We have studied in chapters 3 and 4 about values to guide our
lives and about how to control our behavior. In chapters 5 to 8, we
turn our attention to four generally unwanted, unpleasant emotions--
stress, depression, anger, and dependency. First, we will study stress,
anxiety, and fears, because these are the most common emotional
problems.
Chapter 5: Stress, Trauma, Anxiety, Fears and Psychosomatic Disorders
Overview
A Case Study: Jane--difficulty speaking in front of groups
Signs of Stress
Sources and Types of Stress
External Situations that Lead to Stress
Frustrations, threats, and conflicts cause stress
Prolonged and Intense Stress
Dealing with Trauma
Becoming Absorbed with One’s Wounds
Theories Explaining Stress and Anxiety
Constitutional factors--genes and physiology
Operant and cognitive theories about anxiety
Operant conditioning and stress
Thoughts and emotions
Observational learning and cognition
Faulty perceptions and irrational reactions
Can we handle it?
How and what you think determine your stress level
Self-confidence in coping skills
Does thinking explain all fears and anxiety?
Thoughts, emotions, and actions are all interrelated
Psychological Theories
Psychoanalytic views
Psychological defense mechanisms
Unconscious causes of fears
Summary of the Ways or Means by which Stress is Developed
Summary of the Effects of Stress and Anxiety
Ways of Handling Stress and Anxiety
How to Cope With Stress, Anxiety, and Fears
Confront the stressful situation
Find causes and escape stress
Support and self-help groups
Relaxation training
Desensitization
Stress inoculation
Develop toughness and skills
Cognitive methods
Have a purpose. Hope and purpose enable us to overcome hardships, whether it is concentration or prison camps, serious physical or mental illness, or occupational burnout (Pines & Aronson, 1981; Frank, 1974). As chapter 3 says, a valued purpose for livi
Summary of How to Handle Stress, Anxiety and Fears
Treatment of Specific Anxiety-Based Problems
Anxiety, worry and shyness
Insomnia and burnout
Anxiety, fears, and phobias (books and sites)
Panic attacks and agoraphobia
Obsessions and compulsions (books and sites)
Personality, emotions, and health
Psychosomatic and physical disorders
