Nature of Stress

Nature of StressSec 3 objectivesWho is Hans Selye? (1907-1982)Analyze the 3 phases of general adaptation syndrome AND cross reference them to your Graphic Organizer!Describe the 4 stressors effecting the bodyAnalyze the sense of control and limits of control

The Nature of StressNo life is entirely free of stressStressors-conflicts that annoy us, pressures that fatigue us, and tragedies and loses that temporarily shatter our livesLinked to illness?

Stress and the BodyHans Selye (1907-1982) published The Stress of LifeGeneral adaptation syndrome according to Hans Selye, a series of physiological reactions to stress occurring in three phases: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion

The physiology of stressGeneral Adaptation SyndromeAlarmResistanceExhaustion

Goal is to minimize wear and tear on system.chapter 13

5G.A.S.The alarm phase- mobilizes sympathetic nervous system to meet threat (test havent studied for- rabid dogRelease adrenal hormones (epinephrine, norepinephrine) Boost energy, tense muscle, reduce sensitivity to painWalter Cannon- 1929- fight or flightG.A.SThe resistance phase- resist or cope with stressorsphysiological changes continues but this makes you more vulnerable to stressorsF.E. when body mobilizes to fight flu= more easily frustrated and annoyedThen adapts and back to normalG.A.SThe exhaustion phase- Persistence stress depletes body of energy SO increase vulnerable to illness, physical problemsNot a long range responseTense muscles= headache, neck painBlood pressure high= hypertension

Your turnDuring which phase of the General Adaptation Syndrome is a person most vulnerable to disease?1. Alarm2. Resistance3. Exhaustionchapter 13

9Your turnDuring which phase of the General Adaptation Syndrome is a person most vulnerable to disease?1. Alarm2. Resistance3. Exhaustionchapter 13

10Current approachesBuilt on Selyes observations (bio)2nd path Hypothalamus releases chemical messengers that spur the adrenal cortex to secrete cortisol and other hormones that elevate blood sugar and protect the bodys tissues from inflammation in case of injuryCortisol- cravings for comfort food triggered by Psychological stressors: when peoples self preservation is threatened, when they have no control over the task at hand, or when they feel that they are being judged negatively by others

Current approaches

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12Stressors and the bodyWork-related problems

Noise

Bereavement and loss

Poverty, powerlessness, and low status

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13Stressors Affecting the Body (4)Work related problems- work central to lives; unemployment, high stress + long time= health problemNoise- children live by airport= higher levels of stress, distractible, learning and attention difficulties compared to children from quiet environment

Stressors effecting bodyBereavement and loss- 2 years following bereavement, more susceptible to illness; especially menPoverty, powerlessness, and low status- people at lower rungs of socioeconomic ladder worse health and higher mortality rate than those at the top

Stress and the MindSome people manufacture their own miseryWhen something bad happens to you what is first reaction?Optimism- the general expectation that things will go well in spite of occasional setback better Think it will work out so you work at it pessimism- If something can go wrong for me it will16Explanatory stylesOptimists:Take better care of themselves when sickCope betterDraw on friends in hard times

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17Sense of controlLocus of control is a general expectation about whether the results of your actions are under your own control (internal locus) or beyond control (external locus)People who have an internal locus of control tend to believe that they are responsible for what happens to them. Those who have an external locus of control ten to believe their lives are controlled by luck, fate, or other people

The sense of controlLocus of controlA general expectation about whether the results of your actions are under your own control (internal locus) or beyond your control (external locus)

Feelings of control can reduce or even eliminate the relationship between stressors and health.

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19Limits of ControlPrimary control is an effort to modify reality by changing other people, the situation, or events; a fighting back philosophySecondary control is an effort to accept reality by changing your own attitudes, goals, or emotions; a learn to live with it philosophy

Limits of controlPrimary control: an effort to modify reality by changing other people, the situation, or eventsA fighting back philosophyWestern cultures

Secondary control: an effort to accept reality by changing your own attitudes, goals, or emotionsA learn to live with it philosophyEastern cultureschapter 13

21Your turnSuppose you have several difficult exams coming up soon. If your thought is Theres no way I can study enough to get an A in psychology, then what is your locus of control?1. Internal2. Externalchapter 13

22Summary G.A.D.SeLocus of controlOptimism/ pessimism