stress Flashcards
stress
the automatic psychological and physiological arousal a person experiences on response to their external or internal environment
stressor
any person, event or object that challenges or threatens an individual. can be internal or external
acute stress
brief arousal in response to an immediate stress,
- no negative effects
chronic stress
prolonged physiological arousal in response to a persistent stressor that negatively affects health and wellbeing
eustress
a positive psychological response to a stressor
distress
a negative psychological response to a stressor
fight-freeze response
the automatic activation of both the sympathetic and the parasympathetic NS simultaneously causing us to become immobilised (freeze)
role of cortisol
the release of cortisol during the activation of the sympathetic NS mobilises the body and increases arousal to respond to the stressor
effects of excesses cortisol on the body
- chronic fatigue
- weakened immunity
- anxiety
- high blood sugar
+more
general adaptation syndrome (GAS) 3 stages
stage 1 - alarm reaction
stage 2 - resistance
stage 3 - exhaustion
stage 1 - alarm reaction
initial decrease in resistance to stress when a threat is perceived, followed by an increase to levels above normal
2stages - shock, countershock
shock
resistance to stress drops below normal and the body acts as though it is injured
countershock
resistance to stress rises above normal levels due to the activation of the sympathetic NS
stage 2 - resistance
- if the stress remains, resistance to stress remains above norm
- body attempts to stabilise to cope with threat
- cortisol levels remain high
- signs of illness may appear
stage 3 - exhaustion
- if threat continues, body’s resources are drained
- compromised system functioning
- illness occurs
coping with stress
coping refers to changing cognitive and behavioural efforts to meet stressors
coping - specific awareness
refers to a coping strategy being more effective when the strategy is well-matched to the stressful situation
coping flexibility
ability to stop an ineffective coping strategy and implement an alternative, or evaluate the coping process and adapt it
approach strategies
target the stressor and attempt to reduce the impact
problem focused coping
aim to fix the source of the stressor or reduce the stressor
emotion focused coping
aim to change the unpleasant emotional responses to stress
avoidance strategies
attempt to escape painful or threatening thoughts, feelings, memories or sensations associated with the stressor
what is the gut brain axis
the network of two way (bio directional) neural pathways that enable communication between bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract and the brain
what nerve does the communication primarily use
the vagus nerve
what does the entric NS do in GBA
involves millions on neurons within the digestive tract that regulate the major functions of the gut and communicate with the CNS to regulate these functions
what is the vagus nerve
longest nerve in the body, runs from the brain stem at base of brain to the intestines, main contributor to PNS
what appears promising in treating both disruptions to the microbiota and psychological
probiotics
what can influence the microbiota
genetics, diet, metabolism, age, illness, geography, changes in diet, exposure to antibiotics and stress
disruptions to the healthy balance can cause
digestive illness, reduce immune functioning, and increase susceptibility to disease
