Psychobiology

Question 1

Describe the transnational model of stress

Answer 1

Stress can be defined as a pattern of appraisal, reaction, response and tendencies that occur in response to a perceived imbalance between situational demands (primary appraisal) and the resources needed to cope with them (secondary appraisal).

Question 2

Draw the transnational model of stress and give an example of its application using exams

Answer 2

Refer to notes
You evaluate how hard it will be and how much it counts (primary appraisal)
You will consider how your current knowledge equips you to pass (secondary appraisal)‏
You take into account potential consequences of failing with regards to their likelihood and seriousness
Finally, the psychological meaning of the consequences may be related to your beliefs about yourself or the world, e.g. “I am a total failure if I don’t do well in all my exams”.

Question 3

What are the 3 stages of Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome

Answer 3

Stage 1: Alarm Reaction – shift to sympathetic dominance therefore increasing arousal

Stage 2: Resistance – endocrine system releases ACTH to maintain increased arousal

Stage 3: Exhaustion – adrenals lose their ability to function normally

Question 4

Describe type A behaviour

Answer 4

Time urgency
Free-floating hostility
Hyper-aggressiveness
Focus on accomplishment 
Competitive and goal-driven

Question 5

What is the relationship of type A behaviour with cardiovascular health

Answer 5

Increased risk of coronary heart disease

Question 6

What is the placebo effect

Answer 6

an inactive substance like sugar, distilled water, or saline solution - can sometimes improve a patient’s condition simply because the person has the expectation that it will be helpful

Question 7

What is the nocebo effect

Answer 7

A negative effect that occurs after receiving treatment (therapy, medication), even when the treatment is inert/sham

Question 8

Describe the relationship between social support and health

Answer 8

Individuals with adequate social relationships have a 50% greater likelihood of survival compared to those with poor or insufficient social relationships.
Associated with decreased mortality
Social support exerts an effect beyond protective psychological role