Allostasis Flashcards
What is allostasis? Provide an example.
Refers to the process of maintaining biological and psychological stability by changing in response to stressors. Hence, considers biological, psychological and social factors such that individual’s will respond to stressor in a unique way. For example, heart rate, immune system, hunger and blood pressure.
Distinguish between homeostasis and allostasis.
Homeostasis helps the body to remain stable by staying the same while allostasis helps the body to remain stable by changing.
Homeostasis has no illness while allostasis has potential leading to illness.
Homeostasis has no anticipation of demand while allostasis has an anticipation for demand.
What are some of a person’s factors that impact an individual’s ability to adapt to stressor through allostasis?
Genetics; early experiences; learned behaviours that affect lifestyle choices; social support system; cultural background.
What are some initial stress responses in regards to allostasis (list at least 3)?
Increased heart-rate and blood pressure; increased perspiration; mobilisation of energy; increased attention; decrease in pain; decrease in digestion.
What are some prolonged stress responses? (At least 3)
Impaired immune system; suppression of appetite and digestion; suppression of growth; persistence of increased heart rate and blood pressure; interference with learning and memory.
What is the allostasis load?
The cumulative effect of our body trying to re-establish allostasis in response to stressors. The greater the number, duration and intensity of stressful events a person experiences, the greater their allostasis load.
What is an allostasis overload?
Frequent activation of the stress response over a long period of time leads to higher levels of adrenalin and cortisol in the bloodstream. The greater the allostatic load, the greater the potential for serious disease to develop.
What is homeostasis? Provide an example.
Refers to the body’s ability to maintain a stable physiological environment by keeping certain bodily conditions constant. It does not consider combined effect of biological, psychological and social factors. For example, temperature must remain within very narrow limits.
