A2 Mock- Characteristics of stress

Question 1

List the 3 types of stress

Answer 1

1. Episodic
2. Acute
3. Chronic

Question 2

Explain the transactional model

Answer 2

Stress can be defined as a state of psychological and physical tension produced, according to the transactional model, when there is a mismatch between the perceived demands of a situation (the stressor) and the individual’s perceived ability to cope. This means when we look at the characteristics of stress we can consider what causes stress (the stressors) and how the body responds to stress (both physically and psychologically. However we should also note that not everyone will respond in the same way as we all have different perceptions of the stress situation and how we will cope, and our personalities may also affect how we respond.

Question 3

Explain stressors

Answer 3

If we consider what causes stress it is useful to make a distinction between different types of stress. Acute stress is when we experience of an immediate or short term threat such as a near accident, work deadline, and exam. Episodic acute stress – repeated instances of short term stress. This could include daily hassles - which are those seemingly minor irritating things in our life like getting stuck in traffic or a flickering light. Chronic stress – persistent stress over a long period such as poverty, persistent relationship problems. This sort of stress may include life events which are significant experiences that cause us to make a readjustment in our lives such as bereavement or moving house.

Question 4

Explain the physical response

Answer 4

When we are stressed our body responds by activating our autonomic nervous system which results in the production of hormones that help us deal with the situation.Adrenaline is released in the acute stress situation that prepares our body for action (the fight or flight response). Cortisol is an important for chronic long term stress, it is a hormone that causes glucose to be released for more energy. I

Question 5

What are the long term effects of stress?

Answer 5

If we are stressed for a long time the physical responses to the stress situation will mean that eventually our body will not be able to cope any longer and we will be prone to stress related illnesses. For example stress has been related to illnesses such as coronary heart disease, stomach ulcers and increased immune system activity. Because the immune system suffers we will be more susceptible to illness such as the cold virus. There are also psychological effects such as feeling isolated, lower self esteem and depression.

Question 6

Explain individual differences

Answer 6

As said above different things will mediate the stress response so that some people will respond more to the same stressor (individual differences). For example some personality types (hardy personalities and Type B personalities) will cope better and are less likely to become ill because of stress. The way we perceive the stress situation (if we see it as a threat or a challenge) will also affect how we respond. Finally our gender - males tend to respond to a stress situation by fight or flight, whereas women tend and befriend (use social networks).

Question 7

Is stress bad for us? (Eustress)

Answer 7

Finally it should be noted that not all stress is bad for you. A little bit of stress can be positive (called eustress) as it will help us get ready for the stress situation and we will perform better.