Stress and the Dental Profession
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Describe the theory of stress as a response
• Noxious stressor • Individual physiological system • Stress as a response
Describe the theory of stress as a stimulus
• Stress as a stimulus • Psychological and physiological system • Alarm / resistance / exhaustion
Describe the theory of stress as a transaction
• Stressor • Stress as a complex, systemic transaction • Response
Give an overview of the stimulus model of stress
• Proposed by Homes and Rahe in 1967 • Certain life events cause stress (event is stressor) • Events are inherently stressful as they result in a change
According to the stimulus model of stress, for what 3 reasons are life events inherently stressful?
• Challenge the adaptation of an individual • Cause physiological an psychological strain • Lead to health problems
How did Homes and Rahe measure stress levels?
• Identified 43 stressful life events (gave each a score) • Developed Homes and Rahe Stress Scale • Model purports higher the score, the more likely a person is to experience physical illness within 6 months
What are 4 criticisms of Homes and Rahe’s model?
• Lack of explicitly stated characteristics of stressful situations • Lack of quantification of stress present • Expects individuals to be passive recipients of stress response • Suggests stress-free environment is optimal
Give an overview of the transactional model of stress
• Proposed by Lazarus and Folkman in 1984 • Focuses on individual’s perception of potential stressor • Primary and secondary appraisals are made • More dynamic process
What is the primary appraisal in the transactional model of stress?
Refers to a person’s perception of a stress stimulus and judgement about whether it is irrelevant, benign or harmful
What happens if the primary appraisal identifies a stressor as harmful in the transactional model of stress?
Secondary appraisal
What is the secondary appraisal in the transactional model of stress?
Evaluation of pros and cons of different coping strategies which determines coping behaviours
What is the major strength of the transactional model of stress?
It takes into account individual subjective experience and perception in relation to stress, and the intervening psychological mechanisms which underlie these individual differences
What is the major criticism of the transactional model of stress?
• It is not necessary to appraise something as stressful to have a stressful experience (PTSD) • Appraisal of stress may vary according to the stressor (reliant on personality type)
What is the biological model of stress?
Biology takes over regardless of the individual or stressor
What are 6 stressors reported by dentists?
• Threat of complaints • Dissatisfied patients • Concern about GDC • NHS targets • Running behind schedule • Emotional labour
What is emotional labour?
Work which involves significant amounts of face-to-face interaction with clients and where certain rules have to be followed in displaying emotions
What are 4 subtle symptoms of stress in the dental profession?
• Skipping lunch • Working late • Anger • Giving up hobbies
What are 4 obvious symptoms of stress in the dental profession?
• Lack of sleep • Poor concentration • Excessive tobacco / alcohol / caffeine intake • Inability to make decisions
What are 4 severe symptoms of stress in the dental profession?
• Chest pain • Weight loss • Random rapid or erratic pulse rate • Feelings of self-harm
What are 4 barriers which may prevent a dentist from seeking help?
• Stigma • Lack of awareness of stress symptoms • Lack of knowledge of help • Worried about business
What are 4 ways which a dentist could reduce their stress levels?
• Time management skills • Communication • Break during the day where possible • Take time off
What are 4 sources of support for a dental professional feeling stressed?
• Friends / family • Other colleagues • Professional organisations • Themselves (eat and sleep well, relax etc)
What is burn-out?
A syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress which has not been successfully managed
What 3 dimensions characterise burnout?
• Feeling of energy depletion • Increased mental distance from one’s job • Reduced professional efficacy