Adaptation and Stress

Unconsciously staying away from events or situations that might open feelings of aggression or anxiety. “I can’t go to the class reunion tonight. I’m too tired; I have to sleep” The person becomes socially isolated because of the tension he feels when around other people.

Making up for a perceived inadequacy by developing or emphasizing some other desirable trait. A small boy who wants to be on the football team instead becomes a great singer. Use of drugs or alcohol to gain courage to enter a social situation. ​

Changing emotional conflict into physical symptoms that have no physical basis. The symptoms often disappear after the threat is over. Feeling back pain when it is difficult to continue carrying the pressures of life; developing nausea that causes the person to miss a major exam. Laryngitis, inability to speak on the anniversary of father’s death. Continued anxiety can lead to actual physical disorders, such as gastric ulcers.

Transforming reality by refusing to acknowledge thoughts, feeling, desires, or impulses. This is unconscious; the person is not consciously lying. Denial is usually the first defense learned. A student refuses to acknowledge that he is barely passing anatomy, does not withdraw from the class, and is now failing the course. A patient battling addiction states, “I can quit any time I want to.” Overuse can lead to repression and dissociative disorders (e.g., dual personalities, selective amnesia).

“Kick the dog.” Transferring emotions, ideas, or wishes from one original object or situation to a substitute inappropriate person or object that is perceived to be less powerful or threatening

A vague, uneasy feeling of discomfort or dread, the source of which is often unknown or nonspecific. It is also a feeling of apprehension caused by anticipating a perceived danger.

Present in day-to-day living. It increases alertness and perceptual fields (e.g., vision and hearing) and motivates learning and growth. Although mild anxiety may interfere with sleep, it also facilitates problem solving. Mild anxiety is often manifested by restlessness and increased questioning.

Narrows a person’s perceptual fields so that the focus is on immediate concerns, with inattention to other communications and details. Moderate anxiety is manifested by a quavering voice, tremors, increased muscle tension, a complaint of “butterflies in the stomach,” and slight increases in respirations and pulse.

Creates a very narrow focus on specific details, causing all behavior to be geared toward getting relief.
results in maladaptive behaviors and emotional disability
manifested by difficulty communicating verbally, increased motor activity, a fearful facial expression, headache, nausea, dizziness, tachycardia, and hyperventilation.

Causes the person to lose control and experience dread and terror. The resulting disorganized state is characterized by increased physical activity, distorted perception of events, and loss of rational thought. Manifested by difficulty communicating verbally, agitation, trembling, poor motor control, sensory changes, sweating, tachycardia, hyperventilation, dyspnea, palpitations, a choking sensation, and sensations of chest pain or pressure. The person is unable to learn, concentrates only on the present situation, and often experiences feelings of impending doom. Can lead to exhaustion and death.

Behaviors used to decrease stress and anxiety without conscious thought.

These mechanisms protect a person’s self-esteem and are useful in mild to moderate anxiety.

Crying, laughing, sleeping, cursing Physical activity, exercise Smoking, drinking Lack of eye contact, withdrawal Limiting relationships to those with similar values and interests

Giving a logical or socially acceptable explanation for questionable behavior (behavior justification)
"If patients didn't' have to wait 3 months to get an appointment, they wouldn't forget them"

A person develops conscious attitudes and behavior patterns that are opposite to what he or she would really like to do.
A married woman is attracted to her husband's best friend but is constantly rude to him.