Individual Stress Project—Kate Fletcher

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College of Charleston *

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MISC

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Psychology

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Dec 6, 2023

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Chapter Thirteen Project Stress, Lifestyle, and Health Purpose The physical and emotional impacts of stress are real and meaningful. Both good and bad sources of stress contribute to physiological, emotional, and behavioral outcomes in individuals. The purpose of this project is to help you better understand how and what environmental events trigger stress reactions, what those reactions look like and why, and how stress impacts health and well-being. Directions Think about a time you have experienced stress. What triggered the stress reaction? What factors contributed to your appraisal of the situation, and what were the consequences of experiencing this stressor? How did you respond and cope? As you think about this stressor, it may be helpful to take notes about the experience, your reactions, and the outcomes. After identifying your specific stressor and stress situation, think about what psychology says regarding stress reactions and the outcomes of stress. What would psychologists explore to better understand your stress situation? What would they make of your reactions and coping mechanisms? 1. Briefly describe your stressor. Ever since I was young, my older brother, who has Prader-Willi syndrome, has been a prominent source of stress in my life. The syndrome causes him to have various developmental delays and an insatiable hunger, making him feel perpetually starving. 2. Was your stressor chronic or acute? Briefly explain why or why not. My stressor has been chronic. Growing up with a sibling with such a condition means that it has been a continuous part of my life, affecting multiple facets, from personal relationships to my understanding of food and care. 3. What was your initial appraisal of the stressor? As a child, I simply accepted it as our family dynamic. It felt normal. However, my perspective shifted when I went to college. It became clear how deeply it had impacted my emotional and mental well-being, especially my heightened alertness and difficulty focusing on my needs. 4. Briefly describe your reaction to the stressor:

• Physiological: Eating became an emotionally charged action for me, leading to feelings of guilt and shame. Additionally, my diagnosis of Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos brought its own set of health challenges. • Cognitive: I often find myself hyper-analyzing situations, delving deep into the cause rather than seeking solutions. • Behavioral: Growing up, I was always on high alert, constantly trying to preempt and manage potential crises related to my brother. 5. What, if any, individual factors or personal characteristics might have contributed to your initial reaction? The expectations placed on me from an early age, primarily to be the “perfect child” and secondary caregiver, significantly shaped my reactions and coping mechanisms. 6. What was your secondary appraisal of the stressor? Once I stepped out of my family environment for college, I began to understand the profound stress I had been under. The parallels between the eating disorder clinic’s environment and my home deepened my realization of the challenges I faced. 7. What type of social support did you receive? I often felt isolated, with both of my parents occupied with work and their challenges. My effort to seek professional help through an eating disorder clinic ironically mirrored the problems I was trying to escape. 8. What additional social supports would have been helpful? Having access to a therapist who truly grasped the nuances of my situation, or joining a support group for siblings of those with special needs, would have made a world of difference. 9. Coping mechanisms: • Seeking Medical Assistance: • Problem-focused • I sought medical advice to understand my physical health issues and get appropriate diagnoses. • Attending College: • Emotion-focused • College was my attempt at carving out my space and identity away from my caregiver responsibilities. 10. Impacts on health and/or lifestyle:

Living in constant alertness because of my home environment has led to intense health challenges, anxiety, and a complex relationship with food. Transitioning roles from caregiver to patient also brought its emotional toll. 11. Long-term consequences if unaddressed: If I don’t address these issues, I risk a decline in my physical and mental health, possibly resulting in chronic conditions, persistent psychological challenges, and strained personal relationships. I recognize the importance of prioritizing my well-being. I have demonstrated tremendous resilience and strength, but I also know when to seek help.

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