AOS1 - stress as a psychobiological process Flashcards
what is a stressor?
stimuli that cause or produce stress and challenge our ability to cope
what is eustress?
a positive phycological response to a stressor that induces feelings of enthusiasm and motivation
what is distress?
a negative psychological response to a stressor that induces feelings of anxiety or anger
what are the five sources of stress?
- daily pressures/hassles
- life events
- acculturative stress
- major stressors
- catastrophes
what is a daily pressure and provide one example?
minor hassles that are not necessarily significant such as being late to a meeting
what is a life event and provide one example?
changes that force us to adapt to new circumstances such as going through a divorce
what is acculturative stress?
stress experienced when adapting to a foreign country for a considerable amount of time
what is a major stressor and provide one example?
event that is extraordinarily stressful or disturbing of anyone who would experience it such the death of a loved one
what is a catastrophe and provide one example?
unpredictable even that causes widespread damage or suffering such as a natural disaster
what are the two models of stress?
- fight flight freeze response
- general adaption syndrome (GAS)
give three changes that might occur in the flight or fight response
- increased heart rate and blood pressure
- increased respiration rate to increase oxygen rate
- dilation of pupils so that the eyes can take in as much light as possible
describe the pathway for the fight flight response
sympathetic adreno-medullary system (SAM)
1. threat is perceived
2. activates sympathetic NS
3. SNS stimulates adrenal medulla
4. adrenal glands secrete hormones (adrenaline and noradrenaline)
5. activates f-f response
