characteristics of stress

Question 1

types of stress?

Answer 1

1. acute
2. episodic
3. chronic

Question 2

acute stress?

Answer 2

most common type of stress experienced, stress is immediate and short term.
- exam deadline, work deadline and exam

Question 4

episodic stress?

Answer 4

repeated instances of short term stress. stress usually comes apart of their lifestyle
- nurse job

Question 5

chronic stress?

Answer 5

persistent stress over a long period of time such as poverty, relationship problems. can feel like there is no escape, difficult to treat and manage

Question 6

stress as a physiological response?

Answer 6

when we’re stressed our nervous system is activated and we produce hormones that help us deal
- adrenaline is released in sudden shock situations preparing our body for action trigged by the SAM pathway
- cortisol is an important long term stress hormone this is regulated via HPA

Question 7

supporting research for physiological effects ?

Answer 7

Hans seyle - first person to investigate the physiological effects of long term stress by studying rats, he subjected them to physical stressor such as noice, heat and cold. He found that the the rats response to stress is universal and names it the general adaptation syndrome GAS

Question 8

stages of GAS?

Answer 8

1. alarm reaction - fight or flight
2. resistance stage - coping but resources depleting
3. exhaustion stage - physical or mental breakdown may occur

Question 9

physical effects of stress ?

Answer 9

short term - increased blood pressure, sweaty palms, headaches

chronic or episodic - long term effects leading to physical illness such as issues with digestive systems, immune systems and heart disease

Question 10

psychological effects of stress?

Answer 10

stress can lead to feelings of isolation and low self esteem. can lead to mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression.

can also lead to lifestyle changes such as increased smoking and drinking. less exercise and unhealthy diet.