What Is Stress

What is stress?

humanpsychologytoday,  Stress is simply a reaction to a stimulus that disturbs our physical or mental equilibrium. In other words, it's an omnipresent part of life. A stressful event can trigger the “fight-or-flight” response, causing hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol to surge through the body. A little bit of stress, known as “acute stress,” can be exciting—it keeps us active and alert. But long-term, or “chronic stress,” can have detrimental effects on health.[1]

Stress is caused by two things. Stress is simply a reaction to a stimulus that disturbs our physical or mental equilibrium. In other words, it's an omnipresent part of life. A stressful event can trigger the “fight-or-flight” response, causing hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol to surge through the body. A little bit of stress, known as “acute stress,” can be exciting—it keeps us active and alert. But long-term, or “chronic stress,” can have detrimental effects on health.

You may not be able to control the stressors in your world, but you can alter your reaction to them.  Primarily it is down to whether you think situations around you are worthy of anxiety. And then it's down to how your body reacts to your thought processes. This instinctive stress response to unexpected events is known as 'fight or flight'.

Stress happens when we feel that we can't cope with pressure and this pressure comes in many shapes and forms, and triggers physiological responses. These changes are best described as the fight or flight response, a hard-wired reaction to perceived threats to our survival. When survival had meant facing immediate and real threats such as confronting a charging elephant, our response has saved lives.

At times of danger, the body's innate intelligence automatically takes charge by triggering a set of changes that bypass our rational thoughts. Priority is given to all physical functions which provide more power to face an enemy or to flee. To understand why stress can have negative impacts on your health, you must first understand the physiological changes that occur within your body during the fight or flight response.

 

Fight or flight

The fight or flight response was first noted by one of the early pioneers in stress research, Walter Cannon. In 1932 he established that when an organism experiences a shock or perceives a threat, it quickly releases hormones that help it to survive.

In humans, as in other animals, these hormones help us to run faster and fight harder. They increase heart rate and blood pressure - delivering more oxygen and blood sugar to power important muscles. They increase sweating in an effort to cool these muscles, and help them stay efficient. They divert blood away from the skin to the core of our bodies - reducing blood loss if we are damaged. As well as this, these hormones focus our attention on the threat, to the exclusion of everything else. Breathing is accelerated to supply more oxygen for conversion to energy. The heart moves into overdrive to supply the body with more oxygen and nutrients. Our immune system is activated, ready to administer to wounds. Attention and sight become acute and highly focused and our sense of pain is diminished as the body releases analgesic hormones.

This physiological aspect leaves us viewing the world as a hostile place and we are fully prepared to fight or run. Whichever one we choose, our body will expend an immense amount of energy which in itself prevents the build up of stress related to this response.

Modern civilisation mostly provides a shield against predators. Charging elephants are a less likely concern, unless you happen to be living the natural life in the jungle full of rampaging pachyderms. The inherent fight or flight response still resides in us but now it is triggered by different, seemingly less life threatening events. Many day-to-day situations can set it off - a change of home, a difficult boss, divorce, separation, demanding children, traffic jams, the fear of terrorism etc.

The more often we are exposed to these types of stressors, the more overactive our fight or flight response becomes until we find ourselves operating at fever pitch level, constantly prepared for battle, perceiving potential threats everywhere. That is why people who are over stressed not only show physiological symptoms such as high blood pressure, rapid heart rate or shallow fast breath; they can seem overly sensitive or aggressive. Today many of us don’t take enough physical exercise to ‘burn off’ the effects of our response and we’re left with stress build up. We learn to control our reactions, but this does not counteract the stress response. Life-threatening events are not the only ones to trigger this reaction. We experience it almost any time we come across something unexpected or something that frustrates our goals. When the threat is small, our response is small and we often do not notice it among the many other distractions of a stressful situation.[2]

 

Sources; [1] [2]

 

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Sport Psychologist

Sport Psychology

humanpsychologytoday, -Sport psychology is a proficiency that uses psychological knowledge and skills to address optimal performance and well-being of athletes, developmental and social aspects of sports participation, and systemic issues associated with sports settings and organizations. APA recognizes sport psychology as a proficiency acquired after a doctoral degree in one of the primary areas of psychology and licensure as a psychologist. This proficiency should not be confused with those who have earned a doctoral degree in sport psychology, but are not licensed psychologists.

Sports psychologists help athletes perform at peak levels. Sports psychologists may offer therapy for issues like eating disorders or career transitions. Sports psychologists may be researchers as well as service providers. Sports psychologists are hired by athletic teams and schools. Education and Training for Sports Psychologists

Sports psychology can be offered as a concentration within a counseling or clinical psychology program. The Association for Applied Sport Psychology recommends that students pick up a copy of the Directory of Graduate Programs in Applied Sport Psychology.

Students may wish to become student members of Division 47 of the American Psychological Association: Sports Psychology. Sports psychology is recognized by the American Psychological Association (APA) as a postgraduate specialty. The APA has published a list of competencies for licensed psychologists who practice as sport psychologists.

Sports Psychologist Credentialing

Sports psychologists who provide therapy (for example, helping athletes work through eating disorders) need licensing. All states license psychologists, but they may exclude some settings (for example, academic settings).

Sports psychologists may also pursue voluntary certification. Sports psychology professionals at both the master's and doctoral levels are eligible to become Certified Consultants (CC-AASP) through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology.

 

References

https://www.apa.org/ed/graduate/specialize/sports.aspx

http://www.appliedsportpsych.org/students-center/graduate-training/

http://www.appliedsportpsych.org/certified-consultants/become-a-certified-consultant

http://www.psychologist-license.com/types-of-psychologists/sport-psychologist.html

 

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Media Psychologist

Media Psychologist

What is Media Psychology?

Media psychology is branch of psychology that focuses on the relationships between media and human behavior. Basically, professionals in this field study how people interact with media and each other due to media influence. This field of study can be used to determine how the media affects us and how we perceive certain elements of the media. The history of media psychology actually began back in the 1950's, when television was becoming popular. However, psychologists were more focused on children and television viewing at the time. Research began to be conducted to determine how television viewing affected a child's reading skills. Later, researchers also began to study if children watching violent television were more likely to imitate violence or exhibit anti-social behavior.
In 1987, Division 46 - the Media Psychology Division - of the American Psychological Association was created. Media psychologists, on the other hand, took this as an opportunity to study violence in the media and how it affected people.

Today, however, the field of digital media is growing at an exponential rate, and the field of media psychology is growing right along with it. Media psychologists are now not only concerned with television and its effects, but also all of the new media forms that have cropped up in recent years, such as the internet and cellular phone technology.

Why Do We Need Media Psychology?

We are a media-centric society today, many of us thrive on and need media in our live in one form or another. The question that media psychologists are trying to answer is just how it affects us. Some types of media - like newscasts reporting violent events - often affect most of us negatively. The field of media psychology can be used to help lessen the negative impact of some types of media, making it less stressful.
Media psychology studies can also be used to help create more positive media experiences as well, such as enjoyable television shows. Marketing and advertising companies can also use media psychology studies to help create more powerful ads, which can help keep the economy chugging along.

Today's society is spending more time in front of televisions and surfing the internet, partly because of the increased availability of these types of technology. First of all, it helps people adjust to the rapidly growing technological world.[1]

What does psychology have to do with media?

In academic discussions of mass media, psychology has long provided concepts, techniques, and theories of its function. Psychology, for example, brings cognitive theories to media studies. Such theories look at the interactions between receivers and the media.

What psychologists have discovered about media and people is varied, and the research has really just begun. Some psychologists explore the messages we see and hear and the effects those messages have on people. For instance, psychology has been studying the way women are portrayed on television. Women on television are generally very, very thin. Some psychologists have done research that suggests that the thin women on television make a stereotype that dictates that women should be thin, and if real-life women have different body sizes they do not feel good about themselves. Not seeing Asian-Americans on television keeps such people invisible in the mainstream of society. [2]

Sources; [1] [2]

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Geropsychology

What is Geropsychology?

Geropsychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on older adults. Mental health needs can be high. After all, this is an age group that faces a lot of loss: loss of physical ability and health, loss of lifelong relationships, loss of autonomy. It is the elderly, not the adolescent population, that is at the greatest risk of suicide.

Adults who have lifelong serious mental illnesses also carry them into their elder years; their care becomes more complex with passing years. Geropsychologists work with professionals across medical and health care disciplines.

Geropsychology is also a branch of psychology that seeks to address the concerns of older adults. Mental disorders, depression, anxiety , and age-related illnesses all increase the need for older adults to seek psychological care from geropsychologists. Geropsychology encourages older adults to live full lives well into their senior years by providing psychotherapies and interventions to treat a variety of disorders, aging concerns, and challenges.

It is also a field that provides guidance for common changes that take place in these later years, such as retirement and housing relocation issues.

Psychologists, across specialties, are experts in assessment and evaluation. Those who focus on the elderly often assess for cognitive decline or dementia; these findings may be used in legal proceedings such as guardianship.

Sources

http://www.allpsychologycareers.com/topics/geropsychology.html

http://www.psychologist-license.com/types-of-psychologists/geropsychologist.html#context/api/listings

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Neuropsychologist

What Is a Neuropsychologist?

A neuropsychologist is a physiologist who specializes in understanding the relationship between the physical brain and behavior. The brain is extremely complex, and disorders within the brain or nervous system can alter behavior and cognitive function. Neuropsychologists have a doctorate in psychology and training in neuropsychology. Neuropsychology is a psychological discipline that has developed out of our growing ability to understand the brain. Clinical neuropsychologists work directly with individuals. They provide assessments, consult with other professionals, and carry out treatment. They are adept at carrying out batteries of traditional psychological assessments. They are also very familiar with neurological tests like MRIs.

Neuropsychologists can have various specialized roles, from making assessments for insurance purposes to doing forensic consultations. They may work as part of large, multidisciplinary teams. The Association of Neuropsychology Students in Training lists the following as possible work settings: VA hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals and outpatient centers, neurology centers, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and private practice settings. Some neuropsychologists focus specifically on pediatric populations; children may have a variety of conditions including genetic disorders, brain tumors, or epilepsy. Neuropsychology also entails the development of models and methods for understanding normal and abnormal brain function.

What Does a Neuropsychologist Do?

Neuropsychologists evaluate and treat people with various types of nervous system disorders.

·         memory difficulties

·         mood disturbances

·         learning difficulties

·         nervous system dysfunction

If other doctors can’t identify the cause of a condition, a neuropsychologist can help determine a diagnosis.

·         Stroke. A stroke can affect behavior, thinking, memory, and other brain functions. An evaluation helps determine the degree of stroke impairment.

·         Parkinson’s disease. This type of progressive disorder can cause several neurological problems. A neuropsychologist’s exam can provide a baseline in order to determine disease progression and decreased function. 

·         Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia can interfere with memory, personality, and cognitive abilities.

·          Traumatic brain injuries. Injuries to the brain can cause a wide variety of symptoms. A neuropsychologist can help determine how an injury affects functions like reasoning or problem solving skills.  

·         Learning disabilities. A neuropsychologist can help determine the type of learning disorder in order to develop a treatment plan.

Typical Neuropsychological Procedures

The nervous system is complex, so different types of procedures are used to identify problems and treatment plans.

·         Neuropsychological Evaluation

This evaluation is an assessment of how your brain functions. Questions will ascertain your ability to perform daily tasks, as well as identify memory issues, and mental health concerns. The interview will also cover information on symptoms, medical history, and medications you take.

·         Tests

An evaluation includes different types of standardized tests. The tests measure many areas of brain function, including memory and cognitive ability. Tests may also measure personality, problem solving, and reasoning. Tests will also assess emotions and personality.

·         Brain Scans

Brain scans, such as computerized tomography scans (CT scans) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can help a neuropsychologist make a diagnosis.

Neuropsychological Procedure Results

Evaluation and test results may help determine the cause of a problem when other methods don’t work. Mild thinking and memory problems may be subtle, but tests can identify even mild problems with memory and cognitive abilities.

Neuropsychologists help develop a treatment plan by understanding how the brain functions and how functioning relates to behavior.

 

References

http://www.healthline.com/health/neuropsychologist#Overview1

http://www.psychologist-license.com/types-of-psychologists/neuropsychologist.html#context/api/listings

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Rehabilitation Psychology

What is Rehabilitation Psychology?

Most people deal with all sorts of problems throughout the course of their lives. Overcoming severe forms of these problems will often require professional help and guidance.

Every life has challenges, but for people living with a disability or chronic illness, everyday tasks can be burdensome. Likewise, individuals experiencing mental health or emotional issues, substance use disorders or chronic pain may struggle to get the support they need to recover and live well.

Rehabilitation psychologists support individuals as they cope with the mental and physical challenges their conditions present. They often teach their patients how to adapt and make lifestyle choices that promote good health.

Rehabilitation psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on treating individuals dealing with disabilities and problems that make living normal lives difficult. Professionals in this field try to help people with these types of problems adjust and work toward leading happy and healthy lives.

This area of psychology involves treating a broad range of problems. Some of the problems that rehabilitation psychologists treat may be mental or emotional, and they may include such things as depression, anxiety, developmental disabilities, and learning disabilities. Other problems that rehabilitation psychologists treat might be physical, such as addiction or chronic pain. Problems that rehabilitation psychologists treat might be chronic or acute, and they might also be congenital or acquired.

Why Do We Need Rehabilitation Psychology?

Rehabilitation psychology can help with some of these problems. Everyone deserves a chance at a normal, happy life, and rehabilitation psychologists can work to help some people achieve this.

What Does a Rehabilitation Psychologist Do?

Rehabilitation psychology is a very broad area of psychology, and it covers a wide range of different psychological problems. Many rehabilitation psychologists specialize in certain areas of this field, and they only work with certain types of patients. Rehabilitation psychologists are often responsible for assessing their patients to determine what is wrong with them. If the situation warrants it, loved ones might also ask a rehabilitation psychologist to help with staging an intervention. After assessing and diagnosing a patient, a rehabilitation psychologist is also usually responsible for recommending a course of treatment. In most cases, these psychologists will be able to help the patients. Treatment often includes different types of therapy, including one-on-one therapy, group therapy, and family therapy. During therapy sessions, a rehabilitation psychologist will usually lend a compassionate and non-judgmental ear.

Where Do Rehabilitation Psychologists Work?

Rehabilitation psychologists might work in a number of different health facilities. This can include hospitals, physical therapy centers, long-term care centers, drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers, psychiatric hospitals, and mental health clinics. Some rehabilitation psychologists also choose to open their own practices.

References

http://careersinpsychology.org/start-your-rehabilitation-psychology-career/

http://www.apa.org/action/science/rehabilitation/

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Spiritual Psychology

What is Spiritual Psychology?

Faith and religion even helps some people going during rough times in their lives. Spiritual Psychology is a blend of spirituality and science. It uses elements of both traditional psychology and spirituality in order to help individuals feel better and more content with their lives.

Professionals in the field of spiritual psychology understand that the body, mind, and the spirit all work together, therefore, they must be studied together. In a way, spiritual psychology focuses on repairing fractured souls or replacing missing pieces of the soul. Spiritual psychology has been around in some form for centuries.

Spiritual psychologists infuse spirituality into their research and/ or clinical practice. Spirituality can be mildly controversial in a scientific field, but universities and professional organizations have stepped forward as guides. By perusing Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, one can see the latest research: everything from reducing burnout in Catholic clergy members to examining the relationship between spirituality and subjective measures of well-being

 Why Do We Need Spiritual Psychology?

Spiritual psychology and spiritual counseling enables patients to better understand their own beliefs and work through that confusion. Spiritual psychologists can help individuals by allowing them to explore their spiritual side and work toward repairing any shattered pieces of their souls. Aspiring spiritual psychologists should have an education that is a mixture of traditional psychology and spirituality, or religion.

A spiritual psychology career typically starts with a bachelor's degree in general psychology. This usually involves taking a number of psychology courses, including courses in developmental psychology, transpersonal psychology, clinical psychology, creative consciousness, and counseling psychology. Students interested in a spiritual psychology careers should also take classes in theology and religion, particularly eastern religions.

The majority of spiritual psychologists also hold advanced degrees, such as master's degrees and doctorates. If possible, an advanced degree specifically in spiritual psychology is best. Advanced degrees in counseling psychology with a concentration in spirituality are also sufficient.

What Does a Spiritual Psychologist Do?

The main duty of a spiritual psychologist is to counsel people and help them to achieve spiritual wellbeing as well as mental and emotional wellbeing.

Many of the patients who seek help from a spiritual psychologist are going through spiritual crises. A spiritual psychologist can help his patients explore their spiritual paths in life.

A spiritual psychologist will also usually guide his patients with such things as meditation and altered states of consciousness. Guided visualization is another popular technique used by spiritual psychologists. In many ways, spiritual psychologists are also similar to counseling psychologists. These professionals listen to their patients' problems and help them work through them. See also: transpersonal psychologists.

Spiritual Psychologist Education and Training

A student who is interested in incorporating spirituality in his or her clinical practice will not necessarily enroll in a program that is labeled "spiritual psychology". It is sufficient to pick a program where some of the faculty have spirituality as an area of interest.

Division 36 has compiled a list of graduate programs that include some focus on spirituality and religion. A prospective student can see which faculty members are interested in spiritual research or clinical training and where their interests lie (for example, clergy-psychology collaboration or integrating spirituality into community-based intervention and recovery).

Where Do Spiritual Psychologists Work?

Spiritual psychologists can often secure employment in a number of different places, such as churches, mental health facilities, and rehabilitation clinics. Spiritual psychologists can also choose to open their own practices. They might operate as spiritual psychologists or similar professionals, such as life coaches or personal growth counselors.

What is the Median Salary for Spiritual Psychologists?

In 2009, the median salary for counselors was $44,400.

References

http://www.psychologist-license.com/types-of-psychologists/spiritual-psychologist.html#context/api/listings/prefilter

http://www.apadivisions.org/division-36/publications/journals/index.aspx

http://careersinpsychology.org/becoming-a-spiritual-psychologist/

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