6. Stress Flashcards
What is the definition of stress?
A cognitive perception of uncontrollability or unpredictability that is expressed as a psychological or behavioural response
What is an acute stressor?
Temporary, short-lasting - Stuck in traffic, an argument, noisy environment
What is a chronic stressor?
Long-lasting- living in poverty, family responsibility
What is homeostasis?
How the body maintains optimum conditions for function in response to internal and external changes
How does a stressor impact on homeostasis?
Knocks you out of balance
How does a stress-response impact homeostasis?
The body’s way of re-establishing homeostasis
What happens in phase one of a stress response?
Distress signal sent to hypothalamus- sympathetic nervous system triggers fight-flight-freeze- adrenal gland pumps adrenaline and noradrenaline- heart beats faster to pump blood- epinephrene causes the release of glucose to supply to muscles
What happens if the stressor passes?
Cortisol levels fall so parasympathetic nervous system can regulate
What happens in phase two of a stress response?
Hypothalamus Pituitary-Adrenal axis activates- pituitary gland triggers the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)- ACTh reaches adrenal glands and prompts release of cortisol- body stays on high alert until threat passes
What is distress?
A negative stress response
Results from being overwhelmed and triggers physiological changes
What is eustress?
A positive stress response
Challenging but enjoyable and worthwhile task
What are some modifiers of stress?
Coping method, personality, resilience, previous experience, social support
What are the six steps of stress appraisal?
Potential Stressor
Primary appraisal
Irrelevant, benign-positive, challenging
Secondary appraisal
Coping response
Reppraisal
What is a problem-based coping mechanism?
Directly confronting the demand, solution generation
What is an emotion-based coping mechanism?
Behavioural- venting, drinking
Cognitive- re-appraisal, acceptance/denial
What is resilience?
The capacity to maintain well-being in response to adversity or stress (Connor & Davidson, 2003)
What are two core components of resilience? (Fletcher & Sarker, 2013)
Adversity
Positive adaptation
Can resilience be learnt?
Experience can ‘train’ resilience
active coping strategies increase resilience
