Stress And Coping Case Study

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Stress has been known to have an adverse affect on an individual’s physical, mental and social health. Stress can be defined as an autonomic response to any demand that can include change (National Institute of Mental Health, n.d.). These demands or stressors do not affect all people equally and can contribute to illness through various direct and indirect health behaviors (Glanz, Rimer, & Viswanath, 2008, p. 211). Due to positive or negative stress, health behavior characteristics affect each individual differently. “ How individuals experience and cope with stress affects whether and how they seek medical care and social support”, which can cause a negative impact on the addressed health behavior (Glanz, Rimer, & Viswanath, 2008, p. 212). …show more content…

213). The key constructs include: Primary appraisal, secondary appraisals and coping efforts that all could lead to an individual dealing with stress successfully. Primary appraisal is the evaluation of the significance of a stressor or threatening event (Glanz, Rimer, & Viswanath, 2008, p. 214). This principle can be applied to my negative perceptions on what could potentially happen if I continue to eat unhealthy. Some of these thoughts could include the acquiring of chronic conditions, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, and even death. Secondary appraisal is the evaluation of the controllability of the stressor and a person’s coping resources (Glanz, Rimer, & Viswanath, 2008, p. 214). This concept can be utilized if I think I can change the situation effectively and learn to use my resources and having the ability to adapt to my new eating habits. However hard or inconvenient this health behavior might be, I do have the ability to stick with it and make the changes I need in order to eat healthy. Coping efforts are actual strategies used to mediate primary and secondary appraisals (Glanz, Rimer, & Viswanath, 2008, p. 214). The coping strategy that will be relevant to me is the emotional management dimension. If I can change the way I think my husband feels about me changing recipes to healthier ones,

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