stress

Question 1

what is the theory of stress as a stimulus?

Answer 1

focuses on the environment causing the stress
an event or circumstance which causes stress
(event/circumstance which we perceive is threatening/harmful = stressor)

Question 2

what is the theory of stress as a response?

Answer 2

focus of an individuals reaction to stressor
psychological and physiological response
response = ‘strain’

Question 3

what is the theory of stress as a transaction?

Answer 3

focus on the process of stress
relationship between the person and environment
continuous interactions and adjustments

Question 4

what is the textbook definition of stress?

Answer 4

‘the perceived discrepancy between the demands of a situation and the resources of the person as they appraise the stressful situation’

Question 5

what are two key characteristics of stress?

Answer 5

a feeling of lack of control and unpredictability

Question 6

what are the three different primary appraisals of a stimulus which result in no further coping?

Answer 6

benign appraisal, irrelevant appraisal and positive appraisal

Question 7

what is the the stimulus appraised as being when it is appraised as a ‘stressor’ in primary appraisal?

Answer 7

harmful, loss or threat

Question 8

what three different systems can stressors impact on?

Answer 8

physiological system, psychological aspect and social aspect

Question 9

what are some of the outcomes of canons physiological model of stress? (short term stress)

Answer 9

external threats elicit a high/flight response
increased physiological arousal, increased activity of sympathetic nervous system
BUT prolonged state of high arousal is harmful to health

Question 10

why are the three stages of the general adaptation model after the stressor is introduced?

Answer 10

Alarm (mobilisation to fend off threat/stressor - similar to fight/flight)
Resistance (continued fight against stressor)
exhaustion (depletion of resources and ability to resist may collapse)

Question 11

what are the two steps to physiological adaptation to stress

Answer 11

1. sympathetic nervous system activation

2. hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical activation

Question 12

what are the key characteristics and outcomes of sympathetic activation?

Answer 12

• catecholamines produced (noradrenaline and adrenaline)

- increase in HR, bP, dilation of bronchioles

Question 13

what are they characteristics of the the long term stress physiological response?

Answer 13

increased levels of corticosteroid hormones produced in the adrenal cortex

• increase in blood volume because of water retention in kidneys
• gluconeogenesis
• increase in blood sugar
• decrease in immune system

Question 14

what are some examples of biochemical signs of stress?

Answer 14

an increased level of corticosteroid hormones and catecholamine hormones

Question 15

what are some physiological signs of stress?

Answer 15

increase in HR
increase in Bp
increase in blood sugar

Question 16

what are some behavioural signs of stress?

Answer 16

change in eating habits
change in sleeping habits
increase in alcohol intake

Question 17

what are some cognitive signs of stress?

Answer 17

decrease or increased memory

Question 18

what are some behavioural signs of stress?

Answer 18

depression
changes in optimism levels
anger, frustration etc

Question 19

what are some conditions that stress can increase the risk of through a DIRECT affect on health?

Answer 19

atherosclerosis (via increased Bp and HR)
myocardial infarction
coronary heart disease
development of infectious diseases due to decreased immune response

Question 20

how does stress affect health behaviour and therefore have an INDIRECT affect on health?

Answer 20

increases risk taking behaviour
cognitive changes- poor adherence to treatments
emotional - increases in drinking habits, drug use, lack of sleep, lack of exercise