Chapter 3: Meeting Life Challenges

Psychology • Class 12

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Chapter Analysis

Intermediate19 pages • English

Quick Summary

The chapter 'Meeting Life Challenges' explores the nature, types, and sources of stress, its effects on psychological functioning and health, and stress management techniques. It highlights various coping strategies, including lifestyle adjustments and life skills necessary for dealing with stress. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of promoting positive health and well-being, and discusses concepts like resilience and hardiness that can make individuals more resistant to stress.

Key Topics

  • Nature and Types of Stress
  • Effects of Stress on Health
  • Coping Strategies
  • Stress Management Techniques
  • Life Skills for Stress Management
  • Positive Health and Well-being
  • Resilience and Hardiness
  • Role of Social Support

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the nature, types, and sources of stress.
  • Examine the effects of stress on psychological functioning.
  • Learn ways to cope with stress.
  • Know about life skills that help maintain health.
  • Understand factors promoting positive health.
  • Apply stress management techniques effectively.

Questions in Chapter

Explain the concept of stress. Give examples from daily life.

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State the symptoms and sources of stress.

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Describe the GAS model and illustrate the relevance of this model with the help of an example.

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Enumerate the different ways of coping with stress.

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Explain the effect of stress on psychological functioning.

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Describe how life skills can help meet life’s challenges.

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Discuss the factors that lead to positive health and well-being.

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How does stress affect the immune system?

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Additional Practice Questions

What are the three stages of the General Adaptation Syndrome?

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Answer: The General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) involves three stages: alarm reaction, resistance, and exhaustion. The alarm reaction stage occurs when a stressor is perceived, triggering fight or flight. The resistance stage follows if stress persists, engaging the body's defenses to cope. If stress continues, the exhaustion stage ensues, depleting resources and leading to reduced stress resistance and possible stress-related disorders.

How can cognitive behavioural techniques help in managing stress?

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Answer: Cognitive behavioural techniques help by replacing negative and irrational thoughts with positive and rational ones. This approach includes assessment to understand the stressor, stress reduction techniques such as relaxation and restructuring thoughts, and applying these techniques in daily life to manage stress better.

Describe the role of social support in stress management.

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Answer: Social support plays a crucial role in stress management by reducing psychological distress and enhancing well-being. It provides emotional, instrumental, and informational support that can help individuals cope better with stress and reduce feelings of isolation and anxiety.

What is hardiness, and how does it contribute to a stress-resistant personality?

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Answer: Hardiness is a personality trait characterized by commitment, control, and challenge. Individuals with hardiness see challenges as opportunities, maintain a sense of purpose, and believe they have control over events. This helps them resist stress and maintain better health during stressful times.

Identify and explain two physiological effects of stress on the body.

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Answer: Stress leads to physiological changes such as the release of adrenaline and cortisol, which increase heart rate and blood pressure. These changes prepare the body for immediate action but can be harmful if prolonged, leading to issues such as hypertension and weakened immune response.