STRESS (BIOLOGICAL PROCESS)/ GAS

Question 1

STRESS (BIOLOGICAL PROCESS) STEPS

Answer 1

Step One:

• A stressor is perceived
• The ANS is activated (Sympathetic NS)
• Stress HORMONES are released (Adrenaline and Cortisol)
• The hormones increases arousal in the body and thereby helps us SURVIVE
• Parasympathetic NS is activated (returning our body back to a calm level - homeostasis)

NOTE: Feeling overwhelmed, cannot escape the threat: we FREEZE (PNS is activated: conserving ENERGY)

Question 2

GAS/MEANING/STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

Answer 2

• General Adaption Syndrome
• Considers stress as a physiological response (BIOLOGICAL)

STRENGTHS:

• Resources can become depleted
• Increasing a person’s vulnerability to diseases

LIMITATIONS:

• “One size fits all” model
• Doesn’t show individual differences (doesn’t show the psychological response to stress)

Question 3

ALARM-REACTION/ HPA AXIS

Answer 3

• When we first realize that a threat is present
• SHOCK phase: blood and body temperature momentarily drop. Responds as though it was injured. EXAMPLE: Faint
• COUNTERSHOCK phase: The body increases its resistance to the stressor.

HPA

• It is a self-regulating system
• Stressor is present: Hypothalamus activates the pituitary gland to release hormone that passes through the bloodstream to the adrenal glands.

Question 4

RESISTANCE

Answer 4

• Remains in an elevated state of arousal.
• The continued circulation of adrenalin and cortisol can depress the immune system.
• A person is susceptible to colds, influenza, or any other bacterial infections
• Difficulty focusing or remembering.

Question 5

EXHAUSTION

Answer 5

• A person has exceeded their ability to cope.
• A person’s ability to meet the demands of the stressor DECLINES
• EXAMPLE: Heart attack, signs of depression.