Stress- Characteristics

Question 1

Stress as a physical response

Answer 1

Stress as a physical response 
Hans Selye (1936)
•Selye found that stress is a physiological response to a stressor that is a threat from outside the body. Faced with a stressor the body prepares itself for action by initiating a range of physical changes;

Question 2

Stress as a psychological response

Answer 2

• Lazarus(1984) – transactional model of stress
• Judgement based
• Primary appraisal
• Secondary appraisal
• If we do not have the resources = stress

Question 3

Different effects of stress

Answer 3

• Stress can impact on the physical responses of the body such as increased blood pressure, tension headaches, heartburn or sweaty palms.
• Stress can also impact on the immune system and in cases result in illnesses such as coronary heart disease (more common in acute and chronic stress)
• Stress can impact on a individuals self esteem and cause mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
• Stress can also lead to lifestyle changes to manage with stress such as smoking, drug use or alcohol use.

Question 4

Types of stress

Answer 4

1. Acute Stress – It is the response to an immediate threat for example sitting a exam.
2. Episodic acute stress – Repeated instances of short-term stress e.g., taking on too much work
3. Chronic stress – over a long period of time. Persistent E.g. An unhappy marriage