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ATI Module
Physiological and Psychological Responses to Stress (Mental Health Exam)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| acute stress | Response to a stressor which activates the body’s stress response for a short period of time in response to a temporary stressor. |
| chronic stress | Prolonged internal and external exposure to stressful events, situations, or experiences (stressors). |
| coping | The use of strategies, both cognitive and behavioral, to recognize and manage during the stress response and reduce the negative effects of stress. |
| coping styles | Two general styles or categories of strategies people have in responding to stress; negative or maladaptive resulting in an unhealthy response or adaptive resulting in a healthy response. |
| corticosteroids | A steroid hormone, such as cortisol, produced by the adrenal cortex and involved in electrolyte balance and sodium retention. Significant in the immune response. |
| cortisol | A hormone responsible for glucocorticoid activity which increases blood sugar levels. During an immune response, cortisol is the primary stress hormone resulting in increased glucose, blood pressure, and release of inflammatory substances. |
| cytokines | A protein which mediates many of the immune responses including increasing inflammation and lymphocytes. |
| defense mechanisms | A conscious or unconscious reaction an individual uses to protect themselves from stress or anxiety, sometimes referred to as escape mechanism. |
| distress | Negative stress response which has a detrimental effect both physically and psychologically on an individual. |
| eustress | A positive stress response to a challenging but beneficial task that results in development growth, mastery, or a sense of fulfillment. |
| hardiness | Set of beliefs and attitudes that perceived stress or stressful circumstances are opportunities for growth and development. Particularly focused on managing occupational stress. |
| immune response | The body’s response to destroy antigens including inflammation or microbes including leukocytes. |
| maladaptive | A type of stress that includes characteristics both biological and behavioral that are detrimental and interfere with optimal functioning and coping with life. |
| neuroticism | Dimension of personality characterized by emotional instability and being prone to emotional distress. |
| personality | Characteristics and behaviors that uniquely make up an individual’s adjustment to life, consisting of traits, interest, drives, values, self-concept, and emotional patterns. |
| personality traits | Sustained characteristics of an individual that are drawn from a pattern of behaviors, attitudes, feelings, and habits. |
| resilience | The ability to successfully adapt to difficult or challenging life experiences that are mentally and emotionally challenging, requiring flexibility in behaviors to adapt to external and internal demands. |
| self-regulate | The ability to manage cognition (thinking) and emotions with goal-oriented responses, such as directing behaviors, controlling impulses, and problem-solving. This ability is fostered through safe, stable, and supportive relationships in early childhood. |
| stress | Psychological and/or physiological response to an internal or external stressor. |
| stress response | A physiological response to stressors. |
| stressor | An event, situation, or condition that results in psychological or physical stress. These can be internal (in the individual) or external (outside the individual). |
| temperament | An aspect of personality considered biological, present early in life, and with characteristics such as energy level, emotional responsiveness, demeanor, mood, response tempo, behavioral inhibition, and willingness to explore. |
| toxic stress | Prolonged activation of the physiologic stress response system due to chronic exposure to neglect, interpersonal violence, community violence, or bullying. |
| Why are children more vulnerable to the effects of toxic stress compared to adults? | their brains & other organ systems are still developing. Prolonged stress exposure during critical developmental periods can lead to permanent changes brain structure &function, the risk of cognitive impairment, mental illness, and physical health issues. |
| What is the significance of adaptive defense mechanisms in maintaining emotional homeostasis | Adaptive defense mechanisms help individuals process and manage stress while accepting reality, enabling them to maintain emotional balance and resilience. |
| What is the role of coping strategies in managing stress? | Coping strategies help individuals recognize and manage their stress response, reducing its negative effects on mental and physical health. |
| What is an example of a maladaptive use of the defense mechanism 'Denial'? | A client who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness but believes the health care provider mixed up their diagnosis and refuses to accept it. |
| Why is toxic stress particularly harmful during early childhood development? | Toxic stress during early development disrupts brain and organ system development, increasing the risk of stress-related disorders, cognitive impairments, and lifelong complications in learning, behavior, physical, and mental health. |
| What interventions might be necessary when acute stress affects daily functioning or mental health? | Interventions such as stress management techniques, counseling, or medical treatment may be necessary to address prolonged or severe manifestations of acute stress that impact daily life and mental well-being. |
| How does the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis contribute to the stress response? | ACTH stimulates the adrenal glands to release cortisol, helping the body adapt to and sustain its response to ongoing stress. |
| What is the difference between suppression and repression as defense mechanisms? | Suppression is a conscious effort to inhibit unwanted thoughts or feelings, while repression is an unconscious process where distressing thoughts or feelings are pushed out of conscious awareness. |
| What are some examples of stress-related disorders that may arise from prolonged exposure to chronic stress? | Stress-related disorders from chronic stress include mood disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorders, and physical conditions like metabolic syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. |
| How does mindfulness meditation help in managing stress? | Mindfulness meditation helps manage stress by encouraging individuals to focus on the present moment, recognize and accept their feelings without judgment, and let go of negative emotions, promoting calmness. |
| What are the five possible behavioral responses to a stressor, and what do they signify? | The responses are fight (confrontation), flight (avoidance), freeze (immobility), faint (syncope), and fawn (appeasement). Each signifies an individual's attempt to manage or escape the stressor. |
| How does the body's physiological response differ between acute and chronic stress? | In acute stress, the body's stress response activates temporarily, causing symptoms like increased heart rate and heightened alertness. |
| How does the body's physiological response differ between acute and chronic stress? | Chronic stress leads to prolonged stress response activation, resulting in overexposure to cortisol and associated health risks like cardiovascular disease and immune dysfunction. |
| What distinguishes acute stress from chronic stress in terms of duration and response? | Acute stress is a short-term physiological and psychological response to a temporary stressor, while chronic stress results from prolonged or repeated exposure to stressors, leading to long-term effects on the body and mind. |
| Why is assessing a client's coping styles important for nurses? | Assessing coping styles provides insight into the effectiveness of a client’s strategies and whether they promote a healthy response to stress. |
| What distinguishes eustress from distress, and how does each impact the body? | Eustress is a positive form of stress that motivates and leads to growth, like preparing for a wedding. Distress is negative stress that depletes energy and resilience, leading to physical and psychological harm, such as during a financial crisis. |
| Why is resilience important in coping with stress? | Resilience allows individuals to successfully adapt to challenging situations by being flexible in behaviors to meet external and internal demands, ensuring mental and emotional stability. |
| What is an example of a maladaptive use of the defense mechanism 'Regression'? | An example is an individual in an argument who begins yelling and throwing objects, reverting to a less mature way of handling stress. |
| How can a nurse help a client who struggles with feelings of failure and self-doubt? | The nurse can help the client develop positive self-talk to replace negative thoughts, boosting self-esteem and promoting mental well-being. |
| Why is no single relaxation technique universally effective for all clients? | No single relaxation technique is universally effective because individuals have unique preferences and responses, requiring tailored exploration to find what works best for them. |
| What is the difference between coping styles and defense mechanisms? | Coping styles are conscious strategies to manage stress, while defense mechanisms can be unconscious reactions to protect oneself from stress or anxiety. |
| What are the three stages of the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), and what happens in each stage? | 1. Alarm stage: Immediate response with activation of the sympathetic nervous system. 2. Resistance stage: Body attempts to adapt to the stressor. 3. Exhaustion stage: Resources are depleted, leading to potential illness, disease, or death. |
| How does neuroticism as a personality trait impact stress levels? | Neuroticism, characterized by emotional instability and negative thinking, increases vulnerability to stress and can lead to heightened emotional distress |
| How does the concept of the stressor's presence differ between acute and chronic stress? | Acute stress occurs in response to a short-term stressor, while chronic stress occurs when stressors persist or recur over time, leading to a prolonged stress response |
| What coping style might a person high in neuroticism use, and what is its impact? | A person high in neuroticism might use emotion-focused coping, such as aggression or blame, which can increase psychological distress. |
| Why is it important for nurses to use therapeutic communication when addressing a client’s defense mechanisms? | Therapeutic communication helps reduce the client’s stress response, diminishes defensiveness, and improves their ability to participate in their care and understand their behaviors. |
| How can the defense mechanism 'Displacement' be recognized in a client? | Displacement can be recognized when a client redirects unacceptable feelings, such as anger toward their boss, to a less threatening target, like their spouse. |
| What is the primary function of defense mechanisms in mental health? | Defense mechanisms serve to decrease the effect of internal and external stress, allowing individuals to protect themselves, develop resilience, and adapt to difficult situations. |
| How does temperament influence an individual’s response to stress? | Temperament influences how individuals perceive and respond to stress. Traits such as openness to experience can support effective coping, whereas traits associated with negative thinking may increase stress. |
| What are the three stages of General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) in response to stress? | The three stages are Alarm (acute activation of the stress response), Resistance (adaptation to the stressor), and Exhaustion (depletion of body resources leading to potential illness or death). |
| What distinguishes eustress from distress in the stress response? | Eustress is a positive stress response that promotes growth and fulfillment, while distress is a negative stress response associated with physical and psychological harm. |
| What is the primary focus of problem-focused coping? | Problem-focused coping involves adjusting or managing the problem that has caused the stress, aiming to reduce its impact. |
| What physical symptoms might an individual experience during the severe level of anxiety? | Symptoms include somatic complaints (e.g., nausea), a sense of impending doom, withdrawal, loud speech, and difficulty focusing on more than one detail at a time. |
| What are the physiological benefits of practicing deep breathing techniques? | Deep breathing helps reduce stress by promoting relaxation, slowing the heart rate, lowering blood pressure, increasing awareness of breathing, and redirecting attention away from distressing thoughts. |
| Which coping style is considered maladaptive and why? | Avoidant coping is considered maladaptive because it focuses on ignoring the stressor rather than addressing or reducing its impact. |
| What is the adaptive purpose of the defense mechanism 'Reaction Formation'? | Reaction formation allows individuals to replace unacceptable thoughts or feelings with the opposite emotion, such as someone trying to stop substance use by actively teaching others about its dangers. |
| What are the main categories of coping styles? | The main categories of coping styles are problem-focused, emotion-focused, and avoidant coping. |
| How do individual perceptions of control and self-esteem affect stress management? | Positive perceptions of control and high self-esteem serve as protective factors, enabling better stress management. Conversely, a lack of control and low self-esteem can lead to feelings of hopelessness, increasing vulnerability to stress and burnout |
| How can positive self-talk improve mental health? | Positive self-talk replaces self-doubt and blame with kindness, which is linked to improved physical and mental health, fostering resilience and reducing stress. |
| What distinguishes toxic stress from chronic stress in terms of long-term consequences? | Toxic stress is a heightened form of chronic stress, often originating in childhood, and involves prolonged activation of the stress response without adaptive coping mechanisms. |
| What distinguishes toxic stress from chronic stress in terms of long-term consequences? | It results in biological and neurological changes, disrupting brain development and increasing the risk for lifelong complications such as cognitive impairments, mental illness, and stress-related physical disorders. |
| How do adaptive defense mechanisms differ from maladaptive defense mechanisms? | Adaptive defense mechanisms help individuals accept and transform stressful situations without distorting reality, while maladaptive defense mechanisms avoid, negate, or distort reality, potentially leading to greater emotional or cognitive restriction. |
| What physiological systems in the body are most affected by stress, and how does stress influence them? | Stress affects the musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. For example, it can lead to muscle tension, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, digestive disruptions, and heightened nervous system activity. |
| What environmental factors can serve as protective measures against stress? | Safe, secure environments, such as supportive schools and workplaces, foster wellness by providing encouragement, time to recover, and reduced exposure to chronic stressors. |
| How does the body return to homeostasis after a stress response? | Once the perceived threat is resolved, the hypothalamus signals the body to reduce sympathetic nervous system activity. Hormone levels normalize, and the parasympathetic nervous system helps restore equilibrium. |
| How does problem-focused coping promote mental health? | Problem-focused coping promotes mental health by actively addressing the stressor, reducing its negative impact on the individual. |
| How do cytokines influence the immune system during stress? | Cytokines do not trigger cortisol. Edit card to: "During stress, cytokines regulate and coordinate immune responses by recruiting and activating immune cells, contributing to changes in immune activity |
| What physiological systems are most commonly affected by chronic stress, and how are they impacted? | immune, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, reproductive, and nervous system, immune system |
| What is an example of the defense mechanism 'Sublimation'? | A client feeling emotionally exhausted after a stressful day at work decides to go for a walk to channel their feelings into a constructive activity. |
| How does the mind-to-body approach contribute to stress management? | The mind-to-body approach uses techniques like mindfulness and relaxation to produce psychophysiological effects, reducing stress and improving overall well-being. |
| What are adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and how do they relate to toxic stress? | events like neglect, violence, and caregiver mental health issues. They contribute to toxic stress, leading to prolonged activation of the stress response system and long-term biological and neurological effects. |
| What is the role of biofeedback in stress management? | Biofeedback helps individuals monitor physiological responses to stressors using biosensors, enabling them to become aware of internal responses and develop skills to regulate these responses for healthier outcomes. |
| Which coping style is characterized by denying or ignoring stressful situations? | Avoidant coping is characterized by cognitive and behavioral efforts directed toward diminishing, ignoring, or denying stressful situations. |
| Which deep breathing exercises are suitable for individuals of all ages? | Deep breathing exercises suitable for all ages include include paced breathing and other structured breathing techniques that emphasize slow, deliberate inhalation and exhalation such as box breathing or cyclic sighing |
| What types of health conditions are commonly linked to chronic stress over time? | Chronic stress is associated with health conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, autoimmune disorders, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and neurocognitive disorders. |
| How does the concept of hardiness relate to stress management? | Hardiness involves viewing stress as an opportunity for growth, characterized by the belief in one’s ability to navigate challenges, thereby reducing the negative impact of stress. |
| Which lifestyle factors have been identified as protective against stress? | Protective lifestyle factors include adequate sleep, regular physical activity, healthy eating, hydration, and practices like mindfulness, meditation, and gratitude. |
| What is guided imagery and how does it alleviate stress? | Guided imagery involves using deep breathing and imagining a calm, relaxing scene to help individuals achieve a state of relaxation and mental peace, reducing stress. |
| What role does the amygdala play in initiating the stress response | The amygdala acts as the command center by processing the perceived threat and sending a distress signal to the hypothalamus, which then initiates the physiological stress response. |
| How does intellectualization function as a defense mechanism? | Intellectualization involves concealing emotions through excessive intellectual analysis or activity, such as focusing solely on factual research to avoid processing feelings about a traumatic event. |
| What is the significance of incorporating stress reduction techniques into health promotion? | Incorporating stress reduction techniques into health promotion enhances both mental and physical health, improving quality of life and the ability to handle stress. |
| How can recalling a past stressor perpetuate the effects of chronic stress? | Recalling a past stressor can maintain the body in a chronic stress response state by triggering the same physiological and psychological reactions as the original stressor, prolonging the effects of stress. |
| What are the physiological effects of the fight-or-flight response on the body? | The fight-or-flight response increases heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen delivery to muscles, and glucose levels. Non-essential functions like digestion are reduced, enhancing the body’s ability to respond to immediate threats. |
| What role does personality trait openness to experience play in stress management? | Openness to experience promotes adaptability and the ability to see stressors as opportunities for growth, thus acting as a protective factor against stress. |
| Why might a nurse need to recognize a client’s use of defense mechanisms? | Recognizing defense mechanisms helps the nurse improve the client’s awareness and understanding of their behaviors related to stress, facilitating healthier coping strategies. |
| What are examples of environmental risk factors that can exacerbate stress? | Environmental risk factors include unsafe living conditions, pollution, crime, interpersonal violence, and exposure to chronic hazards or disasters. |
| How does cortisol help in the short term during a stress response, and why is it harmful in the long term? | Cortisol helps by increasing glucose for energy, managing inflammation, and preparing the body for action. Long-term elevation suppresses the immune system and increases the risk of chronic diseases. |
| What are some risks associated with relying on maladaptive defense mechanisms? | Relying on maladaptive defense mechanisms is linked to increased mental illness symptoms, higher stress levels, insecure attachment, personality disorders, and negative health outcomes. |
| What is the purpose of the Brief COPE Inventory? | The Brief COPE Inventory helps clients evaluate their current stressor and determine the effectiveness of their coping strategies. |
| Why is adjusting expectations important in stress management? | Adjusting expectations helps prevent disappointment by considering various possible outcomes, reducing stress levels, and fostering a more flexible mindset in challenging situations. |
| What is the significance of resilience in managing stress, and how can it be developed? | Resilience is the ability to adapt to challenges and recover from stress. It can be developed through supportive relationships, positive coping strategies, and mental flexibility. |
| How can personality traits influence coping styles? | Personality traits, such as high neuroticism, can influence the choice of coping strategies, with maladaptive traits increasing the risk of psychological distress. |
| What is the relaxation response and how does it counteract the stress response? | The relaxation response is the opposite of the fight-or-flight response, involving reduced respiratory rate, lower blood pressure, and a slower heart rate, which help the body rest and recover from stress. |
| What physiological systems are involved in the body's response to stress? | Stress affects the musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. |
| Why is cultural humility important in understanding stress responses? | Cultural humility allows nurses to view clients' stress responses through a culturally sensitive lens, helping to identify unique risk and protective factors influenced by cultural values, beliefs, and practices. |
| What is the primary difference between chronic stress and toxic stress? | Both involve prolonged activation of the stress response. Toxic stress occurs when chronic or severe stress is experienced without adequate buffering relationships or protective factors, leading to biologic and neurologic changes. |
| How does emotion-focused coping differ from avoidant coping? | Emotion-focused coping reduces the negative emotions associated with stress through active strategies like seeking support, whereas avoidant coping involves ignoring or denying the stressor. |
| What are the potential consequences of prolonged activation of the stress response? | Prolonged stress response can lead to chronic stress, which may cause cardiovascular issues, weakened immunity, digestive problems, mental health disorders, and overall physical exhaustion. |
| What are some physical symptoms commonly associated with acute stress? | Physical symptoms of acute stress include increased heart rate, muscle tension, sweating, shortness of breath, and heightened energy levels due to increased sympathetic nervous system activity. |
| What should a nurse prioritize when addressing a client’s statement of 'I feel like such a failure'? | The nurse should prioritize helping the client develop positive self-talk to address negative self-perceptions and improve mental health |
| How does early parental support influence an individual’s ability to manage stress later in life? | Safe and supportive early parental relationships help individuals develop self-regulation and resilience, which are critical for managing stress throughout life. |
| Why is avoidant coping less effective than other coping style | Avoidant coping is less effective because it does not address the stressor directly, potentially worsening the individual’s stress and mental health. |
| What impact does socioeconomic status have on stress management? | Higher socioeconomic status often provides access to resources and support systems, serving as protective factors, while lower socioeconomic status may increase exposure to chronic stressors. |
| What conditions could result from the prolonged activation of the physiologic stress response system in toxic stress? | Conditions include cognitive impairments, increased risk of mental illnesses, disrupted learning and behavior, and physical health issues such as cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. |
| How does age influence stress responses during uncertain times? | Older adults often demonstrate resilience during uncertainty, whereas younger adults may experience greater stress related to uncertainty and future-oriented concerns |
| Why are healthy sleep patterns considered a protective factor in stress management? | Adequate sleep supports physical and mental health, reducing stress levels and enhancing an individual's ability to cope with challenges. |
| What are the key components of mindfulness meditation? | The key components of mindfulness meditation include focusing on the present moment, acknowledging thoughts and sensations without judgment, and letting go of stress-inducing feelings. |
| What are examples of psychological stressors, and how might they differ from physical stressors? | Psychological stressors include fear, grief, and loss of self-esteem, whereas physical stressors involve injury, illness, or extreme environmental conditions like heat or cold. |
| How does overexposure to cortisol during chronic stress impact the immune system? | Overexposure to cortisol during chronic stress impairs the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections and autoimmune disorders. |
| What is the significance of spirituality and religion in stress management? | Spirituality and religion provide a sense of community, purpose, and hope, acting as protective factors that enhance resilience and alleviate stress. |
| When should a nurse use the Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory? | A nurse should use the Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory to assess an individual’s vulnerability to stress-related disorders and inform their care plan. |
| What is the role of family and community support systems in mitigating stress? | Family and community support systems provide relational skills, emotional stability, and secure relationships that help individuals cope with and manage stress effectively. |
| How does chronic stress impact the immune system over time? | Chronic stress leads to prolonged cortisol release, which suppresses immune functions. This decreases the body's ability to fight infections and increases susceptibility to illness. |
| How does the body's response to acute stress align with the alarm stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)? | In the alarm stage of GAS, the body activates its stress response, producing immediate physiological changes such as increased heart rate, heightened alertness, and the release of stress hormones to manage the acute stressor. |
| What psychological and behavioral manifestations can result from chronic stress? | Chronic stress can lead to anxiety, depression, panic attacks, substance use disorders, compulsive behaviors, alterations in executive functioning, and delayed development. |
| How can guided imagery be facilitated for a client? | Guided imagery can be facilitated by leading the client through a calming scenario verbally or using an audio recording to help them visualize relaxation. |
| How does chronic stress contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome? | prolonged exposure to cortisol, cause increased fat deposition, insulin resistance, and altered glucose metabolism. contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome, (obesity, high blood pressure, high blood glucose, and abnormal cholesterol levels) |
| What does a high score on the Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory indicate? | A high score on the Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory indicates a greater potential risk for stress-related mental health issues. |
| fight, faint, flight, freeze, or fawn. | Fight – facing the stressor Faint – physically fainting, or experiencing syncope Flight – running away from or fleeing Freeze – unable to respond or react Fawn – attempting to please or give in to the stressor or situation |
| Stages of General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) | Alarm stage: acute stress stage- adaptive response Resistance stage: The adaptation stage- adapt to the stressor. Exhaustion stage: The body has depleted its resources in an attempt to overcome the stress but has been unsuccessful. |
| “Big Five” Personality Traits | Neuroticism vs. Emotional Stability Extroversion vs. Introversion Openness to Experience vs. Closeness to Experiences Conscientiousness vs. Lack of Direction Agreeableness vs. Antagonism |
| Openness to experience | Ideas (curious) Fantasy (imaginative) Aesthetics (artistic) Actions (wide interests) Feelings (excitable) Values (unconventional) |
| Conscientiousness | Competence (efficient) Order (organized) Dutifulness (careful) Achievement striving (thorough) Self-discipline (diligent) Deliberation (not impulsive) |
| Extroversion | Gregariousness (sociable) Assertiveness (forceful) Activity (energetic) Excitement-seeking (adventurous) Positive emotions (enthusiastic) Warmth (outgoing) |
| Agreeableness | Trust (forgiving) Straightforwardness (not demanding) Altruism (warm) Compliance (flexible) Modesty (humble) Tender-mindedness (sympathetic) |
| Neuroticism | Anxiety (tense) Angry hostility (irritable) Depression (unhappy) Self-consciousness (shy) Impulsiveness (moody) Vulnerability (not self-confident) |
| A coping style refers to an individual’s disposition toward managing challenging situations or stressors. The three main coping styles are | problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, and avoidant coping |
| Problem-focused coping: | Involves taking action to address the source of stress, like making a plan to solve the problem. |
| Emotion-focused coping: | Focuses on managing the feelings caused by stress, such as seeking support or practicing self-care. |
| Avoidant coping: | Means ignoring or denying the stressor, often by distracting yourself or avoiding the issue altogether. |
| Defense Mechanism: Altruism | Transforming feelings and emotions by helping someone who is experiencing something similar |
| Defense Mechanism: Conversion | An unconscious process that transforms psychological stress into physical symptoms |
| Defense Mechanism: Compensation | The replacement or creation of strengths in a specific skillset to offset real or perceived weaknesses in another area |
| Defense Mechanism: Denial | Dismissing the situation as not being true or based in reality |
| Defense Mechanism: Dissociation | A temporary disruption in consciousness that affects the individuals perception of their environment, memory, or identity that results in a separation of self and those unpleasant thoughts or feelings into an inaccessible part of one’s psyche |
| Defense Mechanism: Displacement | Redirecting unacceptable feelings or thoughts about the stressor to a less threatening target |
| Defense Mechanism: Identification | Assuming the characteristics of another individual |
| Defense Mechanism: Intellectualization | Concealing or abstractly processing emotions by means of excessive intellectual analysis or activity |
| Defense Mechanism: Projection | A person's painful thoughts or emotions about themselves, something they have done, or the way they are feeling are projected to other people, places, or situations |
| Defense Mechanism: Rationalization | Using reasoning and logic to avoid or explain the stressor or their actions and avoid their own emotions |
| Defense Mechanism: Reaction Formation | The replacement of unacceptable thoughts or feelings with the opposite emotion or thought |
| Defense Mechanism: Regression | A return to a previous developmental stage of behavioral, cognitive, or emotional functioning |
| Defense Mechanism: Repression | A person that avoids thinking or talking about stresso, who can admit certain feelings about the stressor but cannot think about what led up to the feeling or cause of the stressor |
| Defense Mechanism: Splitting | The inability to accept that an individual can have both good and poor aspects but believes someone is all “bad” or all “good" |
| Defense Mechanism: Sublimation | Feelings and emotions that are changed when the individual chooses to take the energy behind these feelings and put them toward a constructive purpose |
| Defense Mechanism: Suppression | A conscious (voluntary or purposeful) effort where the individual chooses to inhibit or control unwanted thoughts or feelings caused by the stressor |
| Defense Mechanism: Undoing | An attempt to remove unpleasant thoughts or emotions by engaging in the opposite behavior that caused the initial stress |
| Adjusting expectations: | This can avoid disappointment and reduce stress. It may best be done by considering a variety of different outcomes of a situation. |
| Biofeedback: | This incorporates the use of biosensors and monitoring physiological responses to activities or stressors to inform the client of internal responses to stress. |
| Deep breathing | deliberate, slow, and deep breaths. ( figure-eight breathing, dragon breathing, and square breathing) |
| Develop positive self-talk and reduce self-blame: | These are based on internalizing the stressors. The nurse should encourage their client to learn to talk to themselves with kindness rather than doubt or blame. Positive self-talk is linked to physical and mental health benefits. |
| Guided imagery | deep breathing, moving into a calm and relaxed state, and imagining a scene or a place that represents calmness and relaxation, such as a beach, a park, or an outdoor space. |
| Mindfulness Meditation | paying attention to what is happening at the moment and focusing on thoughts, physical sensations of the body, and what is being experienced. |
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