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Understanding Psychology Book Cover Image
Understanding Psychology, 6/e
Robert S. Feldman, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Health Psychology: Stress, Coping, and Health

Frequently Asked Questions

I have recently seen a lot of bare-chested, buff men in advertisements and I think it's having an effect on a man's self-image. Are men starting to succumb to the same eating disorders normally associated with women?

It is in fact the case that the prevalence of eating disorders is on the rise among young men. Pin-pointing the cause of this trend is difficult; however it may be in part due to the increasing use of male bodies in advertisements that create a cultural standard that many men find hard to live up to.

How can I reduce the level of stress in my everyday life?

Stress reduction can be addressed at two levels: first, minimizing the amount of stress in one's life and them coping with the stress that is unavoidable. Strategies for avoiding stress include saying no to things that are unnecessary or unimportant; and setting achievable gals. Also, realistically estimating the time needed for tasks and building a little extra time into one's schedule can reduce everyday stress.

Some amount of stress is unavoidable, but exercise as well as conscious efforts at relaxation (such as meditation) can help to cope wit it. Finally, reframing is a powerful mental tool to reduce stress: try to see changes and problems as challenges to be met, as opportunities to grow.