Stress and coping Flashcards
Stressors
Tension producing stimuli operating within or on any system. Disruptive forces
Stress
A physical, emotional, or psychological demand that often leads to growth or overwhelms a person and leads to illness
Neurophysiological responses to stress function thru
Negative feedback
Three structures that control the response of the body to a stressor
Medulla oblongata
Reticular formation
Pituitary gland
Medulla oblongata
Located in the lower portion of the brain stem, controls heart rate, BP, and respirations
Reticular formation
Small cluster of neurons in the brains stem and spinal cord, continuously monitors the physiological status of the body thru connections with sensory and motor skills
Pituitary Gland
Produces hormones necessary for adaptation to stress
Adrenocorticotrophic hormone is released by what gland
Pituitary, it produces cortisol
General Adaptation Syndrome
`describes how the body reacts to a stressor thru 3 stages (Alarm, resistance, exhaustion). Involves the autonomic nervous system and endocrine
Alarm Reaction
Increase in: blood volume, blood glucose levels, epinephrine, norepinephrine, heart rate, blood flow to muscles, oxygen intake
Resistance stage
Body stabilizes and responds in a manner opposite that of the alarm stage. Body begins to repair damage
If the stress response is chronic a state of _____ occurs
Allostasis, causes excessive wear and tear on the person. An increased allostatic load leads to chronic illness (HTN, depression, sleep deprivation)
Exhaustion Stage
The body is no longer able to resist the effects of the stressor, and has depleted the energy necessary.
The GAS is activated indirectly for
Psychological threats
Primary appraisal
Person identifying the event or circumstance as personally significant
Secondary Appraisal
Focuses on possible coping strategies
Types of stress
Chronic (stable)
Acute (time limited)
PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder)
A person experiences, witnesses, or is confronted with a traumatic event and responds with intense fear or helplessness
Examples of PTSD
Military combat, vehicle crashes, natural disasters, violent personal assault
Types of crises
Developmental
Situational
Adventitious