Psychology B1 - physiological responses

Question 1

physiological responses to stress

Answer 1

-when we don’t have resources to cope, become stressed
-key body parts = hypothalamus, pituitary gland and adrenal medulla
-affect: senses -eyes dilate
lungs - shallow breathing
heart - increased blood
pressure
stomach - nausea

Question 2

hypothalamus

Answer 2

-sends signals to two areas of body, pituitary gland and adrenal medulla
-in the brain

Question 3

pituitary gland

Answer 3

-aids release of hormones, helps with stress
-in the brain

Question 4

adrenal medulla

Answer 4

-regulates body systems, heartbeat and breathing gets faster
-part of automatic nervous system

Question 5

three physiological explanations to stress

Answer 5

1. Seyle’s general adaptation syndrome (GAS)
2. sympathomedullary system –acute stress (SAM)
3. hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal – chronic stress (HPA)

Question 6

Seyle’s GAS - stage one

Answer 6

-alarm stage
-physiological responses of the body = activated –prepare for fight or flight
-hypothalamus triggers production of adrenaline and noradrenaline

Question 7

Seyle’s GAS - stage two

Answer 7

-resistance stage
-stress continues, physiological activity = greater
-energy reserves (hormones + sugars) are used up
-body appears to cope, isn’t coping
-damage to heart/blood vessels
-parasympathic branch of the nervous system activated, conserve energy (restful)

Question 8

Seyle’s GAS - stage three

Answer 8

-exhaustion stage
-resources depleted
-adaption to stressor fails
-initial symptoms start up - sweating/increased heart rate
-adrenal glands become damaged, immune system compromised
-stress related illnesses are likely

Question 9

sympathomedullary system

Answer 9

-acute stress
-fight or flight response
-sympatha = sympathetic branch of automatic nervous system
-controls body + automatic responses
-medullary = middle of adrenal glands

Question 10

SAM - acute stress

Answer 10

1. hypothalamus activates sympathetic nervous system
2. ANS - parasympathetic to sympathetic
3. hypothalamus signals release of adrenaline
4. adrenaline causes physiological changes
5. stressor passes, parasympathetic restores body, normal
6. prepares you for fight or flight

Question 11

Hypothalamic- Pituitary- Adrenal system

Answer 11

-chronic stress
-changes in body during stress

Question 12

HPA - chronic stress

Answer 12

1. hypothalamus releases CORTICOTROPHIN RELEASING FACTOR
2. stimulates pituitary gland, adrenaline pumped in blood
3. main stress hormone = ADRENOCORTICOTROPHIC HORMONE –> from pituitary gland
4. travels to adrenal cortex, stimulates cortisol - increases glycogen
5. lowered sensitivity to pain, impaired cognition, slower digestive system

Question 13

fight or flight response

Answer 13

-automatic physiological reaction to a stressful event
-activates SNS, acute stress
-developed in EEA
-helped ancestors deal with short-term problems, nowadays threats don’t fall into the same categories, still respond due to genome lag

Question 14

EEA

Answer 14

-Environment of Early Adaptation

Question 15

gender differences
(evaluation)

Answer 15

-most research carried out on men
-assume genders respond in same way -SNS + HPS
-women likely to befriend enemy or seek social support
-increase production of endorphins –> motivation to behave in a friendly way
-responses = different

Question 16

other explanations
(evaluation)

Answer 16

-fight or flight, new concept
-FREEZE CONCEPT added
-happens when coping mechanisms can’t cope with stress
-COGNITIVE PARALYSIS
-over thinking situation, situation can’t be dealt with

Question 17

fight or flight = maladaptive
(evaluation)

Answer 17

-maladaptive –> behaviour that interferes with individual’s activities of living or ability to adjust
-response today, doesn’t apply, not faced with situations
-stressors activate response regularly, puts strain on vital organ, not healthy when continually stressed