stress as an example of a psychobiological process Flashcards
unit 3 aos 1
stress
a psychobiological response produced by internal and external stressors
stressor
any stimulus that produces stress
physical stimulus examples
-extreme temperature
-intense light
-loud noises
psychological stimulus examples
-arguments
-running late
-failing an exam
internal stressors and examples
originates within the individual (personal problems that cause concern about potential consequences)
external stressors and examples
originates outside the individual (having too much homework, being in a crowded space)
acute stress
stress that lasts for a relatively short time
effects of acute stress
negative effects
-elevated blood pressure
-reduced motivation
positive effects
-body releases adrenaline (helps accomplish tasks, enhances problem-solving ability or physical performance)
chronic stress
stress that continues for a prolonged period of time
fight-or-flight-or freeze response
-an involuntary response to a sudden and immediate threat (stressor)
-physiological changes produced by the sympathetic nervous system readies the body for confronting/fighting off the stressor (fight), escaping the stressor (flight), or staying still and silent to avoid detection (freeze)
what bodily changes can occur from fight and flight reactions?
-increased heart rate and blood pressure
-redistribution of blood supply from the skin and intestines to skeletal muscles
-increased breathing rate
-increased glucose secretion by the liver (for energy)
-dilation of the pupils
-suppression of functions not -immediately essential to conserve energy
freeze response
-one theory is that our sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system are both highly active, but our parasympathetic nervous system is slightly more
-generally adaptive, but can be maladaptive
cortisol
-a stress hormone secreted from the adrenal glands in response to a stressor
-its role is to increase the body’s level of arousal, which energises the body when we confront a stressor
immediate effects of cortisol
-energises body by increasing energy supplies
-turns of all bodily systems not immediately required to deal with a stressor
-anti-inflammatory effect
harmful effects of high levels of cortisol
-impaired immune system functioning
-high blood pressure
-high blood sugar level
-digestive problems
-vulnerability to colds and flu
-vulnerability to heart disease
what are the stages of GAS?
-alarm (1)
–shock
–countershock
-resistance (2)
-exhaustion (3)
(SCARE)
alarm reaction
-involves the initial decrease and subsequent increase in bodily arousal in response to an immediate stressor
-cortisol begins to be released in counter-shock
shock
-decreased bodily arousal for a brief period of time following the initial exposure to a stressor
-physiological resistance to a stressor decreases below normal
-can’t adapt
-decrease in heart rate, body temp, muscle tone.
countershock
-the sympathetic nervous system responses occur, which mobilises the body to respond to the stressor
-begin to adapt
-ncrease in heart rate, body temp, muscle tone
resistance
-involves maintaining high levels of bodily arousal in response to a persistent stressor
-body is adapting but that ability begins to decline
-results in minor ailments (colds etc) due to cortisol suppressing the immune system
-cortisol enables us to maintain resistance above normal levels
exhaustion
-involves the depletion of energy levels and bodily resources, resulting in an inability to cope with the stressor
-no longer can adapt
-results in serious illnesses (heart conditions etc)
-level of cortisol reduces (runs out)
strengths of GAS
recognises:
-chronic stress
-the link between stress and disease
-the physiological processes that underlie stress
-how we have limited physiological resources to adapt to stress
limitations of GAS
-assumes stress is a nonspecific response (occurs regardless of source/type of stressor, ignores personal differences)
-ignores stress as a psychological response to a stressor (selye proposed that stress is a physiological response)
-model is based on research of rats
appraisal
our evaluation of or assessment of a stimulus