Define stress
- a physiological and psychological response to perceived challenges or threats
- mobilize energy to respond to it ~ “fight” response
What is the evolutionary purpose of stress?
enhance survival by preparing the body and brain to react to threats efficiently
Explain the transactional model of stress
- ## Lazarus and Folkman
What is the importance of the transactional model of stress?
Explain problem-focused coping
Explain emotion-focused coping
Explain The General Adaption Syndrome (GAS)
- three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion
Explain alarm reaction
immediate activation of the nervous system with the body entering fight or flight mode
Explain resistance phase
body attempts to adapt and cope with our ongoing stressor but resources are depleted
Explain exhaustion phase
when stress persists, the body’s resources become depleted leading to breakdown of bodily functions, illness, and vulnerability to disease
SNS details
- mobilizes physiological resources to prepare body for immediate action
- pupil dilation, increased heart rate, digestion slows, immune function slows
What does the SNS release?
- epinephrine and norepinephrine (hormones) from the adrenal medulla
- these increase heart rate, bp, and glucose which allows the body to respond quickly to the stressor
What are some systemic effects of chronic stress
- CS: hypertension, heart disease
- IS: suppressed immunity, autoimmune conditions
- ES: disrupted metabolism –> type 2 diabetes
- RS: impotence, loss of libido
- Psychosocial dwarfism and bone decalcification
- Hippocampal atrophy
- Overactive amygdala
