Changes and Human Behaviour Flashcards
What are the three predictable stages the body uses to respond to stressors?
First stage: Alarm stage
- provides a burst of energy. It activates the nervous system and secretes the adrenalin. During this
phase, the drive of the person will increase, think faster and output soars. At the same time, if the energy is not put to use, a person will end up feeling irritable, bad tempered, frustrated, increased heartbeat,
sweaty palm, and downright miserable.
Second stage: Resistance Stage
- the body attempts to
resist or adapt to the stressor. The body prepares itself for the next onslaught. During this phase, the adrenal glands require a number of vitamins (in particular B5) and minerals (in particular manganese) to
resist and repair the damage caused by stress.
Last stage: Exhaustion Stage - because energy is depleted. If the
stress continued unabated for long periods and the adrenal glands are unable to meet the demands of the vital vitamins and minerals, the person will experience some of the following signs and symptoms:
•Tiredness that refuses to be quenched by sleep •General weakness •change in sex drive •Impotence •Frequent colds •Indigestion •Allergic reactions to foods previously not allergic •Insomnia or disturbed sleep •Frigidity •Frequent sore throats •Dizzy spells •Stomach problems such as bloating after meals
Share some Types of Changes that Lead to Stress
Stress from change is a natural part of life.
Life changes can be minor or
significant. Examples of life changes may include:
a. changes to one’s life events e.g. marriage, birth or death
b. changes in one’s financial condition e.g. job termination, stock market crash or incapacitated.
c. changes in one’s environmental condition e.g. overseas postings, new neighbourhood or new laws
What are the Two Types of Stress?
- Positive stress (Eustress): events or experiences which are exciting and satisfying such as promotion, a raise and an achievement.
- Negative stress (Distress): events or experiences which are annoying and dissatisfying such as a complaint, an examination and a reprimand from supervisor.
Each person has his/her unique way of defining what is stressful. The environment shapes how one perceives an event or experience as positive or negative. Therefore, the perception of the event/experience is the source of the stress rather than the event itself. For example: a person who is going to retire in 6 months’ time, might be stressed because he/she does not know what to do with his/her time; another person could be looking forward to retirement because he/she is going to have more time to pursue his/her personal interests finally.
Name some Positive Changes and Negative Changes that cause stress
Positive changes: Marriage Marital reconciliation Pregnancy Changing jobs Unfulfilled aspirations Revision of personal habits Christmas Changing health habits Buying a house Gain a new family member Retirement
Negative changes: Death of a spouse or partner Divorce Job loss Imprisonment Sexual problems Foreclosure Illness Death of a close friend Physically impaired Rejection from the social groups (physical and virtual)
Relate How Changes Affect Human Behaviour
Refer to LG pages 69 & 70
