Stress definitions Flashcards
What is stress?
Stress is a state of physiological and psychological arousal produced by (internal and external) stressors that are perceived by the individual as exceeding their ability to cope.
What is a stressor?
A stressor is stimuli that demand attention and efforts to cope.
What is an internal stressor?
Internal stressor: originates from within an individual.
Eg. A person problem that causes concern about the potential consequences or the experience of physical pain which may be perceived as signalling an untimely illness
What is an external stressor?
External stressor: originates from outside the individual from situations and events in the environment.
Eg. Having too much homework, nagging parents, being in an overcrowded situation, or being a victim of bullying.
What is stress response?
A stress reaction is the physiological and psychological behaviour that will result when someone is confronted with a stressor.
Eg. Sleeplessness, depression, nausea, loss of appetite, forgetfulness.
What is mild stress
Mild stress may be stimulating, exhilarating, motivating
Slightly elevated arousal levels usually enhance performance
What are the three categorises for a stress response?
Mild, Acute and Chronic
What is acute stress
Acute stress suddenly causes a very high arousal level
Study design asks for Fight – Flight – Freeze response in acute stress
What is chronic stress?
Chronic stress causes a high arousal level over a long period of time
Both Acute and Chronic Stress can result in a variety of Physiological (Biological) and Psychological responses that may be short or long term
What is GBA?
Thegut–brain axis (GBA)refers to the bi directional connection that exists between the central nervous system (CNS) and theenteric nervous system (ENS) via the vagus nerve.
What is the vagus nerve?
Carries messages from gut to brain (much like spinal cord carries info from PNS to brain)
What is the Hans Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome?
GAS is a three-phased physiological stress response that occurs regardless of the stressor that is encountered
What are the three stages of the GAS?
Alarm Reaction, Resistance, Exhaustion
What is stage one of GAS?
1a) SHOCK: Resistance to stressor is DECREASED and drops below the normal level.
1b) COUNTER-SHOCK: Resistance to stressor is INCREASED and picks up back toward normal then increases
What is stage two of GAS?
Resistance: resistance to the stressor is further INCREASED (well above a normal level of resistance to Stressors)
What is the last stage of the GAS?
Exhaustion: Resistance to the stressor drops below normal levels.
What is the explanatory power of GAS?
STRENGTH: Provided an important method and structure for scientists interested in understanding the relationship between stressful modern lives and disease.
LIMITATION: it does not consider the psychological aspects of stress that have been found to directly influence the physiological symptoms we experience.
What is the gut microbiota?
What does it mean for it to be healthy?
gut microbiota the microorganisms present in each individual’s digestive tract (‘gut’).
Healthy= diverse and BALANCED
Healthy =less susceptible to stress.
What is the FFF response?
fight-or-flight-or-freeze response an involuntary, bodily response to a sudden and immediate threat in readiness for fight (confront), flight (escape) or freeze (be silent and unseen).
What is cortisol?
cortisol a hormone secreted from the adrenal glands in response to a stressor
What are three benefits for cortisol?
Energises the body by increasing energy supplies such as blood sugar.
Diverting energy from non-essential body functions (such as digestions, growth)
Has an anti-inflammatory effect by blocking the activity of white blood cells.
What is avoidance coping?
Involves efforts that evade a stressor and deal indirectly with it and it’s effects.
What is approach coping
involves efforts to confront a stressor and deal directly with it and its effects.
What is context-specific effectiveness?
Is when there is a match or ‘good fit’ between the coping strategies that is used and the stressful situation.
What is coping flexibility?
Refers to the individuals ability to adjust one’s coping strategies effectively, according to the demands of the different stressful situation.
