Learning Activities for BSCN 2144 Nursing Theory Class Week 2 Ends-In-View Recognize the paradigm shift from

emphasis on pathophysiologic disturbances to a focus on health encompassing functioning, and well-being, and not simply the absence of disease. It is important to realize that the goals of crisis intervention are not the simple absence of disease, but the stabilization, mitigation of acute signs and symptoms of distress, and the restoration of adaptive independent functioning to establish wellbeing of the individual (ability to obtain and function at highest potential). Explore the difference between stress, stress response, and adaptation and develop a conceptual understanding of stress in adaptation. Stress is a non-specific response of the body to any demand made on it. Stress response is a state of physiological and psychological arousal characterized by increased sympathetic nervous system activity that leads to increased heart and respiratory rate, increased blood pressure, increased muscle tension, increased brain activity, and decreased skin temperature. Adaptation is the ability to cope and manage specific external and internal stressors that seem to exceed available resources. Explore assessment of coping and develop an understanding of how the presence of adequate coping mechanisms, realistic perception of an event and adequate situational support influence response to crisis. The object of coping is to reduce stress by either modifying or removing external stressors or by making an accommodation with them which results in a reduction in stress levels. Coping tends to carry either a sense of success or a sense of failure. Based on Folkman and Lazarus, individuals can cope with two different approaches: problem-focused (evaluate problem and take action) or emotion-focused (emphasis on emotional response). Develop strategies to promote adaptive characteristics in families and individuals with complex health challenges. Crisis intervention is the provision of emergency psychological care to victims to assist those victim s in returning to an adaptive level of functioning and to prevent or mitigate the potential negative impact of psychological trauma. The main strategies to overcome complex health challenges are to intervene immediately, stabilize, facilitate understanding, focus on problem-solving, and to encourage selfreliance. The benefits of this strategy include group cohesion, catharsis, imitative behaviour, and sharing of information. Explore the concept of resilience as a consequence of effective coping post adversity.

Resilience is the ability to bounce back or cope successfully despite substantial adversity. Adversity is the feature that separates the concept of resilience from the personality trait of ego-resiliency. Common aspects of adversity that occur before the process of resilience are challenge, change, and disruption. A disruption allows individuals to learn or tap into resilient qualities and achieve resilient reintegration. The significant consequences of resilience are effective coping, mastery, and positive adaptation.