Title: Psychosomatic Model of Disease
1Psychosomatic Model of Disease
- Why we worry so much about this phenomenon called
stress!!
2The stress response...
a natural, physiological survival mechanism.
3Just what is the value of this survival response?
- cardiovascular changes
- respiratory changes
- energy changes
- muscular changes
- pupil dilation
- piloerection
- sweaty palms
4The Psychosomatic Model
- the mind (psycho-) exerting its influence over
the body (soma-)
- the translation and conversion of one form of
energy into another
5Sensory Stimulus
Sensory Perception
Cognitive Appraisal
Emotional Arousal
Mind-Body Link
Physical Arousal
Physical Effects
6Disease
7And, the potential for somatopsychic effects
- Body exerts its influence over the mind
- the physiological effects as sensory stimuli
- the identification of disease as sensory stimuli
- Note the importance of cognitive appraisal
8Generally speaking...
- stressful events elicit generalized body arousal
- stressors are appraised immediately at the
hypothalamic level (i.e., for danger) - messages are conducted to higher limbic and
cortical levels - feelings and thoughts may further stimulate
arousal - appropriate body systems are enlisted to respond
to the events
9Generally speaking...
- trophotropic (relaxation) mechanisms attempt to
normalize response (i.e., homeostasis) - reticular arousal may continue, increasing CNS /
PNS reactivity - any / all systems may develop a higher resting
reactivity - body learns this response
- learned response may continue as a prolonged
response to other events
10This model lays the foundation for
psychoneuroimmunology
- the study of the intricate interaction among our
consciousness (psycho), brain and nervous
systems (neuro) and bodys internal and
external defense mechanisms (immunology).
11as well as for intervention.
avoidance social engineering prayer and
affirmation imagery
Sensory Stimulus ?
Sensory Perception ?
eye, ear skin protection
cognitive restructuring esteem
building assertiveness
Cognitive Appraisal ?
disputing irrational thoughts calming techniques
(e.g., QR, meditation)
Emotional Arousal ?
deep breathing exercises acupressure / massage
Physical Arousal ?
physical exercise progressive muscle relaxation
yoga
Physical Effects ?
12Our challenge is to keep our balance by working
with stress!!
Personal Changes
Professional Changes
Volunteer Changes
Implementation
13And finally, ask yourself these questions...
- Who manages stress well?
- What qualities (beliefs, attitudes, skills,
behaviors) make that so? - What is your personal management style?
- What can you add (or delete) from that style to
help you cope better?