Health, Stress and Coping

Question 1

What three structures are in the HPA axis and their functions?

Answer 1

Hypothalamus – body temp, hunger, thirst, fatigue, sleep, sex drive
Pituitary gland – adrenocorticotropic hormone
Adrenal gland – pumps cortisol/adrenaline, faster heart rate, blood to muscles, senses become sharper

Question 2

What is the function of the HPA axis?

Answer 2

To control releases of cortisol in response to stress.

Question 3

What is the function of cortisol?

Answer 3

“natures built in alarm system”
Fuels flight or fight
- manages use of carbs and fats
- keeps inflammation down
- regulates blood pressure
- increase glucose
- boosts energy

Question 4

What does the autonomic nervous system consist of?

Answer 4

Sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight, prepares action)
Parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest)

Question 5

What are the three stages in the General Adaption Syndrome?

Answer 5

Alarm reaction stage – distress sent to hypothalamus, triggers release of adrenaline and cortisol (fight, flight)

Resistance – body tries to counteract physiological changes, Parasympathetic NS tries to reduce cortisol production, HR and BP back to normal, if stressors remain, body still alert but stress hormone gradually depletes.

Exhaustion – no longer equipped to fight stress, leads to depression/anxiety

Question 6

How is primary appraisal defined?

Answer 6

(Albert Ellis)
A focused form of social cognitive theory where specific beliefs are hypothesised to drive mood and behaviour

• Demandingness (must not be dismissed)
• Awfulising (it is awful that others do not approve)
• low-frustration tolerance (I cannot tolerate failing)
• Depreciation (if others think I am no good, I am worthless)