Stress is a component that everyone experiences at some point in life. Everyone expresses and handles stress differently, but when stress is accompanied by other issues, such as depression it can become very exhausting on an individual. In the article, A Longitudinal Examination of Stress Generation in Depression and Anxiety Disorders by Uliaszek et al. (2012) examines two opposing theories of the stress generation model of depression. As stated by Hammen, the stress generation model of depression states that depression is a prediction of future stress (Uliaszek, 2012). The two theories include, stress causation versus stress continuation to measure episodic life stress, known as limited time periods and chronic life stress, known to be ongoing time periods. Stress causation theory states that the symptoms of the depressed person are thought to generate stress over time. In contrast, stress continuation theory states that the relationship between depression and stress is continued by stress over time.
Uliaszek et al. (2012) points out that stress can be described by two additional dimensions. These dimensions include, independent stress refers to anything that is beyond the individual’s control, while dependent stress occurs as a result of the individuals own actions. On the other spectrum, interpersonal stress refers to problems with family, friends, etc, while, noninterpersonal stress is defined as occupational, schooling and health problems. Uliaszek et al. (2012) does not side with one theory over the other for their current study. They simply note that regardless of which theory is supported, the outcome is more than likely the same for these individuals; “those with a history of depression are more prone to be st...
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...pisodes from occurring (Uliaszek et al., 2012). The stress causation theory is supported for episodic stress generation for anxiety disorders; however, this theory also is supported for depression, but only for more moderate to severe stressors. The study did found evidence for interpersonal and noninterpersonal chronic life stress continuation in both depressive and anxiety disorders. Ultimately, this study has provided research with new evidence that shows that stress generation is not just limited to depression disorders, but is also present in anxiety disorders and neuroticism.
References
Uliaszek, A. A., Zinbarg, R. E., Mineka, S., Craske, M. G., Griffith, J. W., Sutton, J. M., & ... Hammen, C. (2012). A longitudinal examination of stress generation in depressive and anxiety disorders. Journal Of Abnormal Psychology, 121(1), 4-15. doi:10.1037/a0025835
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In the past thirty years there have been a significant number of studies done to establish a connection between psychological stress and the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD refers to the negative change towards the normal process of the heart and blood vessel system (What Is Cardiovascular Disease (Heart Disease)?, online). Psychological stress is defined, but not limited to being a demanding condition in which the normal behavioral conditions are exceeded thus overwhelming the behavioral resources of the organism (Kamarck, 2012). In the world today it has been shown that the impacts of psychological, social, and environmental stressors from daily lives are increasing the physical well being of individuals. Two different types of stressors can attain cardiovascular responses: "acute major life stressors and chronic exposure to continuing stressors" (Dimsdale, 2008). A stressor is any condition which causes stress on an individual. One may be exposed to acute stressors during periods of intense stress that are not regular to one’s lifestyle. Those who are exposed to constant chronic stressors are at an increased risk for hypertension, atherosclerosis, and stroke (Hojt, online). The increased levels of psychological stress present in individuals lives is providing for alarm due to the direct correlation it has with risk for cardiovascular disease.
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Since chronic stress can turn into depression, it is essential to lay it out more clearly that 1 in 10 Americans experiences depression at one point or
Pichert, J. W., Moore, I. N., Catron, T. F., Ross, J. C., Westlake, M. W., Karrass, J.,
The behavioral response to stress involves coping. “Coping refers to active efforts to master, reduce, or tolerate the demands created by stress” (Weiten & ...
Stressors, the sources of stress, include three types of events, referred to as daily hassles, major life events, and catastroph...
Stress can be defined as the action by which we distinguish and react to certain events, which we assess as dangerous or stimulating. A momentary stress can mobilize your immune system to fend off infection and heal a wound. (Segerstrom, 2007) Dealing with extreme stress can be detrimental to one’s health. Throughout life, there may be different situations that can cause stress, such as a divorce, or an unexpected death. The circumstances of our lives flow through a psychological filter, and how we assess an event will directly influence how much stress we experience. Since stress cannot be avoided, we must find a way to cope with it. By coping with the stressors in life, you may be able to lead a healthier and happier life.