Stress Response (Keilecot and Gleiser) Flashcards
What is stress and how is it linked to attachment and the Dark Triad Traits
Stress is experienced under pressure and is a common reaction, however, constant stress can turn into a problem (1)
Dark triad traits can impact adult relationships and also affects the way an individual experiences stress (2)
Psychopaths have reduced connections between the prefrontal cortex - responsible for empathy and guilt - and the amygdala which mediates fear and anxiety (3) they do not suffer or react from stress
Grandiose narcissistic traits are likely to feel less stressed and less vulnerable to depression (4)
Describe the divisions of the nervous system: central and peripheral
The nervous system is divided into several categories
The Central Division consists of the brain and the spinal cord whilst the peripheral division, consisting of the rest of the nerves in the body is made of ANS: automatic nervous system and somatic nervous system
The three broad functions of the CNS are to take in sensory information, process information, and send out motor signals.
It plays key role in both sending information from different areas of your body back to your brain, as well as carrying out commands from your brain to various parts of your body.
Describe the function of the ANS - Interaction of the ANS and Endocrine System
The autonomic nervous system has a direct role in physical response to stress and is divided into the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS).
When the body is stressed, the SNS contributes to what is known as the “fight or flight” response.
The SNS signals the adrenal glands to release hormones called adrenalin (epinephrine) and cortisol. These hormones, together with direct actions of autonomic nerves, cause the heart to beat faster, respiration rate to increase, blood vessels in the arms and legs to dilate, digestive process to change and glucose levels (sugar energy) in the bloodstream to increase to deal with the emergency.
After the threat, the body returns to its normal state, facilitated by the PNS: slows the stress response by releasing hormones that relax the mind and body while inhibiting, or slowing, many of the high energy functions of the body.
Describe the stress response
The stress response begins in the brain; the eyes or ears send information to the amygdala - functional for emotional processing and if danger is processed, then the hypothalamus is alerted through distress signals (1)
This area of the brain functions like a command center, communicating with the rest of the body through the nervous system so that the person has the energy to fight or flee (2)
The hypothalamus activates the sympathetic nervous system by sending signals through the autonomic nerves to the adrenal glands. These glands respond by pumping the hormone epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) into the bloodstream (4)
The heart beats faster than normal, pushing blood to the muscles, heart, and other vital organs. Pulse rate and blood pressure go up. The person undergoing these changes also starts to breathe more rapidly. Small airways in the lungs open wide. This way, the lungs can take in as much oxygen as possible with each breath (4)
Extra oxygen is sent to the brain, increasing alertness. Sight, hearing, and other senses become sharper. Meanwhile, epinephrine triggers the release of blood sugar (glucose) and fats from temporary storage sites in the body. These nutrients flood into the bloodstream, supplying energy to all parts of the body (5)
If the danger or threat is still present, the hypothalamus and pituitary glands release hormones, travelling to adrenal glands to release cortisol.
When threats pass, cortisol levels fall and the PNS dampens stress response
Kiecolt – Glaser et al Study (1995) AMRC
The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of psychological stress on the immune system by looking at how quickly a wound heals in carers vs non-carers of Alzhiemers disease.
- Recruited through newspaper advert
- 13 carers women aged between 47-81 were placed in experimental group
13 other women were matched with carers based on their age and income - All participants were given punch biopsy wound below the elbow. Wound were dressed and treated by a nurse in the same way for every participant
- Biochemical substances (cytokines) were assessed to regulate immune system
- Given 10 item perceived stress scale to assess how stressed they were feeling
- Complete healing took 9 days (24%) longer in carers than control group
- Cytokine levels were lower in carers than control group
- Carers reported feeling more stressed on perceived stress scale.
Therefore the study by Keilcolt-Glaser exemplifies the effect of psychological stress on the immune system because of a lack of interleukin mRNA.
