stress and coping Flashcards
what three things do we need for an acute stress response
a physical threat, a physical action and this response is short term
the acute stress response occurs on what two axes
the SNS pathway and the HPS (hypothalaemic, pituitary, adrenocortical pathways
whats the mechanism of the SNS pathway in the acute stress response
the perception of stress activates the sympathetic branch of the ANS causing the release of catecholamine hormones from the adrenal glands
whats the mechanism of response in the HPA axes in the acute stress response
the hypothalamus initiates the cascade of hormones, like CRF, which activates the anterior pituitary to release ACTH, this activates the adrenal cortex to release adrenaline and noradrenaline.
what is chronic stress
when we create our own stressful situations in our mind, eliciting a stress response, doing so over a long term period
whats affective rumination
when we stress and think about the same situation over and over.
what are some consequences of chronic stress
constant mobilisation of energy at the expense of storage, libido and reproductive systems are comprimised. immune system is compremised, extra sodium retention, high blood pressure, constant muscle tension, heart attack and stroke, elevated BP, chroncu stress on heart walls
stress can result in disease like peptic ulcers, due to already present bacteria stress can cause these things to be able to cause disease.
yeah
Stress is also associated with risk of developing mental disorders. Especially anxiety and depression
chronic stress can result in impaired communication between the immune system and the HPA axis. This impaired communication has been linked to the future development of numerous physical and mental health conditions, including chronic fatigue, metabolic disorders
hell yeah
what are the two main types of coping with stress
problem focused coping and emotion focused coping
what is problem focused coping
focussing on the stressor itself, reducing its demands or expanding ways to deal with it. information seek and problem solve finding out about stress and ways to fix it. also seek help and learn new skills to help adapt
whats emotion focused coping
focusing on the response to the stress. controlling ones psychological and or physiological response to it. changing the way we think about the stressor - not making a deal of it or letting it ruminate. learn to better adopt a balanced rational perspective. talk with others to help reduce emotional responses. engage in behaviours or activities that help reduce or distract from the stress response.
