Response to Stress Flashcards
What is the general adaptation syndrome (GAS)?
A model that describes the physiological stress response in three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.
GAS explains how the body responds to stressors over time.
What are the effects of acute stress?
Increased heart rate, muscle tone, and respiratory rate for survival.
Acute stress is a short-term response to immediate threats.
What is chronic stress?
A prolonged stress response that can lead to negative health impacts.
Chronic stress can result from repeated exposure to stressors.
Define toxic stress.
Excessive or prolonged activation of the stress response, often leading to adverse effects on health and development.
Children are particularly vulnerable to toxic stress.
What are the key neurotransmitters involved in the stress response?
Acetylcholine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine.
These neurotransmitters play crucial roles in the body’s reaction to stress.
What hormones are primarily involved in the stress response?
Cortisol and epinephrine.
Cortisol helps regulate metabolism and immune response during stress.
What is the fight-or-flight response?
A physiological reaction that prepares the body to confront or flee from perceived threats.
This response involves activation of the sympathetic nervous system.
What characterizes the exhaustion stage of the GAS?
Depleted resources and inability to adapt to stressors.
This stage follows prolonged stress and can lead to serious health issues.
List the levels of anxiety according to the stress response.
- Mild
- Moderate
- Severe
- Panic
Each level has distinct characteristics and impacts on perception and problem-solving.
What are the physical manifestations of stress?
- Body aches and pains
- Chest pain
- Exhaustion
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- High blood pressure
- Muscle tension
- Digestive problems
- Sexual difficulties
- Weakened immune system
These symptoms can vary in severity depending on the individual and context.
What are positive stressors called?
Eustress.
Eustress leads to growth and fulfillment.
What are negative stressors called?
Distress.
Distress results in depletion of energy and decline in performance.
Define coping.
Cognitive and behavioral strategies used to manage stress and its effects.
Coping can be adaptive or maladaptive.
What is problem-focused coping?
A coping strategy that involves directly addressing the stressor to reduce its impact.
Example: Creating a plan to tackle the issue.
What is emotion-focused coping?
Coping strategies aimed at reducing the negative emotions associated with stress.
Example: Seeking support from friends or family.
What is avoidant coping?
Cognitive and behavioral efforts to ignore or diminish the stressor.
Example: Using substances to escape stress.
List some common defense mechanisms.
- Denial
- Projection
- Rationalization
- Repression
- Displacement
- Sublimation
- Suppression
These mechanisms help individuals cope with stress or anxiety.
What are protective factors in stress management?
- Perception of control
- Hardiness
- Healthy lifestyle
- Positive relationships
- Connection to culture
These factors help mitigate the effects of stress.
What are risk factors that can exacerbate stress?
- Lack of control
- Previous trauma
- Poverty
- Discrimination
- Negative interactions
These factors can intensify the stress response.
What is the role of the amygdala in the stress response?
It acts as the command center that signals the hypothalamus to initiate the stress response.
The amygdala is key in processing threats.
What is the impact of chronic cortisol exposure on health?
Weakens the immune system, increasing susceptibility to illness.
Chronic stress can lead to long-term health issues.
What are the psychological manifestations of stress?
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Panic attacks
- Increased sadness
- Eating disorders
- Substance use disorders
Psychological effects can vary widely among individuals.
What is the significance of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)?
They can lead to long-term complications including cognitive impairment and mental health issues.
ACEs highlight the importance of early intervention in childhood.
What is the Holms-Rahe Life Stress Inventory?
A scale used to measure life changes and stress levels.
This tool helps assess stress in individuals.
What is the relaxation response?
A physiological state opposite to stress, promoting rest and recovery.
Techniques include deep breathing and mindfulness.
What are some techniques for stress alleviation?
- Deep breathing
- Guided imagery
- Mindfulness meditation
- Biofeedback
- Positive self-talk
These techniques can help reduce stress and promote health.
