Chapter 3 Flashcards
nervous tension
Uncomfortable response to a negative event
Stress
general physical and emotional state that accompanies the stress response (can appear in both positive and negative situations)
- learning to cope with stress is a type of resilience
stressor
any physical or psychological event or condition that produces stress
stress response
physical or emotional changes associated with stress
What are the two body systems that control stress response
- nervous system (brain, spinal cord, nerves)
2. endocrine system (glands, tissues and cell management through hormones)
what is the nervous system composed of? What are the 2 types of controls
- voluntary control (ie. moving your arm)
2. involuntary control (ie. breathing)
autonomic nervous system
controls basic body processes; consisting of the sympathetic and parasympathetic division
- not under conscious supervision
parasympathetic division
moderates the excitatory effect of the sympathetic division, slowing metabolism and restoring energy supply
sympathetic division
reacts to danger or other challenges by almost instantly accelerating body processes by using norepinephrine
neopinephrine
neurotransmitter - released onto specific tissues to increase their function during increased activity - when released causes arousal in the brain
- commands body to mobilize energy where its needed
What triggers the endocrine system?
sympathetic division
endocrine system
glands, tissues and cells that secrete hormones into the bloodstream to influence metabolism and other body processes
hormones
chemical messengers produced in the body and transported in the bloodstream to target cells/organs for specific regulation of their activities
What happens to the body when cortisol and epinephrine are released?
- heart and respiration rate increase to speed O2 through the body
- hearing and vision become acuter
- liver releases sugar into the blood to boost energy
perspiration increases to cool skin - brain releases endorphins
cortisol
a steroid hormone secreted by the cortex (outer) of the adrenal gland (“hydrocortisone)
epinephrine
a hormone secreted by the medulla (inner) of the adrenal gland that affects the functioning organs involved in responding to a stressor (“adrenaline”)
endorphins
brain secretions that have pain-inhibiting effects
flight or fight reaction
- sir Walter canon
defence reaction that prepares an individual for conflict by triggering hormonal, cardiovascular, metabolic and other changes
homeostasis
state of stability and consistency in an individual’s physiological functioning
what division or system helps to calm the body down? (i.e.. back to homeostasis)
parasympathetic division
emotional and behavioural responses to stressors - what 2 things influence the magnitude if the stressor? if a person feels like they cant cope what happens?
- successful prediction and perception of control are 2 factors that can reduce the magnitude of the stressor
- everyone’s perception/reaction to stressors differ
- if an individual perceives a situation as exceeding their ability to cope, the results can be negative emotion/response (vice versa)
Common emotional responses to stressors
- anxiety
- depression
- fear
(partly determined by inborn personality or temperament)
effective behavioural responses to stressors
- talking
- laughing
- exercising
- meditating
- becoming more assertive
(we have control over this)
ineffective behavioural responses to stressors
- overeating
- expressing hostility
- tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use
(we have control over this)