Chapter 6: Stress and Health

Module 13:Effects of Stress

Stress• The process by which

we perceive and respond to events that we appraise as threatening or challenging

• Is a process of perceiving and responding

• Events = stressors.• Response = stress

reaction.– Which of the following

is the stressor and which is the reaction

– Pimples and a 1st Date • Stress reaction, stressor

• What other examples can you come up with?

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Health Psychology• A subfield of

psychology that focuses on how stress affects our well being and our health

• Some of the questions they ask

• How are stress and illness related?

• How do our perceptions of stress affect our health?

• Can we control our reactions to stress?

• What behaviors and attitudes help prevent health problems?

Responding to Stress

Responding to Stress

Responding to Stress:Draw this one!!!

Walter Cannon• Physiologist • Different situations trigger the release

of stress related hormones into the nervous system

• Heart Rate ↑• ↓ Pain Sensation• ↑ Blood flow to muscles• “Fight or Flight”• BOTTOM LINE

– Simultaneous occurrence of Physiological and Emotional Experiences

Hans Selye (1907-1982)aka “Mr. GAS”

• Researched recurring responses to stress

• Discovered various chemicals caused stress reactions in animals

• Developed the concept of the general adaptation syndrome (GAS)

• Bottom line:– Prolonged stress produces physical

deterioration…like?– Ex: long time child abuse victims have a

shrinking hippocampus (used for memory recall)

General Adaptation Syndrome

• The body’s adaptive response to stress in 3 stages• 1. Alarm Reaction – nervous system activated in

response to stressor– Heart pumps faster

• 2. Resistance – body responds with physiological reactions to cope with the stressor– Respiration, temperature, & blood pressure rise

• 3. Exhaustion – body’s resistance to stress is depleted (physical deterioration)

General Adaptation Syndrome(Example: Prisoner Of War)

General Adaptation Syndrome

General Adaptation Syndrome

Stress:Stressful Events

Module 13: Effects of Stress

What are the 3 main types of stressors and how do they affect our health?

1. Daily Stress

• Stress can be caused by:– Typical demands of

the day– Living situations– Economic difficulties

• What are some of your daily stresses?– Locker jam– Running late

• Burnout– Physical, emotional,

and mental exhaustion brought on by persistent stress

• Burnout can result in:– Depression– Decreased

performance– Cynicism

2. Significant Life Changes

• Stress can be the result of personal life changes– Death of a loved one– Leaving home for college– What else?

• Can result in health problems– What examples can you provide?

3. Catastrophes

• Large scale stress events (i.e. earthquakes, floods, war, etc.

• Prolonged exposure can lead to physical and psychological problems.

Effects of Perceived Control

Module 13: Effects of Stress

Can our outlook and feelings of control influence our health?

Perceived Control

• The sense of control or influence one has over stressful events in one’s life

• Most studies suggest– ↓perceived control – ↑potential for health-related problems– ↓immunity to disease

• Does empowerment = healthier life?

Describe the Images

Optimism

• A generally positive outlook on the future• Optimists have stronger immune systems

and recover faster from health problems.• Opposite of pessimism

• Is the glass half-full or half-empty?

Stress Hormones

• Hormones released in response to stress• The body must work to rid the body of the

stress hormones.• Pessimism and perceived lack of control

both produce more stress hormones and hinder recovery time.

• Example: – Sickness during vacation vs. FINALS

Stress and Disease:Cancer and Stress

Module 13: Effects of Stress

Is there a connection between the two?

Stress-Cancer Connection

• Evidence for a connection is not conclusive.• Two conclusions:

– Stress does not create cancer cells.– Stress affects the body’s malignancy-

fighting ability.• Those with stress weakened immune systems

are much more likely to allow tumor growth they would otherwise combat

Stress and Disease:Stress and Heart

Problems

Module 13: Effects of Stress

What do we know about the link between stress and heart problems?

Individuals:Type A vs. Type B

• Individuals who are competitive, hard-driving, impatient, verbally aggressive, and anger-prone.

• More prone to heart attacks & other stress related illnesses

• Individuals who are easygoing, laid-back, and relaxed