STRESS

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)
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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 avoided.
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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

Alarm

Resistance

Exh
a
u
stio
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
Aimlessness
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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 10to acts of nature

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

to increase anxiety and

may develop a sudden phobic
reaction.
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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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