Chapter 3 Stress theory and research
research
3
CHAPTER PLAN
Stress is widespread and media coverage suggests that it causes illness. In this chapter
we will examine how stress is studied and how it is linked to disease. We will consider
evolutionary perspectives on stress in preparing humans for fight or flight as well as more
contemporary views. Building on Chapter 2, we discuss a model of physiological
responses to stress leading to the long-term health impact of stress, known as allostatic
load. We then explore different measures of stress including life events such as marriage,
divorce or bereavement and daily hassles such as losing one’s keys. We discuss these in
terms of Lazarus’ transactional theory of stress (1966, 1999, Lazarus and Folkman, 1984).
Finally, we discuss conservation of resources theory (Hobfoll, 1989, 2001).
We highlight the pathways by which stress impacts on health. Stress affects health
through biological processes (e.g. blood pressure, release of stress hormones, immune
functioning) and (indirectly) through health behaviours (e.g. exercise, diet, smoking).
We consider evidence for both pathways when discussing the impact of life events
and daily stressors on health outcomes. In the final section of this chapter we consider
why some people become ill in response to stressful situations and others do not.
The chapter has five sections: (1) what is stress?; (2) early approaches to stress;
(3) contemporary approaches to stress – allostatic load and health; (4) contemporary
psychological approaches; and (5) why do some people get ill in response to stressors
and others do not?
When you have completed this chapter you should be able to:1 Describe what is meant by stress. Discuss whether stress is a growing problem.
2 Describe and evaluate key theoretical approaches to stress.
3 Describe and evaluate key ways in which stress has been measured.
4 Discuss and evaluate research evidence concerning the links between stressors
and a) illness; and b) health behaviour.
5 Describe the impact of individual differences in responses to stressors.LEARNING OUTCOMES