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characteristics of stress, _ (2) - Coggle Diagram
characteristics of stress
types of stress
Acute stress – most common, immediate or a short term threat - near accident, work deadline, exam
Episodic acute stress – repeated instances of short term stress – too much work, experiencing frequent demands on time.
Chronic stress – persistent stress over a long period such as poverty, persistent relationship problems.
Stress as a physiological response
stressed = nervous system is activated - produce hormones - deal with the situation.
Adrenaline released - prepares body fight or flight response - triggered via the Sympathomedullary Pathway (SAM)
Cortisol - important long term stress hormone - glucose to be released for more energy - regulated by Hypothalamic Pituitary adrenal system (HPA)
Supporting research by Hans Seyle (1930s)
SEYLE
Hans was the first person to investigate the physiological effect of long term stress by studying Rats.
He subjected them to lots of physical stressors (noise, heat, cold, chemicals)
He found that whatever the stressor the same response occurred.
He concluded that, during stressful situations, the animal’s response to stress is universal (the same) and he named it the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS).
GAS
All animals (including humans) will progress through the following stages
Alarm reaction (Fight and fight reaction)
Resistance stage (apparent coping but body’s resources are being depleted)
Exhaustion stage or collapse ( immune system suffers and physical and emotional breakdown may occur.
The physical response to stress (GAS) can cause physical effects.
Short term stress can cause a range of physical problems, increased blood pressure, sweaty palms, headaches.
Chronic or Episodic stress can cause long term effects leading to physical illnesses. research shows implications with digestive systems, immune systems, heart disease.
Stress as a psychological response
knowledge and perception of potential stressor will effect how we respond.
Lazarus and Folkman (1984) suggest a transactional model of stress where we cognitively evaluate the potential stressful situation.
suggested that stress is seen as an interaction between the person and the environment. When a stressor is experienced, the person makes a judgment and decides if they have the resources available to cope with the situation. The person considers if the stress threat is significant and/or harmful or challenging. The person then considers how they could combat the stressor. A stress response if then made.
Psychological effects of stress
Stress can lead to feelings of isolation and low self-esteem.
Although stress is not classed as a mental illness it can lead to anxiety and depression. Stress can also be the effect of mental health problems as the individual struggles to cope with managing their symptoms.
Stress can also lead to lifestyle changes such as increased smoking and drinking, less exercise, more unhealthy diet. They may also develop habits such as tapping or experience problems with their sleeping patterns, which can then add to their stress.
