Stress Flashcards
Complete
What is the definition of stress?
A mismatch between the perceived demands of the environment and the body’s ability to cope with this demand
What are the two physiological responses to stress?
The sympathomedullary pathway (SAM)
The hypothalamic pituitary-adrenal system (HPA) - also referred to as the pituitary-adrenal system
What is the short-term response to stress called?
The sympathomedullary pathway (SAM)
What is the long-term response to stress called?
The hypothalamic pituitary-adrenal system (HPA)
What happens in the SAM pathway?
Hypothalamus activates sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system.
Adrenaline and noradrenaline are released by the adrenal medulla (part of the adrenal gland).
Immediate fight or flight response - increased heart rate, breathing rate, digestion slowed, pupils dilated
What happens to the SAM pathway after the stressor disappears?
Parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system activated, fight or flight response reduced, body returns to resting state
What happens in the HPA pathway?
Hypothalamus secretes CRF (a releasing hormone).
CRF causes the pituitary gland to release ACTH (a stimulating hormone).
ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex (part of the adrenal gland) to release stress-related hormones e.g. cortisol
When is the HPA pathway triggered in relation to the SAM pathway?
At the same time - it just lasts longer (if the stressor persists)
What are the 3 main functions of cortisol?
Reduces immune system functioning (immunosuppression)
Maintains steady supply of glucose in the bloodstream
Reduces sensitivity to pain
Why does cortisol reduce immune system functioning (immunosuppression)?
Everything is geared to dealing with the stressor/threat, protecting against infection and tissue repair are second priority in comparison to the emergency
Why does cortisol maintain a steady supply of glucose in the bloodstream?
Ensures sufficient energy for the body to cope with the stressor
Why does cortisol reduce sensitivity to pain?
Not distracted/in pain whilst they deal with the stressor (particularly beneficial when fighting/fleeing a predator)
How are the short-term and long-term responses to stress reductionist?
Lazarus claimed the response is influenced by an individual’s perception of the stressor
2 groups of participants, 1 told gruesome initiation rites were exciting, other group told they were painful, second group showed more arousal of the ANS
Purely physiological accounts are not sufficient
How are the short-term and long-term responses to stress gender biased/androcentric?
Fails to consider gender differences
Taylor et al suggested tend and befriend response in females due to more oxytocin
Inappropriate to propose males and females respond in the same way
(extra: this led to more research into female response)
Who identified the general adaption syndrome (GAS)?
Selye (used rats)
Why is the ‘G’ in GAS ‘general’?
It is the same response to all stressors
Why is the ‘A’ in GAS ‘adaption’?
It is adaptive behaviour (best way to cope/survive)
Why is the ‘S’ in GAS ‘syndrome’?
There are several symptoms
What are the 3 stages of the general adaption syndrome?
Alarm -> Resistance -> Exhaustion
What happens in the alarm stage of GAS?
The threat/stressor is detected, body reacts using HPA and SAM, fight or flight response
What happens in the resistance stage of GAS?
If the stressor persists, adrenal medulla activity decreases (SAM), adrenal cortex activity increases (HPA).
On the surface body seems to be normal, but physiologically it is deteriorating: immune system less effective and resources depleted (hormones, neurotransmitters, etc)
What happens in the exhaustion stage of GAS?
The body can no longer cope, the defence systems are exhausted, initial symptoms of SAM return (heart rate, sweating, etc), adrenal glands overworked and damaged.
Likely to suffer diseases of adaption (common cold, CHD, high blood pressure, etc)
What is the supporting evidence for GAS?
Selye exposed rats to harmful stimuli, similar responses
He also found similar results from observations of humans
GAS is universal
What are 2 weaknesses of GAS?
Doesn’t consider individual differences, some have cognitive coping strategies, not generalisable.
The illnesses in the exhaustion stage may not be from depletion of resources - research has shown no depletion of resources after extreme stress, now it is believed to be from high stress hormone levels