I CAN: Describe the 4 stage process in which all humans react to stress Explain each of the 3 Stages...

I CAN:

• Describe the 4 stage process in which all humans react to stress

• Explain each of the 3 Stages of GAS

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

How and Why Do WeHow and Why Do WeExperience Stress?Experience Stress?

The human stress response to perceived threat activates

thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and physiological arousal that normally promote adaptation

and survival

Stress and Stressors

• Stress • A physical and mental response to

a challenging or threatening

situation

Stressor A stressful stimulus

…. a condition demanding adaptation

A Model of Stress


• Identified five stages that occur in the wake of natural disasters

1. Psychic numbness: Shock, confusion2. Automatic action: Little awareness/recall of the

experience3. Communal effort: People pool resources and

collaborate4. Letdown: Depletion of energy, feel abandoned5. Recovery: Survivors adapt to changes created by

the catastrophe

Cohen and Ahearn


The Physical Stress Response• The physical response to nearly any stressor

follows the same sequence.1. Initial arousal2. Protective behavioral reaction, often fight-or-

flight (or freezing)3. Internal responses to the autonomic nervous

system and endocrine system4. Decrease in the effectiveness of the immune

system


The Physical Stress Response

• Arousal: Increased physiological state


The Physical Stress Response• Acute Stress

A temporary pattern of arousal caused by a stressor with a clear onset and limited duration

• Example: flashing blue lights in your rearview mirror• Chronic Stress A

continuous state of stressful arousal persisting over time

• Example: A bad marriage


The Physical Stress Response• Fight-or-Flight Response A sequence of

internal processes that prepares the organism for struggle or escape

• Withdrawal: If fight or flight is not possible, or stressor is too much to handle, the organism may ‘freeze’

• Ex: Deer in the headlights


The General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

• A pattern of responses to any serious chronic stressor

• Prolonged stressor response can contribute to heart disease, ulcers, arthritic, asthma,

even death


General Adaptation SyndromeGeneral Adaptation Syndrome

G. A. S.3 Stages1. Alarm

2. Resistance3. Exhaustion

Healthy Adaptation or Illness


Stage One - Alarm Reaction • 1. Body mobilizes its resources to cope with a

stressor• 2. Hypothalamus sets off a response through

the endocrine system• 3. Adrenal hormones are released• 4. The sympathetic nervous system is activated

IF STRESSOR IS NOT REMOVED

IN TIME, THE ORGANISM

MOVES TO NEXT STAGE

Sympathetic --Mobilize energy from stores, inhibit further storage

Inhibit digestion, growth, reproduction, immunity

--Increase HR, BP, breathing--Fight or flight response--Analgesia--Aspects of senses and memory improve


Stag Two - Stage of Resistance• Arousal (Alarm reaction) subsides• The parasympathetic system activates adrenal output slows

• If a second stressor is introduced, the organism may not be able to adapt

IF STRESSOR IS NOT REMOVED IN TIME, THE ORGANISM MOVES TO NEXT STAGE

ResistanceBody tries to adapt to stressorHormonal changes to cope with stressConservation of resourcesEffects on activity level, feeding etc..


Stage Three - Stage of Exhaustion• Organism tires fighting stressor• Symptoms of Alarm Stage (Stage One)

reappear• Parasympathetic system overcompensates in

an attempt to stop surging hormones

IF STRESSOR DOES NOT DISAPPEAR IN TIMEDEATH OCCURS


Resistance

Resistance– the body

seems to adapt to the presence of the stressor

Alarm Reaction

Alarm reaction – the body

mobilizes it’s resources to cope with a

stressor

The General Adaptation Syndrome

Exhaustion

Illness/death

Exhaustion– the body

depletes it’s resources

Level ofnormal resistance

Successful Resistance


Stress and the Immune System• The human immune system response,

which evolved to respond to short-term stressors, may react to chronic stressors by breaking down and turning on itself


Personality Types and Stress

• Type A –• behavior pattern characterized by intense,

angry, competitive, or perfectionist responses to challenging situations

• Type B –• behavior pattern characterized

by a relaxed, unstressedapproach to life


Resilience • Capacity to adapt, achieve well-being, and

cope with stress, in spite of serious threats to development

CAN I?

• Describe the 4 stage process in which all humans react to stress

• Explain each of the 3 Stages of GAS

I CAN: Describe the 4 stage process in which all humans react to stress Explain each of the 3 Stages...

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