Stress as a response (Selye, 1936 / 1983)

Question 1

Name of Model (stress as a response)

Answer 1

General Adaptation Syndrome Model

Question 2

Year of Model (GAS)

Answer 2

1936, 1983

Question 3

Inventor of Model (GAS)

Answer 3

Selye

Question 4

Stress as defined by Selye

Answer 4

Non-specific response of the body to any demand, both physical and psychological

Two types of stress

Question 5

Distress

Answer 5

Negative stress response typically accompanied by physiological reactivity and negative emotions

Physiological changes triggered by distress can lead to health risks, particularly when combined with maladaptive coping

Question 6

Eustress

Answer 6

Positive stress response that motivates and enhances functioning

Experienced when an individual feels stressed, yet prepared, to deal with a situation

Has same physiological response as distress (heart rate, blood pressure etc.)

Question 7

Sources of stress from internal or external forces

Answer 7

Environmental: Arise from conditions and natural surroundings e.g. noise, war

Psychological: Caused by emotional or cognitive factors e.g. pressure at work, buying a house

Social: Stem from relationships and interactions with society e.g. pressure to be accepted by others

Cultural: Emerge from cultural identity, values and norms e.g. discrimination due to cultural beliefs

Question 8

Characteristics of Stressors

Answer 8

Nature: Can be environmental, psychological, social or cultural

Duration: Stressors can be short term (acute) or long term (chronic)

Strength: Severity or intensity can range from being mild to severely distressing. The ability to cope with stressors is affected by its severity.

Question 9

General Adaptation Syndrome

Answer 9

Set of physical defences that react to harmful physical and physiological stimuli

Selye concluded that humans react to any stress (real, symbolic, imagined) by putting into motion a set of physiological responses that attempt to alleviate the stress’s impact

Question 10

Process

Answer 10

Stressor -> physiological response -> stress as a response (alarm, resistance, exhaustion)

Question 11

Alarm stage

Answer 11

Initial response to stressor (fight or flight), occurs for 6-48 hours after initial stressor

Question 12

Alarm stage process

Answer 12

Threat detected by amygdala in the brain

Sends signals to hypothalamus to initiate sympathetic nervous system

Signal sent to adrenal glands through bloodstream

Adrenal glands stimulated to release cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline

Question 13

Sympathetic nervous system

Answer 13

Branch of autonomic nervous system

Regulates the glands and internal organ function

Physically prepares body for increased activity during heightened physical or emotional arousal.

Question 14

Hormones

Answer 14

Chemical substances secreted into the blood by endocrine glands to stimulate the function of organs.

Question 15

Cortisol

Answer 15

Enables continued blood sugar supply

Provides energy for body to deal with stress

Decreases immune system

Question 16

Adrenaline

Answer 16

Increases heart rate

Supports conversion of glycogen into glucose

Question 17

Noradrenaline

Answer 17

Causes blood vessels to constrict and blood pressure to increase.

Question 18

Resistance stage process

Answer 18

Body tries to repair itself from initial shock

Reduces activity in sympathetic nervous system

Parasympathetic nervous system initiated

Stress hormones continue to be secreted

Question 19

Parasympathetic nervous system

Answer 19

Branch of autonomic nervous system

Responsible for maintaining an energy level suitable for normal bodily functioning

Reverses bodily functioning produced by sympathetic nervous system

Question 20

Exhaustion stage process

Answer 20

Prolonged period of stress

Physical and mental reserves are depleted

Adrenal gland functioning is limited, dropping blood sugar levels

Physical health negatively impacted

Question 21

Exhaustion stage effects

Answer 21

Fatigue, reduced motivation, increased risk of depression / anxiety, weakening of immune system

Question 22

Further research (Selye)

Answer 22

Stress can also disrupt our body’s immune system through mobilising defences such as white blood cells.

Question 23

Strength (GAS)

Answer 23

First to highlight that stress has a major impact on the immune system to make the important connection between stress and increased risk of illness

Question 24

Limitations (GAS)

Answer 24

Too much emphasis on biology of stress response

Fails to acknowledge unique environmental and biological factors of an individual that could impact stress response

Does not take into account the important psychological factors that explain the subjective stress experience of individuals