A nonspecific response of the body to any demand made upon it.

(Hans Selye, 1936) A state produced by a change in the environment that is perceived as challenging, threatening or damaging to the persons dynamic equilibrium. (Smeltzer, 1992)

Concepts of Stress

A stressor is a stimulus that evokes the disequilibrium. The nature of the stressor is variable. A stress may lead to another stress. A single stress does not cause a disease. A stress whenever prolonged may lead to exhaustion. Stress is not always something to be 3 avoided.

Adaptation
A

constant ongoing process that occurs along time continuum, beginning with birth and ending with death. (Smeltzer, 1992) A continuous process of seeking harmony in an environment.

Types of Adaptation
General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

Involves the whole body in response to stress. Compared to life process as it focuses on the wear and tear of the body tissues.
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Phases:
Alarm Acute phase of the syndrome Characterized as the flight and fight reaction Defensive by nature but selflimiting If stress is intense, it may lead to death. Resistance Characterized as the state of adaptation Person moves back to homeostasis Exhaustion Result of a prolonged exposure to stress and adaptive mechanisms can no longer persist. 6

Ala r m

Resistance

Ehutio xas n

Local Adaptation Syndrome Refers to inflammatory response and repair processes that occur at the local site of tissue injury.

Eustress - positive stress

Distress Negative stress Damaging stressors which may result in various physical and emotional disorders such as:
Anxiety Frustration Insecurity 8 Aimlessness

CRISIS AND CRISIS INTERVENTION

Types
Maturational/developmental crisis expected, predictable and internally motivated Examples: puberty, adolescence, young adulthood, marriage, or the aging process. Situational/accidental Unexpected, unpredictable and externally motivated Example: economic difficulty, illness, accident, rape, divorce or death Social crisis Due to acts of nature 10 Example: natural calamities

Phases
Denial

Increased

Tension Disorganization Attempts to reorganize Stage for full reorganization

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CRISIS INTERVENTION
Major Goal: Restore the maximum level of functioning (pre-crisis state)

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It is an active but temporary entry into the life situation of an individual or a family during a period of stress. A way of entering into the situation to help them mobilize their resources and to decrease the effect of stress.

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Situations Requiring Crisis Intervention

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RAPE

Nonconsensual sexual penetration of an individual, obtained by force or threat, or in cases in which the victim is not capable of consent.

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Kinds of Rape
1. 2. 3.

Power to prove masculinity Anger means of retaliation Sadistic to express erotic feelings

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Silent Rape Syndrome

Is

a maladaptive reaction to rape The victim:

fails

to disclose information about the rape is unable to resolve feelings about the sexual assault
Results
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to increase anxiety and may develop a sudden phobic reaction.

RAPE TRAUMA SYNDROME (RTS)

Refers to a group of signs and symptoms experienced by a victim in reaction to rape

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Phases:
1. 2. 3. 4.

Acute Phase shock, numbness, disbelief Denial refusal to discuss the event Heightened Anxiety fear, tension, nightmares Stage of Reorganization
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