Stress… in School

Zachery Tyson

Alan

Wilson

Mattie Vorder Bruegge

Allyssa Like

Definition of stress Merriam-Webster:

a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be a factor in disease causation

a state of bodily or mental tension resulting from factors that tend to alter an existent equilibrium

Free Medical Dictionary: an organism's total response to environmental demands

or pressures; term used to denote both the causes and the experienced effects of these pressures. stressor has been used for the stimulus that provokes a stress response. recurrent disagreement btw researchers about definition of stress in humans. Is it primarily an external response that can be measured by changes in glandular secretions, skin reactions, and other physical functions, or is it an internal interpretation of, or reaction to, a stressor; or is it both?

Types of stress Hypo-stress

Bored people suffer; generally work in an unchallenging job and perform the same task everyday;

feel constantly unmotivated and unhappy; decreases productivity of people - gain weight causes lack of motivation and feelings of loneliness.

If not diagnosed, can lead to turn depression & other conditions

Eustress (Good Stress) positive - increases creativity, physical performance,

enthusiasm and energy Some events and experiences motivate people and

increase their productivity. Ex. when an athlete about to run, eustress occurs

Distress Negative; results from

death of a loved one family problems chronic illnesses heavy work financial problems.

leads to chronic stress symptoms are high blood pressure, loss interest in

appearance, eating disorders, serious heart problems

Acute Stress intense type Stress - reaction of body to threat;

reaction - sudden response to threat Short term stressors: Danger, noise,

infection Hyper-stress

opposite of hypo stress; negative stress Overload or overwork – cause

Chronic Stress worst type, difficult to treat. increases blood pressure and heart rate Family problems, marriage difficulties, job

stress, loneliness – causes Teen Stress Work stress Oxidative Stress Job Stress Post Traumatic Stress Emotional Stress

Causes of Stress

Health Emotional Issues Relationships (lack of friendship or

support) Major life changes

Death of loved one Losing job Getting married Moving

Especially: TIME MANAGEMENT & WORKLOAD

Social and job issues

Surroundings (overpopulation, crime, pollution, noise)

Social situation (being poor, feeling lonely, discrimination – race, gender, age, sexual orientation)

Job – unhappy with work, job too demanding

Unemployment

Effects of Stress

leading cause of coronary artery diseases, cancer, accidents and respiratory diseases

Aggravates following illnesses: Hypertension, insomnia, diabetes, herpes, multiple sclerosis, etc.

short term effects: poor concentration, irritability, anger, and poor judgment.

Suicide

Three-quarters (73%) of 804 teachers and lecturers believe children are under more pressure now than 10 years ago, with testing and exams, and family break-up causing the most distress; Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL)

manifestations of stress include: crying (reported by 76% of respondents) withdrawal (70%) aggression on students(68%) verbal abuse (64%) bullying other pupils (53%) fighting (48%).

ATL's survey: 72% of teachers said their school has a policy to identify pupils with problems, and 74% have a counsellor; 18% of teachers thought support services well co-ordinated.

stress cause prevalence: testing and exams (89%) family break-ups (68%) peer and family pressure(51%) also the

main causes of problems cyber-bullying (38%) physical or verbal bullying (26%).

Stress in Teachers Lack/inadequate instructional materials, teaching

resources Facility inadequacy – materials, resources,

heating/cooling, lighting, media facilities, noise, room structure

Poor classroom working conditions (small room, many students)

Financial issues – salaries, budgets, promotions• Decreased job mobility

Classroom distractions Conflict between amount of time to teach

and curriculum Teachers roles: teacher, mother/father,

coach, counselor … Heavy workload – no relaxation, less time High-Stakes Assessment Testing Responsible to:

Administration/Board Objectives & Policies students, parents, school

administration/board Physical and Mental abuse by student

Stress Tips for Teachers Relaxation

meditation Yoga Breathing read a book – helps unwind Listen to music Happy hour w/ friends

Organizational Method Calendars Daily routines: helps w/ sleep cycle and energy Use substitutes Set realistic goals – help find balance

Educational methods Don’t check emails – unnecessary

stress if not extremely important Teacher conventions/workshops –

connect w/ other educators & be on “cutting edge” of career

Student assistance (peer helping) Get to know parents Back to college: higher degrees &

night classes Personal Methods

Anger management (stress balls help!)

Chocolate – boosts endorphins in brain

Volunteer/community service