7a Psychobiology of Disease Flashcards
Outline transactional model of stress
Primary appraisal = interpretation of stressor (threat/no threat)
Secondary appraisal = analysis of available resources (sufficient/insufficient)
Insufficient resources to deal with perceived threat = stress
Coping (problem-focused vs. Emotion-focused)
Repraisal
What are the three stages of Selye’s general adaptation syndrome?
Stage 1: Alarm Reaction– shift to sympathetic dominance –increased arousal
Stage 2: Resistance – endocrine system produces ACTH to maintain the increased arousal
Stage 3: Exhaustion– adrenals lose their ability to function normally
Describe the psycho-psychological and behavioural pathways linking stress and disease.
Events cause stress
Stress leads to physiological changes and behavioural changes
These lead to disease
What effect does stress have on the immune system?
Immunosuppression
What is Type A behaviour?
- Time urgency
- Free-floating hostility
- Hyper-aggressiveness
- Focus on accomplishment
- Competitive and goal-driven
What is the link between Type A behaviour and cardiovascular disease?
Increased risk of coronary heart disease
- Mechanism:
poor health behaviours –> increased physiological response to stressors –> endothelial dysfunction –> atherosclerosis
NOTE: the Western Collaborative Group Study confirmed this
Describe the relationship between social support/relationships and health.
Individuals with adequate social relationships have a 50% greater likelihood of survival compared to those with poor or insufficient social relationships
Social support exerts effects beyond the protective psychological role
High social support is associated with decreased mortality
What is a nocebo?
Detrimental effect on health produced by psychological or psychosomatic factors such as negative expectations of treatment or prognosis.
What is the placebo effect?
An inactive substance can sometimes improve a patient’s condition simply because the patient has the expectation that it will be helpful
