Stress & Coping Flashcards
fight or flight response
hypothalamus releases corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), which activates SNS to release norephinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine; CRF also signals pituitary glands to release ACTH from the adrenal cortex (ANS) to help maintain homeostasis
adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
stimulates adrenal glands to release cortisol - mental alertness, focus, reduction of pain receptors, immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects
general adaptive syndrome (GAS)
3 stages: alarm, resistance, exhaustion
alarm stage
increased BP & HR, blood glucose levels, oxygen intake, pupil dilation, mental alertness; prolonged to resistance stage
resistance stage
Parasympathetic NS attempts to bring back to homeostasis, body remains alert but hormone and other stuff return to normal as the body repairs any damage
exhaustion stage
body can’t defend itself against the stressor. resources exhausted. chronic exposure results in allostatic load (excessive wear and tear to organs)
allostatic load
chronic hypertension, depression, autoimmune disorders; from exhaustion stage of GAS
transactional theory of stress and coping (TTSC)
stress as a dynamic process and a transaction between a person and their environment
primary appraisal
evaluates whether poses a threat; interpretation of the stressors
if not -> dismissed
secondary appraisal
if threat -> resources you have that can cope with the stressor
reappraisal
repeats primary and secondary appraisals; constantly reassesses
acute stress
brief, positive or negative
immediate, triggers fight-or-flight response
episodic acute stress
frequent bouts of acute stress;
taking more than you can handle
chronic stress
stress levels are heightened, constant, and prolonged;
little or no control
acute stress disorder (ASD)
overwhelming event that causes an intense and dysfunctional reaction;
lasts more than a month -> PTSD common
