Loringer - Reflection Paper

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Reflection Paper Damion Loringer UMGC PSYC 386 Aaron Norton 11/21/2023

The world of Psychology is ever evolving and changing. Our understanding growing each and every day. The core of Psychology in my opinion is Reflection. What happened, why, how? Constantly looking back and figuring things out for the future. Below are some reflections on impactful chapters/topics from “An Introduction to Stress and Health” by Hymie Anisman as well as “ The COVID-19 pandemic, stress, and trauma in the disability community: A call to action.” By Emily Lund. Coping, Immunity, and disease have some crossover but are vitally important to understand individually for a clear picture of the intricacies and balance required to live a happy and healthy life. When it comes to coping with stress, this is only half of the battle. In order to cope with stressors, you need to be able to identify them. If you are able to appraise your stressors, you then have to cope. This can be done many different ways and there is something out there that can and will work for you. It may not work for others, but that’s what is so great about this topic. Some theorists have viewed coping as a style (I.e., a dispotional feeature that is relatively stable), whereas others have seen this as a strategy that varies in response to situational factors tend to varie over time as the stressor and its ramifications unfold (Anisman, 2014). Coping The concept of coping, in Hymie Anisman’s “An Introduction to Stress and Health,” presents a broad approach to managing stress. Anisman discusses various coping strategies, distinguishing between problem-focused and emotion-focused coping. These strategies include methods like problem-solving, cognitive restructuring, avoidance, active distraction, and social support seeking. The chapter also emphasizes the importancee of appraisals in coping, highlighting tools like the Stress Appraisal Measure (SAM) and the Survey of Coping Profile Endorsement (SCOPE) that assess coping styles and strategies.

Anisman's work peers into the layers of coping as a response profile, pointing out that coping strategies often vary depending on the stressor and the individual's psychological state. For instance, individuals with depression tend to use less problem-focused coping and more rumination and emotional containment (Anisman,2014). This differentiation in coping styles is important in understanding how individuals manage stress and adapt to challenging situations. Reflecting on my experiences, I resonate with the concept that coping strategies are not one-size-fits-all but are instead highly individualized. During challenging times, like academic pressures or personal roadblocks, I have noticed a tendency in myself to lean towards problem- focused coping methods, like planning and active problem-solving. This approach aligns with Anisman’s findings on problem-focused coping, which is defined by actively addressing the stressor! However, in situations where I have little control, like during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself shifting towards emotion-focused strategies, such as seeking social support and cognitive restructuring. This adjustment shows that coping strategies can vary based on the stressor’s nature and our perceived control over it. The exploration of coping strategies in Anisman’s book provide a comprehensive understanding of how individuals manage stress. This understanding is not just academic but is deeply personal, as it mirrors my experiences with different stressors. Recognizing the fluidity and diversity in coping strategies is crucial for personal growth and effective stress management. Stress and Its Impact on Immunity and Disease The relationship between stress, the immune system, and diseases, specifically cancer, is complex and super interesting to me. As discussed in the chapter 6, stress can impact the

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effectiveness of the immune system, potentially influencing the development and progression of diseases like cancer. The chapter explains how stress from cancer diagnosis and treatment can lead to various psychological states, including depression and anxiety. These states can, in turn, affect immune functioning, potentially impacting cancer progression and patient outcomes. The chapter also goes into the concept of psycho-oncology, exploring the role of psychological factors in cancer treatment. It suggests that while stress might not directly cause cancer, it could play a role in exacerbating the disease by impacting immune responses and neuroendocrine functioning (Anisman,2014). This connection is seen in the way stress can influence the growth and spread of cancer cells and affect the overall well-being of individuals with cancer. I can see the importance of considering psychological well-being in the treatment of diseases like cancer. I don’t believe it is expressed enough that our mental state can have profound effects on our physical health. The need for comprehensive treatment approaches that include psychological support alongside medical support is so important to ensuring maximum effectiveness at treating/defeating and preventing diseases. I have personally witnessed friends and family members battle cancer, and their experiences have all shown the significance of social support and mental well-being in their journey. Their stories also align with the book in regards to how social support can be lower post-treatment, leaving people feeling isolated and anxious, which could potentially impact their recovery and overall health. This emphasizes the need for holistic treatment approaches that address not only the physical aspects of the disease but also the psychological impacts. This holistic approach can help improve not just the medical outcomes but also the quality of life for patients undergoing treatment for serious illnesses like cancer.

The COVID-19 Pandemic: Stressors for People with Disabilities The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected the lives of people with disabilities, making already tough situations worse and bringing about new problems. The pandemic has made people worry more about their health and safety and shown us how unfair society can be towards people with disabilities. Many of them, who make up a big part of the population in the United States, have had to deal with unique problems during this time. These problems include being really worried about getting medical care, possibly losing help with daily tasks, and the hard impact of being isolated and facing money troubles. Thinking about how the pandemic has affected things, it's obvious that it has made the problems that people with disabilities face even bigger. Being scared about not getting the right medical care and unfair treatment in hospitals is really worrying. I've seen friends and family members with disabilities deal with these tough challenges. Their experiences show how important it is to have rules and support that take care of the special needs of people with disabilities during times like these. My grandma was having troubles getting certain medications due to the travel restrictions and the fear surrounding the entire event. The way the pandemic has hurt people's mental health, especially those who are already at a disadvantage because of their disabilities, is a big issue too. Having to stay away from others and being alone, while important for staying physically healthy, has really affected people's mental health. People with disabilities, who might already feel lonely and cut off from others, are probably feeling this even more during the pandemic, leading to more stress and worry. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear that we urgently need to deal with the special problems that people with disabilities face. It's really important that the steps we take to fight the

pandemic are fair and considerate of these challenges. This means making sure healthcare is easy to get, providing the support services needed, and taking care of the mental health effects of the pandemic. Knowing about these problems and trying to lessen them is key to making a society that is more welcoming and supportive for people with disabilities. This article from the readings provided me with a lot of information that I had previously not put much thought into. The world is bigger than we often tend to think and its important to keep an open mind and think with consideration for others. In summary, psychology is all about understanding our thoughts and actions. I've explored important topics like coping with stress, the connection between stress and diseases like cancer, and how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected people with disabilities. Coping with stress is a personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's crucial to adapt our coping strategies based on the situation. Stress can impact our physical health, especially in diseases like cancer. Taking care of both our mental and physical well-being is essential for effective treatment. The pandemic has made life harder for people with disabilities, highlighting the need for fair and supportive measures. This journey of reflection has taught me to be more empathetic and considerate of others' experiences in our diverse world. References:

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Hymie Anisman. (2014). An Introduction to Stress and Health . SAGE Publications Ltd. Chapter 2, 6. Lund, E. M., Forber-Pratt, A. J., Wilson, C., & Mona, L. R. (2020). The COVID-19 pandemic, stress, and trauma in the disability community: A call to action. Rehabilitation Psychology , 65 (4), 313–322. https://doi-org.ezproxy.umgc.edu/10.1037/rep0000368

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