Stress

Question 1

What are the 2 types of stress? Give an explanation for both.

Answer 1

Distress - Negative stress which is harmful and damaging

Eustress - Positive stress which is beneficial and motivating

Question 2

Define allostasis and allostatic load

Answer 2

Allostasis - refers to how complex systems achieve balance (homeostasis) (especially via ANS and HPA axis) in changing environments

Allostatic load - refers to cumulative exposure to stressors

Question 3

Give the 3 components of the general adaptation syndrome and an explanation for each

Answer 3

Alarm - when stressor identified, body’s stress response is a state of alarm
Resistance- the body engages defensive countermeasures against the stressor (adaptation)
Exhaustion - the body begins to run out of defences, resources depleted