dp.7 - positive effects of stress

Question 1

arousal and stress

Answer 1

Acute stressors typically appear suddenly, produce a high level of physiological arousal and have immediate short lasting effects.
In contrast, chronic stressors typically last a long time and produce a light level of arousal that also tends to persist over a long period of time.

Question 2

fight-flight-freeze response

Answer 2

The initial reactor is the fight-flight-freeze response. It occurs due to the arousal of the sympathetic nervous system. It is activated when the body is confronted with a stressor and chooses to either confront the stressor (fight), run (flee), or remain motionless (freeze)
Any adaptive response that gives the body all necessary resources to maximise survival

Question 3

cortisol

Answer 3

Cortisol in a stress hormone
It is vital for maintaining the health and wellbeing of the body when under stress
The activation of cortisol increases the body’s ability to fight the stressor, however it also decreases the body’s immunity
If a stressor persists, cortisol is activated over a prolonged period of time and it becomes depleted (exhaustion stage). Here, the body isn’t as able to cope with the stressor anymore.
to energise the body by increasing energy supplies such as blood sugar and enhancing metabolism.

Question 4

GAS (general adaptation syndrome)

Answer 4

(biological process of stress)
a three-stage physiological response to stress that occurs regardless of the stressor that is encountered. This means that the GAS is non-specific and will occur whatever the source of the stressor.

Question 5

SCARE

Answer 5

shock, counter shock, alarm reaction stage, resistance stage, exhaustion stage

Question 6

shock

Answer 6

Below normal resistance to stress
The body acts as though it is injured, blood pressure and body temperature drop
its ability to deal with the stressor falls below its normal level. Physiologically, the body reacts as if it were injured

Question 7

counter shock

Answer 7

Above normal resistance to stress
Sympathetic nervous system is activated;fight-flight-freeze response is activated. Adrenalin released
the sympathetic nervous system is activated and the body’s resistance to the stressor increases. The organism’s response is a fight–flight response. It becomes highly aroused and alert as it prepares to deal with the stressor.

Question 8

alarm reaction stage

Answer 8

The first stage of the GAS involves an initial response called the alarm reaction stage which occurs when the person (or animal) first becomes aware of the stressor.

Question 9

resistance stage

Answer 9

Cortisol is released and all unnecessary functions are shut down. Individual appears as though all is normal
the body’s resistance to the particular stressor rises above normal.
Maximise resources to cope and adapt to the stressor

Question 10

exhaustion stage

Answer 10

Resources are depleted. Immune system is left weakened and prolonged release of adrenaline has negative effects in the body. Individual is susceptible to illness and disease
some of the alarm reaction changes may reappear, but the body cannot sustain its resistance and the effects of the stressor can no longer be dealt with.
Body is vulnerable and weak

Question 11

strengths of GAS

Answer 11

It measures a predictable pattern that can be measured in individuals

If stress is not prolonged stages are still experienced, therefore tracks biological patterns in different types of stress

Question 12

limitations of GAS

Answer 12

Research was not conducted on humans

Does not account for individual differences and psychological factors