u3 - aos1 dp7

Question 1

physiological models of stress

Answer 1

1. fight - fight - freeze response
2. general adaption syndrome
   describe involuntary biological processes

Question 2

fight - flight - freeze response

Answer 2

involuntary, physical response to an immediate threat in order to protect and increase survival
activating sympathetic NS
incresaed energy and heightened arousal

Question 3

pathway for fight - flight response

Answer 3

sympathetic adreno- medullary system (SAM)
1. threat is perceived
2. activates sympathetic NS
3. SNS stimulates adrenal medulla
4. adrenal glands secrete hormones (adrenaline and noradrenaline)
5. activates f-f response

once stressor is removed, PNS dominates

Question 4

freeze

Answer 4

when the parasympathetic NS dominates for a few milliseconds until SNS kicks in

Question 5

cortisol

Answer 5

stressor remains
body cannot maintain intensity of f-f response (effects of adrenaline do not last long)
HPA- axis is activated (hypothalamic- pituitary - adrenal axis)

Question 6

HPA - axis

Answer 6

hypothalamus - stimulates pituitary gland - release hormone - adrenal glands release cortisol (feedback loop to the pituitary gland)
end product release of cortisol
energizes body by increasing energy supplies

Question 7

effects of cortisol

Answer 7

excessive amounts of cortisol over prolonged periods of time can be harmful
impair immune system - increased vulnerability to disease
physical - colds, flu - high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes
psychological - impaired cognitive performance (learning, memory), depression, anxierty

Question 8

GAS

Answer 8

look at image
stage 1 - alarm reaction
PNS - adrenaline release - SNS - short term
stage 2 - resistence
cortisol release repetitive - minor health problems - long term
stage 3 - exhaustion
major health problems

Question 9

strengths of GAS

Answer 9

• detailed evidence of physiological response to stress
• established greater the stressor, greater the physiological response
• ## strong connection between extreme chronic stress and diseases

Question 10

limitations

Answer 10

• overemphasis on bio processes (no psych factors)
• ## based on research on rats (less varied and complex)