A Guide to Managing Stress in Crisis Response Profession
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CHAPTER I. Understanding the Stress Cycle
Common Stress Reactions
Extreme Stress Reactions
Stress is an elevation in a person's state of arousal or readiness, caused by some stimulus or demand. As stress arousal increases, health and performance actually improve. Within manageable levels, stress can help sharpen our attention and mobilize our bodies to cope with threatening situations.
At some point, stress arousal reaches maximum effect. Once it does, all that was gained by stress arousal is then lost and deterioration of health and performance begins (Luxart Communications, 2004).
Whether a stressor is a slight change in posture or a lifethreatening assault, the brain determines when the body's inner equilibrium is disturbed; the brain initiates the actions that restore the balance. The brain decides what is threatening and what is not. When we face challenging situations, the brain does a quick search. Have we been here before? If so, how did we feel? What was the outcome? Can we cope with the situation now? If there's doubt as to any of these questions, the stress response goes into high gear (McEwen & Lasley, 2002).
The following provides workers and managers with a list of common stress reactions. Most people are resilient and experience mild or transient psychological disturbances from which they readily bounce back. The stress response becomes problematic when it does not or cannot turn off; that is, when symptoms last too long or interfere with daily life.
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Common Stress Reactions
Behavioral
Increase or decrease in activity level
Substance use or abuse (alcohol or drugs)
Difficulty communicating or listening
Irritability, outbursts of anger, frequent arguments
Inability to rest or relax
Decline in job performance; absenteeism
Frequent crying
Hyper-vigilance or excessive worry
Avoidance of activities or places that trigger memories
Becoming accident prone
Physical
Gastrointestinal problems
Headaches, other aches and pains
Visual disturbances
Weight loss or gain
Sweating or chills
Tremors or muscle twitching
Being easily startled
Chronic fatigue or sleep disturbances
Immune system disorders
Psychological/Emotional
Feeling heroic, euphoric, or invulnerable
Denial
Anxiety or fear
Depression
Guilt
Apathy
Grief
Thinking
Memory problems
Disorientation and confusion
Slow thought processes; lack of concentration
Difficulty setting priorities or making decisions
Loss of objectivity
Social
Isolation
Blaming
Difficulty in giving or accepting support or help
Inability to experience pleasure or have fun
(Adapted from CMHS, 2004)
First the brain sounds an alert to the adrenal glands. The adrenals answer by pouring out the first of the major stress hormones—adrenaline—for the classic fight-orflight response.
The fight-or-flight response evolved with the prime directive of ensuring our safety and survival. The pulse begins to race as the adrenaline steps up the heart rate, sending extra blood to the muscles and organs. Oxygen rushes in as the bronchial tubes in the lungs dilate; extra oxygen also reaches the brain, which helps keep us alert. During this stage of the fight-or-flight response, the brain releases natural painkillers called endorphins. This phase, in which adrenaline plays a leading role, is the immediate response to stress (McEwen & Lasley, 2002).
When the stress response is active for a long period of time, it can damage the cardiovascular, immune, and nervous systems. People develop patterns of response to stress that are as varied as the individuals (Selye, 1984). These responses simply suggest a need for corrective action to limit their impact (Mitchell & Bray, 1990; Selye, 1984).
Acknowledgments
This publication was produced by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and was reviewed by a group of experts. Ms. Maria Baldi served as the Government project officer. The SAMHSA Disaster Technical Assistance Center (operated by ESI under contract with CMHS), researched, compiled, and edited the information, and designed the cover and layout for this publication. SAMHSA gratefully acknowledges the contributions of Nancy C. Carter, M.S.W.
Public Domain Notice
All material appearing in this document is in the public domain and may be reproduced or copied without permission from SAMHSA or CMHS. Citation of the source is appreciated. However, this publication may not be reproduced or distributed for a fee without the specific, written authorization of the Office of Communications, SAMHSA, DHHS.
Electronic Access and Copies of Publication
This publication may be accessed electronically through the following Internet connection: www.samhsa.gov. For additional free copies of this document, please contact SAMHSA's National Mental Health Information Center at 1-800-789-2647 or 1-866-889-2647 (TDD).
Citation
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. A Guide to Managing Stress in Crisis Response Professions. DHHS Pub. No. SMA 4113. Rockville, MD: Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2005.
Originating Office
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
1 Choke Cherry Road, Rockville, Maryland 20857
DHHS Publication No. SMA 4113
Printed 2005
Showing posts with label lcsw. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lcsw. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Human Sexuality
© 2009 by Aspira Continuing Education. All rights reserved. No part of this material may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, mechanical or electronic without written permission of Aspira Continuing Education. Course Objectives: This course is designed to help you: 1. Define the different study/research areas of human sexuality. 2. Increase familiarity with concepts related to the psychology of sex 3. Identify and evaluate clinical perspectives related to sexual activity and lifestyles. 4. Explore the impact religious belief systems on sex. 5. Learn specific laws related to sex and sexual crimes. 6. Identify the causes and symptoms of STDs 7. Increase familiarity with sexual disorders Table of Contents: 1. Definition 2. Psychology and Sex 3. Sexual Activity and Lifestyles 4. Religion and Sex 5. The Law and Sex 6. Sexually Transmitted Diseases 7. Masters and Johnson
8. Sexual Disorders 9. References 1. Definition Human sexuality can be defined as the manner in which people experience and express themselves as sexual beings. There are many facets in the study of human sexuality including: • Biological • Emotional • Physical • Sociological • Philosophical (Ellen Ross, Rayna Rapp Sex and Society: A Research Note from Social History and Anthropology Comparative Studies in Society and History). From a biological perspective, sexuality is defined as “the reproductive mechanism as well as the basic biological drive that exists in all species and can encompass sexual intercourse and sexual contact in all its forms”. There are also emotional or physical perspectives of sexuality, which refers to the “bond that exists between individuals, which may be expressed through
profound feelings or emotions, and which may be manifested in physical or medical concerns about the physiological or even psychological aspects of sexual behavior”. Sociologically, it includes the cultural, political, and legal aspects of sexual behavior. Philosophically, it emphasizes the moral, ethical, theological, spiritual or religious aspects of sexual behavior (Ellen Ross, Rayna Rapp Sex and Society: A Research Note from Social History and Anthropology Comparative Studies in Society and History). Human sexuality research has revealed that sexual variables are significant in developing one’s identity and to social evolution of individuals: “Human sexuality is not simply imposed by instinct or stereotypical conducts, as it happens in animals, but it is influenced both by superior mental activity and by social, cultural, educational and normative characteristics of those places where the subjects grow up and their personality develops. Consequently, the analysis of sexual sphere must be based on the convergence of several lines of development such as affectivity, emotions and relations” (Ellen Ross, Rayna Rapp Sex and Society: A Research Note from Social History and Anthropology Comparative Studies in Society and History). The biological aspects of human sexuality include human reproduction and other aspects such as organic and neurological responses, heredity, hormonal issues, gender issues and sexual dysfunction (Ellen Ross, Rayna Rapp Sex and Society: A Research Note from Social History and Anthropology Comparative Studies in Society and History). Additionally, human sexuality can be conceptualized as inclusive of the social life of humans, governed by implied rules of behavior. Of course, this involves cultural and societal influences including media such as politics and the mass media. Historically, media has caused significant changes in sexual social norms such as the sexual revolution (Ellen Ross, Rayna Rapp Sex and Society: A Research Note from Social History and Anthropology Comparative Studies in Society and History). 2. Psychology and Sex Human sexual experience can include significant emotional and psychological responses. Research studies on sexuality focus on psychological influences that impact sexual behavior and experience. Early psychological analyses were conducted by Sigmund Freud. He also introduced the concepts of erogenous zones, psychosexual development, and
the Oedipus complex (Ellen Ross, Rayna Rapp Sex and Society: A Research Note from Social History and Anthropology Comparative Studies in Society and History). Behaviorists including John B. Watson and B. F. Skinner evaluate the connection between behavior theory and sex. For example, they might study a child who is punished for sexual exploration and see if they grow up to associate negative feelings with sex in general. Social-learning theorists use similar concepts, but focus on cognitive activity and modeling (Ellen Ross, Rayna Rapp Sex and Society: A Research Note from Social History and Anthropology Comparative Studies in Society and History). Gender identity is “a person's own sense of identification as female, male, both, neither, or somewhere in between”. The social construction of gender has been discussed by a wide variety of scholars, Judith Butler notable among them. Recent contributions consider the influence of feminist theory and courtship research (Ellen Ross, Rayna Rapp Sex and Society: A Research Note from Social History and Anthropology Comparative Studies in Society and History). Human sexual behavior encompasses the search for a partner or partners, interactions between individuals, physical, emotional intimacy, and sexual contact. Unprotected sex may result unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. Prior to reliable contraception methods, controlling sexual behavior was practically important to parents in some societies. The methodologies employed by parents to try to prevent their children from prematurely becoming parents themselves could have a profound effect on the minds of those children (Ellen Ross, Rayna Rapp Sex and Society: A Research Note from Social History and Anthropology Comparative Studies in Society and History). Sexual behavior Sexual function is impacted significantly by cognitive process. Male sexual dysfunction includes inability to achieve an erection, penile insensitivity, premature ejaculation. Female sexual dysfunction includes inability to achieve orgasm and vaginismus. The dysfunctions described may contribute to the development of secondary problems. For example, sufferers may self medicate with substances. Sexual dysfunction clinical focus may include addressing low self esteem, guilt, and self-destructive impulses. Freud
claimed that neither predominantly different, nor same-sex sexuality was the norm. instead he argued that bisexuality is the normal human condition thwarted by society. A 1901 medical dictionary lists heterosexuality as "perverted" different-sex attraction, while by the 1960s its use in all forums referred to "normal" different-sex sexuality. In 1948 Alfred Kinsey publishes Sexual Behavior in the Human Male, popularly known as the Kinsey Reports (Ellen Ross, Rayna Rapp Sex and Society: A Research Note from Social History and Anthropology Comparative Studies in Society and History). For many years, homosexuality was classified as a psychiatric disorder. In 1973 homosexuality was declassified as a mental illness in the United Kingdom. In 1986 homosexuality as a psychiatric disorder was removed from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) of the American Psychiatric Association (Ellen Ross, Rayna Rapp Sex and Society: A Research Note from Social History and Anthropology Comparative Studies in Society and History). 3. Sexual Activity and Lifestyles Different-sex sexual practices are limited by laws in many places. In some countries, mostly those where religion has a strong influence on social policy, marriage laws serve the purpose of encouraging people to only have sex within marriage. Laws also ban adults from committing sexual abuse, committing sexual acts with anyone under an age of consent, performing sexual activities in public, and engaging in sexual activities for money. Heterosexual activities may be monogamous, serially monogamous, or polyamorous, and, depending on the definition of sexual practice, abstinent or autoerotic (Ellen Ross, Rayna Rapp Sex and Society: A Research Note from Social History and Anthropology Comparative Studies in Society and History).
8. Sexual Disorders 9. References 1. Definition Human sexuality can be defined as the manner in which people experience and express themselves as sexual beings. There are many facets in the study of human sexuality including: • Biological • Emotional • Physical • Sociological • Philosophical (Ellen Ross, Rayna Rapp Sex and Society: A Research Note from Social History and Anthropology Comparative Studies in Society and History). From a biological perspective, sexuality is defined as “the reproductive mechanism as well as the basic biological drive that exists in all species and can encompass sexual intercourse and sexual contact in all its forms”. There are also emotional or physical perspectives of sexuality, which refers to the “bond that exists between individuals, which may be expressed through
profound feelings or emotions, and which may be manifested in physical or medical concerns about the physiological or even psychological aspects of sexual behavior”. Sociologically, it includes the cultural, political, and legal aspects of sexual behavior. Philosophically, it emphasizes the moral, ethical, theological, spiritual or religious aspects of sexual behavior (Ellen Ross, Rayna Rapp Sex and Society: A Research Note from Social History and Anthropology Comparative Studies in Society and History). Human sexuality research has revealed that sexual variables are significant in developing one’s identity and to social evolution of individuals: “Human sexuality is not simply imposed by instinct or stereotypical conducts, as it happens in animals, but it is influenced both by superior mental activity and by social, cultural, educational and normative characteristics of those places where the subjects grow up and their personality develops. Consequently, the analysis of sexual sphere must be based on the convergence of several lines of development such as affectivity, emotions and relations” (Ellen Ross, Rayna Rapp Sex and Society: A Research Note from Social History and Anthropology Comparative Studies in Society and History). The biological aspects of human sexuality include human reproduction and other aspects such as organic and neurological responses, heredity, hormonal issues, gender issues and sexual dysfunction (Ellen Ross, Rayna Rapp Sex and Society: A Research Note from Social History and Anthropology Comparative Studies in Society and History). Additionally, human sexuality can be conceptualized as inclusive of the social life of humans, governed by implied rules of behavior. Of course, this involves cultural and societal influences including media such as politics and the mass media. Historically, media has caused significant changes in sexual social norms such as the sexual revolution (Ellen Ross, Rayna Rapp Sex and Society: A Research Note from Social History and Anthropology Comparative Studies in Society and History). 2. Psychology and Sex Human sexual experience can include significant emotional and psychological responses. Research studies on sexuality focus on psychological influences that impact sexual behavior and experience. Early psychological analyses were conducted by Sigmund Freud. He also introduced the concepts of erogenous zones, psychosexual development, and
the Oedipus complex (Ellen Ross, Rayna Rapp Sex and Society: A Research Note from Social History and Anthropology Comparative Studies in Society and History). Behaviorists including John B. Watson and B. F. Skinner evaluate the connection between behavior theory and sex. For example, they might study a child who is punished for sexual exploration and see if they grow up to associate negative feelings with sex in general. Social-learning theorists use similar concepts, but focus on cognitive activity and modeling (Ellen Ross, Rayna Rapp Sex and Society: A Research Note from Social History and Anthropology Comparative Studies in Society and History). Gender identity is “a person's own sense of identification as female, male, both, neither, or somewhere in between”. The social construction of gender has been discussed by a wide variety of scholars, Judith Butler notable among them. Recent contributions consider the influence of feminist theory and courtship research (Ellen Ross, Rayna Rapp Sex and Society: A Research Note from Social History and Anthropology Comparative Studies in Society and History). Human sexual behavior encompasses the search for a partner or partners, interactions between individuals, physical, emotional intimacy, and sexual contact. Unprotected sex may result unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. Prior to reliable contraception methods, controlling sexual behavior was practically important to parents in some societies. The methodologies employed by parents to try to prevent their children from prematurely becoming parents themselves could have a profound effect on the minds of those children (Ellen Ross, Rayna Rapp Sex and Society: A Research Note from Social History and Anthropology Comparative Studies in Society and History). Sexual behavior Sexual function is impacted significantly by cognitive process. Male sexual dysfunction includes inability to achieve an erection, penile insensitivity, premature ejaculation. Female sexual dysfunction includes inability to achieve orgasm and vaginismus. The dysfunctions described may contribute to the development of secondary problems. For example, sufferers may self medicate with substances. Sexual dysfunction clinical focus may include addressing low self esteem, guilt, and self-destructive impulses. Freud
claimed that neither predominantly different, nor same-sex sexuality was the norm. instead he argued that bisexuality is the normal human condition thwarted by society. A 1901 medical dictionary lists heterosexuality as "perverted" different-sex attraction, while by the 1960s its use in all forums referred to "normal" different-sex sexuality. In 1948 Alfred Kinsey publishes Sexual Behavior in the Human Male, popularly known as the Kinsey Reports (Ellen Ross, Rayna Rapp Sex and Society: A Research Note from Social History and Anthropology Comparative Studies in Society and History). For many years, homosexuality was classified as a psychiatric disorder. In 1973 homosexuality was declassified as a mental illness in the United Kingdom. In 1986 homosexuality as a psychiatric disorder was removed from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) of the American Psychiatric Association (Ellen Ross, Rayna Rapp Sex and Society: A Research Note from Social History and Anthropology Comparative Studies in Society and History). 3. Sexual Activity and Lifestyles Different-sex sexual practices are limited by laws in many places. In some countries, mostly those where religion has a strong influence on social policy, marriage laws serve the purpose of encouraging people to only have sex within marriage. Laws also ban adults from committing sexual abuse, committing sexual acts with anyone under an age of consent, performing sexual activities in public, and engaging in sexual activities for money. Heterosexual activities may be monogamous, serially monogamous, or polyamorous, and, depending on the definition of sexual practice, abstinent or autoerotic (Ellen Ross, Rayna Rapp Sex and Society: A Research Note from Social History and Anthropology Comparative Studies in Society and History).
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