EFFECTS AND LIMITATIONS OF COGNITIVE REAPPRAISAL FOR STRESS REGULATION

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Stress is a natural function that people often mistakenly turn into a calamity. People use many strategies to cope with stress and some of those strategies may be more effective than others. An inability to properly identify and approach stress can lead to maladaptive behaviors that do not relieve stress, but instead exacerbate its consequential effects in the long term. The aim of this thesis is to review the literature on stress, including effects of both successful and maladaptive coping strategies and their limitations. Specifically, the first sections of the paper discuss: (1) the threat detection response (Acute Stress) and understanding its biological purpose for means of survival, (2) How overexposure to acute stress leads to symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder (ASD),(3) Cognitive and behavioral inhibition as natural effects of the acute stress response, and (4) the literature on maladaptive coping strategies and how they lead to chronic stress. Once the reader has an understanding of how and why stress occurs, we review the literature on techniques for stress regulation to enhance the approach of successfully regulating stress. Concluding with the limitations of these techniques in reference to long-term psychosocial adjustment in stressful environments, indicating a need for future research to review long term strategies for reducing the risk of “years-of-service” equating to “years-of-burnout.” Although most research done on stress indicates the benefits of cognitive reappraisal techniques in the short term, it does not pursue the long-term effects of stress reduction for psychosocial adjustment in work environments where stress is constant and expected.