Exercise and Stress Flashcards
stress
a state of disharmony or threatened homeostasis; what we experience when we face challenges in our lives
stressors
the challenges we face; can be internal or external
distress
negative stress; ex. exams, divorce, deadlines
eustress
positive stress; ex. marriage, graduation, job promotion
General Adaptation Syndrome
Three stages that are a continuum:
- arousal and alarm
- resistance
- exhaustion
arousal and alarm
when an acute, or short-term stressor is encountered; may trigger “flight or fight”
-ex. threat of injury, embarrassment, potential loss
- followed by feelings of anxiety, irritability, and vulnerability until resolved
resistance
if the stressor remains unresolved and continues; characterized by strain, worry, cynicism, and difficulty sleeping
exhaustion
if the stressor becomes prolonged, chronic, or has no resolution; individual becomes overloaded
stress response
initiated when some real, perceived, or expected threat/challenge is encountered
What part of the brain is thought to be primarily responsible for initiating the stress response?
amygdala
What are some physiological responses to stress?
- at an early age, can induce increased volume in amygdala/decreased volume in prefrontal cortex
- increased HR
- increased cardiac output
- increased BP
- release of cortisol
What are some psychological responses to stress?
- perceptions of control decrease
- levels of anxiety increase
- passive coping increases (avoidance)
- increases in epinephrine
- distress levels increase
primary appraisal
(challenge, threat, harm) results from assessing a situation as important yet potentially demanding
secondary appraisal
leads to the revision of the initial appraisal; involve questioning what options are available and how viable they might be
homeostasis
ability of an organism to change and stabilize its internal environment in spite of constant changes in the external environment; return to equilibrium
