4C - Biological Model Of Stress

Question 1

General Adaption Syndrome (GAS)

Answer 1

Non-specific - meaning it is the same irrespective of the type of stressor the organisms is exposed to and identical for everyone
Three Stages-
- alarm reaction
- resistance
- exhaustion

Question 2

Alarm Reaction Shock

Answer 2

• Body reacts as if it’s injured
• Biological reactions fall below regular functioning
• Blood pressure & temperature drops
• Freeze response occurs

Question 3

Alarm Reaction Countershock

Answer 3

• Sympathetic NS becomes dominant (F/F)
• Mobilises body to respond to the stressor (energises)
• Stress hormones are released
  
  • Adrenaline
  • Noradrenaline
  • Cortisol

Question 4

Resistance

Answer 4

• The body adapts to persistent stress
• Maintains high levels of arousal
• Cortisol level is increased so that the body can be resistant to the stressor
• Body attempts to stabilise internal environment
• Immune system is suppressed
• Minor illnesses start to occur

Question 5

Exhaustion

Answer 5

• The body cannot maintain its level of resistance to the stressor and cortisol resources (energy and hormones) become depleted
• Levels of resistance/arousal drop below normal levels
• Serious illness start to occur
• Example - depression, high blood pressure, anxiety, etc

Question 6

Explanatory Power

Answer 6

Is the ability of a theory/model to explain subject matter effectively

Question 7

GAS Model Strengths

Answer 7

• The model suggests a predictable pattern of responses that can easily be tested in a laboratory
• It is one of the first theories to suggest that stress can weaken the body’s resistance to illness

Question 8

GAS Model Limitations

Answer 8

• It does not acknowledge the psychological or cognitive processing involved in the human stress response, which can affect how much an individual experiences the stress response
• It does not account for individual differences in stress responses