Generally, we as individuals would define stress as the feeling that everything seems to have become too much all of a sudden. This is due to the fact that we all have a sense and question whether or not we can cope with the pressures placed upon us. Anything that poses a challenge or a threat to our well-being is a considered a stress (Berto, 2014). However, when the stresses of our day to day lives undermine both our mental and physical health, this negatively impacts each individual’s wellbeing (Buss et al, 2018). Stress derives from any situation or thought that can make one feel frustrated, angry, or anxious. Each individual sees situations differently therefore they have different coping skills and mechanisms (Berto, 2014). For this reason, no two people in the world will respond exactly the same way to any given situation. We are all faced with many difficulties, decisions, demands, and frustrations in life.
There are many branches of stress related psychology. Psychophysiology is the branch of psychology that closely associates itself with the physiological bases of psychological processes (Berto, 2014). This branch of psychology deals with the mind and the body and studies the relationship between the two. In modern medicine, it remains firm on the notion that the mind and body are intricately connected (Berto, 2014). In order to get a better understanding, it is important to address the us as a whole, our mind and body, emotions, and physical symptoms. A good example are the disorders that arise from the physiological processes that are related to psychophysiology (Buss et al, 2018). A psychophysiological disorder is characterized by physical symptoms that are partly induced by emotional factors (Buss et al, 2018).
Some of the more common emotional states that are responsible in forming illnesses include anxiety, stress , and fear (Buss et al, 2018). Along with the disorders, some common psychosomatic ailments include migraines, ADHD, and heart disease to name a few (Miers et al, 2007). Along with focusing on the body and mind, it is important to also utilize activities that are not only beneficial physically but mentally as well. For example, types of meditation or visualization techniques can provide relief to the overall stress of an individual and provide necessary efforts in helping various psychosomatic illnesses (Hughes et al, 2018).
This affects children and adults of all ages but depending on their emotional state and maturity level of understanding the problems at hand. While experiencing emotional pain, it can bring on physical pain as well. Physical complaints can include anything from headaches, abdominal, limb and back pain (Miers et al, 2007). Between the ages eight and sixteen suffer from issues such as headaches and limb pain but it sometimes is closely related to a somatic issue versus being pain that is purely physical (Miers et al, 2007). Although depression and anxiety are widely common when dealing with pain, anger is the most common emotion. Studies have shown that the higher the pain one is experiencing, ones pain level rises (Miers et al, 2007). But when adults are experiencing these issues, it can be the same or not as harsh due to the mental state they are currently in. Adults are able to process their emotions and think about why they are feeling a certain way and what caused it versus adolescents and below do not have the mental capacity to cope with such physiological stress disorders (Miers et al, 2007).
Stress is widely recognized as a disabler. Stress hormones can cause fatigue and a sedative like state of mind (Orr, 2002). When stress occurs in large amounts, it contributes to an individual’s feeling of low energy which is then converted into depression. Although it is normal to experience the highs and lows in everyday life, it can remain persistent and start interfering with the ability for someone to complete daily activities, hold a job, and enjoy successful interpersonal relationships (Orr, 2002). Major depression is another branch of the stress problem which is a prolonged state. This can lead to suicidal thoughts and cause an individual to fall victim to developing other mental disorders.
Mental disorders are a major component in psychophysiological disorders. Such disorders cause physical pain. For example, bipolar disorders and anxiety disorders lead to physical harm. Although bipolar disorder is the term for dramatic effects in one’s mood, energy level, and behaviors, these individuals typically show poor judgment and impulsivity, and are prone to engaging in risky or dangerous behaviors and activities which leads to physical harm whether its intentional or not (Orr, 2002). Anxiety disorders aren’t as extreme but still deal with biting of nails, tapping of feet, and nausea, it it mainly closely related to hormones. The continuous presence of stress hormones may decrease the functioning of neurons which is related to the hippocampus and frontal lobes (Van Hedger et al, 2017). This then can lead to personality changes and it varies from each person. Symptoms would include irritability, hostility, frustration, lying, reduced interest, social withdrawal, and impulsivity (Berto, 2014). This can be due to genetic history along with the stress problem which leads to physical issues.
Research in genetic psychophysiological has seen remarkable development in neurosciences and genetics. Along with advances there are also problems that correspond as well. The relationship between human behavior and their genes are normal and abnormal. This also deals with why the nature vs nurture concept isn’t as valid as it once was. Another example is the fight or flight response. When this happens, the nervous system releases a flood of hormones called cortisol and adrenaline, which is what causes shifting the body into gear and enabling individuals to meet the challenge of the particular stressor. In this process, our body is protecting itself by supporting us to stay focused and alert (Buss, 2018).
In emergencies, we can benefit greatly from stress. It can actually save our lives by giving us the extra push to defend ourselves. While genetic behaviors and environmental factors shapes individualistic differences in human behaviors, the focus has been shifted. It is important when understanding how genetic factors influence behavior because genes can influence behavior only to the extent that they influence the brain which then affects an individuals mechanisms (Buss, 2018). Genetic psychophysiology is important when understanding the nature of individual psychological differences and psychopathology (Van Hedger et al, 2017).
When it comes to benefits of stress and the field of psychophysiology it strongly focuses on the effects of people’s emotional states and their nervous system. When related events occur such as stresses, traumas, or debilitating emotional states are present, individuals may experience physiological unrest (Van Hedger et al, 2017). Stress can help an individual meet daily their challenges and continues to motivate one to reach their goals (Van Hedger et al , 2017). Along with benefits, coping with stress is a personal issue, and the impact of stress on individuals can be drastically different (Van hedger et al, 2017).
The field of psychophysiology shows that the most effective treatments address the emotional well being as well as the physical aspects of individuals (Hughes et al, 2018). This also ties into coping skills as well. Coping has been defined as the constantly changing cognitive and behavioural efforts in which it is important to manage specific external and internal demands that have been evaluated as taking up, or exceeding the resources of that particular person (Hughes et al, 2018). Coping and treatment go hand to hand. The attribution style is divided into two topics known as the pessimistic style and optimistic style. Individuals who are generally optimistic believe that when bad things happened to them, it is not their fault and out of their control. The effects will only be temporary in their eyes. While on the other hand, individuals who are generally pessimistic believe that when bad things happened to them it is their fault, and that all aspects of their life will be negatively affected and influenced. Individuals who are under a negative emotional state of mind such as anxiety, depression, and helplessness are more likely to get sick or have delay recoveries which is a result of psychophysiological stress (Miers et al, 2007).
The pain was brought on by their mental incapability to understand what is going on. Some people relax, exercise, attempt to solve their problems, change their perspective on the problems at hand but all of this involves adaptive coping (Miers et al, 2007). Unfortunately, others result to the use of alcohol, drugs or overeat to escape from their problems. This involves the maladaptive coping style. Another strategy to manage stress is getting rid of negative attitudes and to vent so they can get rid of the thoughts that produce such resentments while replacing them with a different perspective (Miers et al, 2007). When one is not able to fulfill and tolerate their stress, it can result in sickness.
Both male and females brain can function almost identically (Miers et al, 2007). Women instead seek social support due to becoming emotional and overwhelmed easier while men become focused. This is supported by Problem-focused coping, which includes planning and active coping. On the other hand, emotion-focused coping is generally considered to be less effective than problem-focused coping because it is aimed at changing emotional responses to the overall stressor (Miers et al, 2007). Examples of emotion-focused coping include venting, positive reappraisal, and self-blame. It has been said that the differences in the way women and men typically cope with stress could be one reason why women tend to report more psychological distress and symptoms of depression and anxiety than men. It also can depend upon one’s culture too.
Some of us don’t think about the significance of culture and how it ties into the psychophysiological stress problem of people. It is important to consider cultural diversity to be acquired, as for the others, it is a skill that they have to learn. It is very important that health care providers are knowledgeable and sensitive to the cultural differences of their clients because they are the ones who deal with the patients of different background on a day to day basis (Berto, 2014). For that reason, health care workers must be especially aware that addressing cultural diversity goes above and beyond the values, beliefs, practices and customs. An outstanding medical professional must have good manners while being able to make patients feel comfortable and at ease during specialized exams and treatment plans. It is also essential to be aware of cultural knowledge which is the skill to respond appropriately to individuals of different cultures, ages, races, religions, sexual orientation, abilities, and ethnicities (Berto, 2014). People from different cultures also differ in their cognitive appraisals of stress because it is usually a indicator of an individual’s ethnic background which is associated with what that individual considers stressful (Berto, 2014).
The mind serves multiple roles. It not only allows us to use our intelligence but turns our knowledge into useful tools. Our mind not only can store years worth of memories and information, it can protect us when we encounter any sort of traumatic experience. When this happens our mind protects itself by giving us the access to appropriately cope with the trauma. Although these defense mechanisms allow people to feel better, it only does this by disassociating itself (Miers et al, 2007). This is not always a permanent solution, but a temporary one at best. Sigmund Freud was the first to come up with the psychoanalytic term of defence mechanisms when dealing with stress. His daughter, Anna Freud, expanded on his theories in the 1930s, distinguishing between some of the major defense mechanisms that are highly recognized today. Primary defense mechanisms include repression and denial, which serve to prevent ideas or impulses that are considered unacceptable from entering the conscience (Miers et al, 2007). Secondary defense mechanisms-generally appearing as an outgrowth of the primary defense mechanisms-include projection. This is what happens to the unacceptable urges of childhood (Miers et al, 2007).
The effects that stress place onto adults and kids are similar and different all at the same time. When psychophysiological stress occurs during childhood, it can have a major impact on the development of that individual (Miers et al, 2007). Some can overcome it but that is not always the case. This puts then at risk for obesity, diabetes and any heart problems along with toxic stress. Additionally, the chances of depression, substance abuse and dependence become more of an reality along with smoking and teen pregnancy which can end in sexually transmitted diseases (Miers et al, 2007). Suicide and domestic violence also greatly increase and tend to be more common, so does their tendency to become more violent or becoming a victim of violence themselves. This leads into adulthood as well. Even if an adult were to just now experiencing such traumatic experiences, it can still shape their way of thinking and life subconsciously. But since their brains are more developed, they are more fully equipped to get the help that they need.
Overall, when discussing psychophysiological stress, there are many factors to consider. It can protect us from danger but also lead down a darker path. Even though it can be beneficial and help us widely recognize what to change, it can also become a very negative experience if we do not have the ability to distinguish from what is normal and malevolent behavior. It is important to be respectful as a professional when treating these individuals and to be aware of all differences such as gender and cultural differences. Along with mental health and physical health, it is ok to seek further help because our mind and bodies can only take but so much. It is also important to use negative experiences towards a greater good in becoming resilient and to have a better understanding of the effects of the psychophysiological stress problem.
References
- Berto, R. (2014). The Role of Nature in Coping with Psycho-Physiological Stress: A Literature Review on Restorativeness. Behavioral Sciences (2076-328X), 4(4), 394–409. https://doi-org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.3390/bs4040394
- Buss, K. A., Wadsworth, M. E., Jaffee, S., & Kliewer, W. (2018). Impact of Psychophysiological Stress-Response Systems on Psychological Development: Moving Beyond the Single Biomarker Approach. Developmental Psychology, 54(9), 1601–1605. https://doi-org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.1037/dev0000596
- Hughes, B. M., Steffen, P. R., & Thayer, J. F. (2018). The psychophysiology of stress and adaptation: Models, pathways, and implications. International Journal of Psychophysiology, 131, 1–3. https://doi-org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2018.06.003
- Miers, A. C., Rieffe, C., Terwogt, M. M., Cowan, R., & Linden, W. (2007). The Relation between Anger Coping Strategies, Anger Mood and Somatic Complaints in Children and Adolescents. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 35(4), 653–664. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=EJ771580&site=ehost-live&scope=site
- Orr SP, Metzger LJ, & Pitman RK. (2002). Psychophysiology of post-traumatic stress disorder. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 25(2), 271–293. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rzh&AN=105976985&site=ehost-live&scope=site
- van Hedger, K., Necka, E. A., Barakzai, A. K., & Norman, G. J. (2017). The influence of social stress on time perception and psychophysiological reactivity. Psychophysiology, 54(5), 706–712. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=s3h&AN=122576296&site=ehost-live&scope=site
