approach is more accurate. Lazarus theory attempted to make a framework that evaluates how people cope up with stressful situations. His model states that stressful events result from the transaction between an individual and the environment. That is to say, if demand surpasses resources, stress is likely to occur. This model concentrates on the casual psychological factors of importance and underlines the individualism of the responses, (Folkman, 2013). Thus allowing for variation in peoples responses to stress. This explains why the same stressors trigger different responses in humans which is practical.
Part B
The nervous system consisting of the brain and nerves communicates with the body via chemical and electrical impulses.

It is divided into two parts, the Central and the Peripheral nervous arrangement. The peripheral nervous arraignment separates into the autonomous nervous system. Upon perceiving a real or imaginary threatening stressor like losing a loved one, the brain initiates the stress reaction by setting several chemical chain reactions that make the body ready for a flight or a flight, (Elenkov & Chrousos, 2006). This reaction induces the release of hormones. These hormones affect every available system and organs of the body.
The hypothalamus, a group of brain tissues, then induces the pituitary gland which then causes the adrenal gland to free its stress hormones. This stress response is biologically equal to a supercharger found an engine. The stress reaction hormones induce several physiological and biochemical changes which are crucial and healthy in the short run. Chronic stressors cause these stress hormones to start undermining people’s health. The design of the stress response mainly allows short run triggers. In the long run, these hormones increase the risks of diseases angina and stroke through elevating blood clotting as well as blood cholesterol level.
Part C
Problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies are both useful in specific settings. The choice of an effective strategy depends on the changeability and the individual’s response to the stressor. The human body’s adaptability also contributes the choice of an effective strategy, (Herman & Tetrick, 2009). For instance, an individual wants to host several people for dinner, but the thought of making such a feast becomes stressful. The problem-focused strategy can efficiently resolve such stress. Through evaluating the options, controlling the situation and seeking information, such an individual can decide to involve catering. The effectuality of the problem-focused strategy relies on the ability to change the stressor.
Emotion-focused strategies are efficient when managing unchangeable, (Hariharan & Rath, 2008). When a person has a terminally ill spouse, the healthy spouse can’t alter the diagnosis. In such an instance, the best way to handle the stress is by the other partner changing his/her view of the stressor. Effecting change in the spouse’s emotional reaction is more efficient than denying the illness, even though denial, is an emotion-based way of coping.
References
Elenkov, I. J., & Chrousos, G. P. (2006). Stress system–organization, physiology, and immunoregulation. Neuroimmunomodulation, 13(5-6), 257-267.
Folkman, S. (2013). Stress: appraisal and coping. In Encyclopaedia of behavioral medicine (pp. 1913-1915). Springer New York.
Ganster, D. C., & Perrewé, P. L. (2011). Theories of occupational stress.
Hariharan, M., & Rath, R. (2008). Coping with life stress. New Delhi, IN Sage Publications.
Herman, J. L., & Tetrick, L. E. (2009). Problem‐focused versus emotion‐focused coping strategies and repatriation adjustment. Human Resource Management, 48(1), 69-88.