Stress Flashcards

Question

What type of relationship is there between stress and behaviour

Answer 1

Bidirectional - stress affects behaviour but behaviour can also affect the stress response.

Answer 2

1. Control 2. predictability 3. outlets for dealing with frustration 4. Habituation

Answer 3

Weiss, 1968: rats who could control the rate of electric shock showed lower glucocorticoid (cortisol) secretions than yoked control rats longer explanation : In the study, one group of rats could control the duration of electric shocks they received by pressing a lever, while another group received the same amount of shocks but had no control over them; the shocks were delivered independently of their actions. Weiss found that the rats who had control over the shocks exhibited lower levels of stress hormones like cortisol compared to the rats who did not have control. This suggests that the perception of control over a stressful situation can buffer the physiological stress response. This concept has significant implications for understanding stress and coping mechanisms in both animals and humans.

Answer 4

Warning signals prior to shock reduce glucocorticoid concentrations (Sapolsky, 1992). longer explanation: In his study, he observed that when animals were given warning signals prior to experiencing a stressor, such as an electric shock, their glucocorticoid concentrations were reduced compared to when the stressor was unpredictable. This finding underscores the importance of predictability and control in mitigating the physiological stress response. When animals have some degree of warning or anticipation before a stressor occurs, they can initiate coping mechanisms that help modulate their stress hormone levels. This research has significant implications for understanding stress management and resilience in both animals and humans.

Answer 5

When rats are shocked, they show lower glucocorticoid concentrations if they can chew on a piece of wood (Sapolsky, 1992) Yes, Sapolsky's research in 1992 indeed revealed that when rats were provided with the opportunity to chew on a piece of wood during or after experiencing a stressor, such as being shocked, they exhibited lower glucocorticoid concentrations compared to rats who did not have access to the wood. This finding suggests that engaging in certain behaviors, like chewing on wood, can serve as a form of coping mechanism that helps regulate stress hormone levels in response to a stressor. Providing animals with outlets for natural behaviors or activities that they find comforting or distracting can have a significant impact on their stress responses. This research underscores the importance of considering environmental enrichment and behavioral interventions in stress management strategies for animals. "Leg swinging" in children reduces heart rate (Soussignan & Koch, 1985) Yes, the study conducted by Soussignan and Koch in 1985 found that leg swinging in children was associated with a reduction in heart rate. This research provides insight into the physiological effects of certain motor behaviors on autonomic nervous system activity. Leg swinging, a repetitive and rhythmic movement, appears to have a calming effect on children, leading to a decrease in heart rate. This finding suggests that certain motor activities can influence the body's physiological responses, potentially contributing to stress reduction or relaxation in children. Understanding how such behaviors affect heart rate and other physiological parameters can be valuable for developing strategies to promote relaxation and well-being, particularly in pediatric populations.

Answer 6

Learning that a stimulus originally perceived as a stressor is not a stressor e.g. lots of public speaking! Ursin et al.'s study in 1978 focused on the concept of "learned helplessness" and how repeated exposure to stressors can lead to changes in stress response. Specifically, the study investigated how rats responded to repeated exposure to inescapable stressors, such as electric shocks. Over time, the rats learned that they could not control or escape from the shocks, resulting in a state of learned helplessness where they exhibited behavioral and physiological signs of stress even when presented with escapable stressors in subsequent trials. The concept you're referring to, about learning that a stimulus originally perceived as a stressor is not a stressor, can be related to the idea of habituation or desensitization. In the context of public speaking, individuals may initially perceive it as a stressor due to fear of judgment or performance anxiety. However, with repeated exposure and positive experiences, they can learn that public speaking is not inherently threatening, leading to reduced stress responses over time. While Ursin et al.'s study focused on rats and learned helplessness, the concept of learning to perceive formerly stressful stimuli as non-threatening can apply to various situations, including public speaking, through processes such as habituation, cognitive restructuring, or exposure therapy.

Answer 7

Perception of the stressor Age - cortisol higher in 60+ Gender - Men show higher cortisol levels in repsonse to challenge than women Nicotine - Smoking permanently alters the HPA axis and significantly increases salivary cortisol levels Caffeine - stimulates ACTH release and increases cortisol levels