U3 AOS 1 - DP4 Flashcards
Stress
an individual experience in response to an object or event and it is a state of mental, emotional and physiological tension, resulting from a stressor.
Biological
responses are involuntary and begin with the fight-flight response
Psychological
responses involve emotional and cognitive changes. (subjective because individuals think differently based on past experience)
Stressor
any event that causes stress or is perceived as a threat and a challenge to our ability to cope
Internal stressor
a cause of stress that originates within an individual. eg. feelings (psychological), illness/pain (biological)
External stressor
a cause of stress that originates from outside an individual, such as an event or environmental extreme. eg. loud noises
Eustress
A positive perception of a stressor
Distress
A negative perception of a stressor
Acute stress
stress that usually occurs because of a sudden threat and only lasts for a short time. Can be more intense or more serve. Adrenaline is released. eg. fight-flight-freeze response
Chronic stress
stress that continues for a prolonged period of time. Can be less intense or less serve. Cortisol is also released.
Figh-flight-freeze response
an automatic biological response to a perceived stressor that increases our chances of survival in our environment
Cortisol
a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that regulates a wide range of bodily processes, including metabolism, and is released in response to stress
How does cortisol benefit us in times of chronic stress?
boosting our energy levels and increasing blood glucose levels
heightening our alertness, increasing the brain’s use of glucose
increasing the body’s ability to repair tissue
diverting energy from non-essential bodily functions such as digestion, growth and reproduction.
