Stress & Stressors
What is the difference between a stressor and stress?
A stressor is an event or demand; stress is the internal reaction to it.
Irrational thinking is often connected to what five words?
Should, ought, must, always, and never.
What does it mean to dispute an irrational belief?
To challenge or argue against it using rational thinking.
What is the “internal critic”?
DAILY DOUBLE
The irrational voice that judges a person harshly.
What prayer is mentioned in this session?
Serenity Prayer
According to the curriculum, what are examples of stressors?
People, places, events, rules, expectations, or requests.
Why is the statement “I must be stupid” irrational?
Because struggling to understand something does not mean someone is stupid.
What can happen when irrational beliefs are challenged?
Stress and anxiety can decrease.
Give one example of an irrational self-criticism from the curriculum.
“You don’t do anything right” or “You are a loser.”
What are two things the Serenity Prayer encourages people to do?
Accept things they cannot change and change things they can.
What are the three parts of the stress process?
Stressor event, beliefs, and emotional consequences
True or False: Everyone should always agree with each other.
False
What type of thinking helps replace irrational beliefs?
Rational thinking.
What two questions are part of the challenge test?
“Is there evidence it is true?” and “Is there evidence it is an exaggeration?”
Name one area of strength discussed in the curriculum.
Relationships, personality, emotional health, or physical health.
What affects how a person reacts to stress?
Their attitudes and beliefs.
What kinds of emotions can irrational beliefs create?
Stress, anxiety, anger, guilt, and depression.
Why is it important to dispute irrational beliefs in recovery?
Because irrational beliefs can lead to stress and relapse.
What is the difference between healthy self-criticism and irrational self-criticism?
Healthy self-criticism focuses on improvement; irrational criticism is exaggerated and destructive.
What are examples of external things people cannot change?
Other people, laws, expectations, or broken promises.
What is the three step-process for looking at a stressful event?
1. The stressor event
2. Beliefs
3. Emotional consequences
Why is saying “I never do anything right” irrational?
Because nobody fails at everything; it is an exaggeration.
What is one benefit of disputing irrational beliefs?
Reduced stress and healthier emotional responses.
According to the curriculum, why do irrational self-criticisms continue?
They act as unhealthy forms of self-protection.
What are the two tasks when facing internal things you cannot change?
Let it go and accept yourself as you are.