Womens Health 5

© 2008 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.

Chapter Five

Managing the Stress of Life


Concepts of Stress

• Stress is the body’s response to the demands• A stressor is the demand itself• Debilitating or excessive stress is known as

distress• Constructive stress is known as eustress• Initially, as stress increases, so does health,

performance, and general well-being (optimal stress)

Maximum stress (beyond optimal stress) will deteriorate health and well-being


Stress and Perception

• The way you respond to an event is based upon how you perceive it

• Perceptions are based upon your life experiences and immediate consequences

• Experts believe that expectations come from social environments you integrate into your value system

• These expectations can be less than, equal to, or exceed the demands of a particular situation


General Adaptation Syndrome (Hans Selye, 1974)

• 3 Stages of GAS:– alarm (fight or flight)– resistance (homeostasis)– exhaustion (illness, emotional/psychological breakdown)

Research suggests that women and men respond to stress differently hormonally


Stress ResponseFigure 5.2


Autonomic Nervous System

• This is activated by the posterior section of the hhypothalamus

• The ANS excites and inhibits various bodily functions

• The ANS stimulates the production of catecholamines (stress hormones) such as epinephrine and norepinephrine, resulting in changes of bodily functions


Stress and “Dis-ease”

• Hypertension• Stroke• Heart disease• Kidney disorders• Depression

• Alcoholism• Gastro-intestinal• Auto-immune

disorders• Sexual dysfunctions

Prolonged stress can lead to these disorders


Stress Amenorrhea

• Menstruation stops because of physical or mental stress• Stress also can cause irregular menstrual cycles• Fasting, irregular eating habits, or too much exercise

can cause amenorrhea• Consult with your health care provider if your experience

any of the above symptoms


Migraine

• Migraines affect 28 million Americans, 75% of them are women (NINDS)

• Symptoms occur in various combination and is often described as an intense pulsing or throbbing pain in one area of the head

• Female sufferers report that migraines affect their ability to control their life

• Causes are unknown, however, there is a strong genetic connection

• Stress can trigger migraine headaches


Stress and Pregnancy

• Maternal stress can be harmful for both mother and expected child

• High levels of stress can cause the following (March of Dimes, 1999):

• Risk of preterm labor• Low infant birth weight• Labor and delivery complications• Miscarriage

• Relaxation therapy such as biofeedback can be helpful


Stress and Lifestyle

• The following events can create significant stress in your life, resulting in possible health problems

• Major Life Events• College Stress

– Undergrad women students are more likely than men to report an unacceptable stress level (Campbell et al. 1992)

• Daily Life Hassles


Impact of Multiple Roles on Today’s Woman

• A woman is expected to play multiple roles in her life which is demanding

• Society views the woman as the “giver” vs. the “receiver” of assistance

• Stressors are greater for those women employed with children in comparison

• Middle aged women have a unique multiple role which can have a negative impact on her health

• The “hurried woman syndrome” described a modernized stress-laden lifestyle which results in fatigue, weight gain, and low libido


Destructive Qualities of Stress

• Women described stress as the predictor of marital violence

• A number of women turn to alcohol and cigarettes as a means of relieving stress

• Stress, anxiety and depression are among the reported health problems of women which are due to:

• Lower socioeconomic status• Ethnic minority• Complex family structure• Quality of family relationship• Intensity of the labor market


Multicultural Issues

• The following multicultural issues can cause stress levels to rise– Spiritual Beliefs– Ability to Acculturate– Racial Issues– Age Factors


Financial Stress

• Attempting to stay current with the use of modern technology is very expensive and very stressful

• Women receive lower pay, offer fewer opportunities for advancement, and have less gains from experience and authority

• Many women are expected to be caregivers and have a job to support the family

• This burden affects relationships with added stress and reduces quality time for many families


Environmental Stress

• Many elements in the environment can produce stress, especially with women who tend to be sensitive towards stressors vs. men

• Examples of environmental stressors are:• Overcrowding• Chemical toxins• Pollutants• Noise• Crime


Coping Skills for Stress: Prevention, Management, and Treatment

• Cognitive appraisal• Nutrition• Use of Herbs• Massage and

Reflexology• Acupressure and

Acupuncture• Exercise• Tai Chi

• Time Management• Body Awareness• Relaxation Exercises• Biofeedback• Meditation• Yoga• Proper Breathing• Social Support


Chapter Five

Managing the Stress of Life

Health & Medicine

Womens Health 5