Question

Theo returned home from vacationing in Europe. While he was flying home, his father died after suffering a heart attack. When told of his father's death, Theo suffered from symptoms similar to a panic attack. The unexpected death of his father would be described as a(n) __________ for Theo.

Answer 1

Answer: The unexpected death of his father would be described as an acute stressor for Theo.

Explanation:

• Acute stressor is a traumatic, unexpected experience which results in psychological shock or acute stress disorder (ASD). Symptoms include distressing dreams and frequent flashbacks of the event, lack of sleep, absence of positive emotions, anger, aggression, etc.

• Acute stress differs from chronic stress in that it is short-term, which makes it easier for our body to cope with it. Chronic stress, on the other hand, is long-term and can result in increased blood pressure, heart rate, and other health issues.

• Primary appraisal is one's assessment of a particular event, which includes making a decision if that particular event represents a stressor. Primary appraisal is followed by secondary appraisal, a process in which a person considers how to cope with a particular event.