Psychosocial, or psychological health “…is the sum of how we think, feel, relate, and exist in our day-to-day lives” (Donatelle, 2019, p. 39). People who experience positive psychosocial health are able to respond to negative situations with resilience. Characteristics of a person with positive psychosocial health include: positive self-esteem; a strong sense of self; social confidence; effective management of stress, anxiety, and demands on life; a positive outlook on life; valuing diversity; and a respectful attitude toward others and their environments (pp. 39-40).

Psychosocial health can have a significant impact on personal health and wellness, such as a sleep deprivation, stress, and addiction. Stress is one dimension of psychosocial health that is characterized as a “mental and physical response and adaptation by our bodies to the real or perceived changes and challenges in our lives” (Donatelle, 2019, pp. 74). Individual stress responses may lead to sleep deprivation and chronic physical conditions such as ulcers or high blood pressure. It may also lead people to engage in coping strategies that may be unhealthy. For example, a person who is experiencing a high level of stress may seek solace in alcohol, nicotine, food, or other substances to which he or she may become addicted.

To sustain or improve psychosocial health, it is essential that individuals learn effective coping behaviors to reduce and manage stress. Such behaviors might include exercise, relaxation techniques, or meditation. Effective coping behaviors can have a dramatic impact in managing stress and reducing health risks.

To prepare:

• Review Chapter 2 in Health: The basics, 13th edition. Pay attention to the dimension of psychosocial health and how it impacts health and wellness.
• Review Chapter 3 in Health: The basics, 13th edition. Consider how stress can impact psychosocial health and the physical implications of stress. Focus on coping strategies to reduce stress.
• Review the media “Dimensions of Health Wheel.” Consider the definition and characteristics of psychosocial health.
• Review the media “Dimensions of Health Wheel.” Reflect on the relationship between stress and personal health and wellness. Consider strategies you use to manage stress.
• Review the article “The emotional brain and sleep: An intimate relationship.” Consider the impact of sleep deprivation on personal health and wellness.

With these thoughts in mind:

Select one of the three Discussion Questions.

Post a description of the strategies you use to manage stress and explain why you use them. Then explain whether your strategies are similar or different from the strategies in the Learning Resources and explain why yours may be just as effective. Finally, explain which strategy you consider to be most important in improving health and wellness, and why.

OR

Post an explanation of the relationship between sleep and stress. Provide two examples from either your personal experience or the current literature. Then, explain how sleep might impact health and wellness, and why.

OR

Post an explanation of the how addictive behaviors can impact health and wellness. Provide two examples. Then, explain two psychosocial factors that might influence addictive behaviors.

500 words +

Please make use of the textbook.

Sources to be used:

Donatelle, R. J. (2019). Health: The basics (13th ed.). San Francisco, CA: Pearson.

• Chapter 2, “Promoting and Preserving Your Psychological Health”
• Chapter 3 “Managing Stress and Coping with Life's Challenges”

Vandekerckhove, M., & Cluydts, R. (2010). The emotional brain and sleep: An intimate relationship. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 14(4), 219–226.
Note: Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

Required Media

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2012). Personal Health and Wellness: Dimensions of Health Wheel [Multimedia], Baltimore, MD: Author.

• Dimensions of Health: Week 2

Optional Resources

McFadden, K. M. (2010). Cross-addiction: from morbid obesity to substance abuse. Bariatric Nursing and Surgical Patient Care, 5(2), 145–178.
Note: Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.