Ch 6

Question 1

Arousal…

Answer 1

Arousal is a heightened sense of awareness. Moderate arousal has been shown to be best for performance efficiency and affect.

Question 2

We see increases in ___ and ___ with arousal

Answer 2

dopamine and norepinephrine

Question 3

Boredom is associated with…

Answer 3

underarousal, motivation for change, seeking impulsivity

Question 4

Other dimensions of arousal (6 points)

Answer 4

blood sugar, nutritional status, cortical NTs (GABA), rest and fatigue, circadian rhythm, health status

Question 5

Define stress

Answer 5

Stress is a psychophysiological consequence of an event that challenges an organism’s ability to cope. Stressors can be any stimuli that disrupt homeostasis. This requires adaptation or adjustment.

Question 6

General Adaptation Syndrome

Answer 6

1. Acute stress response (emergency reaction)- SNS activation, adrenal and central catecholamine release. Rebound- PNS activation, slow SNS deactivation, central aCH release.
2. Chronic stress (resistance)- long-term HPA axis activation, enhanced acute stress response, enhanced central monoamine activity.
3. Exhaustion- idiosyncratic, involves psychopathology.

Question 7

Examples of acute stressors

Answer 7

novelty, loss in status, cognitive challenge, less reward than expected.

Question 8

Acute Stress Physiology

Answer 8

HPA axis activation (CRF -> ACTH -> adrenal cortex -> cortisol)

Question 9

What effects does cortisol have on the body?

Answer 9

Cortisol liberates stored energy and converts fatty acids and amino acids into glucose. It facilitates adrenaline release from adrenal glands. It temporarily suppresses growth hormone and immunity, and stimulates appetite.

Question 10

Cortisol (stress) and appetite

Answer 10

In females, associated with social stress.

In males, associated with achievement-failure.

Question 11

Emotional eaters and ghrelin

Answer 11

Ghrelin increases when stressed and returns to baseline quickly in non-emotional eaters, but stays elevated in emotional eaters.

Question 12

Some points about chronic stress and stressors

Answer 12

Prolonged HPA activation. Chronic stressors include severe loss of control, social subordination, extreme coping failure. CRF can have direct anxiogenic effects; ACTH acts in the brain to increase catecholamine activity.

Question 13

Corticosteroids in the brain…

Answer 13

Bind selectively in the limbic system (HT, amygdala, hippocampus, septum). Moderate levels can inhibit MAO which breaks down serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, promoting positive affect. Chronically high levels correlated with depression.

Question 14

Some impacts of chronic stress on the body

Answer 14

suppresses immunity and growth hormone, increases blood pressure, causes hippocampal damage, associated with weight gain and shorter life span.

Question 15

Epel et al study and caregiving

Answer 15

Telomere length decreases as chronicity of caregiving increases. Telomere length decreases as perceived stress scale increases.

Question 16

Unique impact of stress on women…

Answer 16

Stress can be harmful for reproduction and nurturance which are costly biological processes. It can inhibit ovulation, cycling and disrupt pregnancy.

Question 17

Exhaustion is caused by excessive ____ activity

Answer 17

adrenocortical; idiosyncratic weaknesses emerge, can lead to heart failure, stroke, ulcers, depression etc.

Question 18

Long term and short term effects of PTSD

Answer 18

Short term: shock, terror, sleeplessness, sensory disturbances.
Long term: paranoia, delusions, depression

Question 19

Glucocorticoids and stress are…

Answer 19

not one in the same!! They have primary functions in energy mobilization, including carb metabolism. They are also used in many therapeutic settings.