psychiatric mental health nursing, 5th edition chapter 1 the concept of stress adaptation

Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, 5th EditionPsychiatric Mental Health Nursing, 5th Edition

Chapter 1Chapter 1

The Concept of Stress Adaptation


Introduction

The word stress lacks a definitive definition. Adaptation is defined as restoration of homeostasis to the

internal environmental system. Adaptation includes responses directed at stabilizing

internal biological processes and psychological preservation of self-identity and self-esteem.


Introduction (cont.)

Maladaptive responses are perceived as negative or unhealthy and occur when the integrity of the individual is disrupted.


Stress as a Biological Response Hans Selye defined stress as “the state

manifested by a specific syndrome which consists of all the nonspecifically induced changes within a biologic system.”

“Fight-or flight” syndrome


Stress as a Biological Response (cont.)

The Fight or Flight Syndrome– Initial stress response

– Sustained stress response

– Alarm reaction, Stage of resistance, Stage of exhaustion


Stress as an Environmental Event

This concept defines stress as a “thing” or “event” that triggers the adaptive physiological and psychological responses in an individual.

The event is one that– Creates change in the life pattern of the

individual– Requires significant adjustment in lifestyle– Taxes available personal resources


Stress as a Transaction Between the Individual and the Environment

This definition of stress emphasizes the relationship between the individual and the environment, which is appraised by the individual as taxing or exceeding his or her resources and endangering his or her well-being.


Stress as a Transaction Between the Individual and the Environment (cont.)

Precipitating event – a stimulus arising from the internal or external environment and perceived by the individual in a specific manner


Stress as a Transaction Between the Individual and the Environment (cont.) Individual’s perception of the event

– Primary appraisal – a judgment about the situation in one of the following ways:

• Irrelevant• Benign-positive• Stress appraisal

– Secondary appraisal – an assessment of skills, resources, and knowledge that the person possesses to deal with the situation


Stress as a Transaction Between the Individual and the Environment (cont.) The interaction between the

primary appraisal of the event and the secondary appraisal of available coping strategies determines the individual’s quality of adaptation response to stress.

COPING vs CRISIS!


Stress Management Stress management is the utilization of coping

strategies in the response to stressful situations. Adaptive coping strategies protect the individual from

harm and restore physical and psychological homeostasis.


Stress Management (cont.) Coping strategies are considered maladaptive when the

conflict being experienced goes unresolved or intensifies. Some adaptive coping strategies include

– Awareness– Relaxation– Meditation– Interpersonal communication with caring other– Problem-solving– Pets– Music

psychiatric mental health nursing, 5th edition chapter 1 the concept of stress adaptation

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