How we perceive almost anything in our world can bring about changes in our bodies’ operation, from minute shifts in blood pressure when we change our physical position to major alteration of our nervous systems if we’re being chased by an angry dog!
These changes imply “stress” – good or bad, acute or chronic, major or minor, – all demanding the need for coping, both physically and mentally, to reset the homeostatic balance.
But…those changes which aren’t automatic require interpreting by the brain, and the assessment or perception of the stressor(s) and to what degree they affect us, determines our response both mentally and physically. These changes are called coping skills.
However, we know that the mind-body connection is such that all of the above call for making a determination (unconscious though it may be) as to whether or not we will react, to what extent we will react, and whether the stress is good, bad, and how it will impact us.
Your discussion question is: Having this all been said, can altering our perceptions of stressful situations or events alter the potentially harmful effects of stress in terms of our overall health? If so, through what mechanisms can we bring about change in our perceptions? Which of these would you be most likely to use as part of a personal stress management program? Have they been shown to be helpful?
Section Required Texts and Material:
Licht, D. M., Hull, M. G., & Ballantyne, C. (2017). Psychology (3rd edition). New York: Worth Publishers. ISBN-13:978-1-319-23715-8
