Enhancing Human Performance Background Papers, Stress Management (1988) / Chapter Skim
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2 Overview of the Stress Field
2 Overview of the Stress Field
Pages 69-82
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From page 69... ...
The aim will be to provide a basic conceptual background for what is to be presented on stress diagnostic procedures, stress reduction, and prospects for implementation in military se~ctings. OVERVIEW OF THE STRESS FIELD Contemporary research on human stress tracks a number of main areas of investigation, these being (a)
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From page 70... ...
In order to present a coherent synopsis of this vast literature in such a broad field, a theoretical framework will be set forth with its gutting concepts. Human Stress: Conceptual Framework The field of human stress contains many contextually focuses theories or motels.
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From page 71... ...
Stress reactions consist of physiological disturbances, negative affect, and impairments to cognitive ant behavioral functioning. Stress reactions vary in their magnitude and extension, which determine their severity.
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Similarly, the experience of stress inevitably leads to coping behavior Which may be directed at the environmental circumstances or at the stress reactions resulting from them.
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Social support insulates the person from otherwise debilitating forces in the environment and facilitates coping with life crises. The importance of social support is such that the loss of supportive relationships is stress-inducing.
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As part of this introductory overview, however, it will be useful to give a brief account of key stress responses that are often studied in stress research. Stress Responses Four main classes of reaction were identified by Lazarus (1966)
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A central component of stress reactions is physiological arousal. While it is not always the case that arousal is assessed in stress research, it is routinely assumed that patterns of physiological activation underlie illness process.
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In her laboratory in Stockholm, epinephrine and norepinephrine output has been linked to physical work, mental strain, and emotional states. Among those doing psychoendocrine research has been Mason (1975)
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The significance of physiological arousal as a stress response is threefold. First, pronounced physiological activation constitutes a disturbance of homeostatic balance.
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From page 78... ...
Motoric functioning in the sense of behavioral performance, as well as flight and attack responses, are important aspects of stress responses, although attention to overt behavior has been less than to physiology, emotion, or cognitive functioning. Concerns about matters of productivity, work performance on complex tasks, ant behavioral components of problem solving must give attention to motoric dimensions.
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From page 79... ...
, warfare stressors can be thought to fall into two principal classes: (1) harsh physical circumstances that affect tissue needs, and (2)
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From page 80... ...
on combat-related stress disorders among Vietnam veterans. The adverse consequences of stress and the psychiatric casualties that may eventuate are a concern for United States military organizations not only because of the humanistic values at the foundation of our society but because the effectiveness of combat units is seriously impaired.
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From page 81... ...
Moreover, general concern about the disabling effects of combat stress have risen with observations about the recent Lebanon war, as the Israeli army lost nearly twice as many soldiers to "battle shock" as were killed by the enemy (Gabriel, 1986)
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From page 82... ...
. The psychological ambiance of combat associated with the Vietnam War hat a particularly negative effect on veterans, who in large numbers manifested "delayed stress responses" (Horowitz & Solomon, 197S)
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