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

How and Why Do We Experience Stress? The human stress response to perceived threat activates thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and physiological arousal that normally promote adaptation and survival Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Stressor A stressful stimulus …. a condition demanding adaptation 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

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Cohen and Ahearn Identified five stages that occur in the wake of natural disasters Psychic numbness: Shock, confusion Automatic action: Little awareness/recall of the experience Communal effort: People pool resources and collaborate Letdown: Depletion of energy, feel abandoned Recovery: Survivors adapt to changes created by the catastrophe Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

The Physical Stress Response The physical response to nearly any stressor follows the same sequence. Initial arousal Protective behavioral reaction, often fight-or-flight (or freezing) Internal responses to the autonomic nervous system and endocrine system Decrease in the effectiveness of the immune system Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

The Physical Stress Response Arousal: Increased physiological state Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

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 Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

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 Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

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 Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

General Adaptation Syndrome G. A. S. 3 Stages 1. Alarm 2. Resistance 3. Exhaustion Healthy Adaptation or Illness Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

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 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 IF STRESSOR IS NOT REMOVED IN TIME, THE ORGANISM MOVES TO NEXT STAGE Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Stage 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 Resistance Body tries to adapt to stressor Hormonal changes to cope with stress Conservation of resources Effects on activity level, feeding etc. IF STRESSOR IS NOT REMOVED IN TIME, THE ORGANISM MOVES TO NEXT STAGE Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

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 TIME DEATH OCCURS Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

The General Adaptation Syndrome Alarm Reaction Alarm reaction – the body mobilizes it’s resources to cope with a stressor Exhaustion Illness/death Exhaustion – the body depletes it’s resources Resistance Resistance – the body seems to adapt to the presence of the stressor Successful Resistance Level of normal resistance Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

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 Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

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, unstressed approach to life Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Resilience Capacity to adapt, achieve well-being, and cope with stress, in spite of serious threats to development Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Conflict Approach-Approach Conflict A conflict in which one must choose between two equally attractive options Finish college or take a full-time job offer Easiest conflict to resolve Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Conflict Approach-Avoidance Conflict A conflict in which there are both appealing and negative aspects to the decision to be made Going out to a party, knowing that you will be grounded for being at the party. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Conflict Avoidance-Avoidance Conflict A conflict in which one must choose between two equally unattractive options You intensely hate your job, but fear the reality of unemployment if you quit Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Conflict Multiple Approach-Avoidance Conflict A conflict in which one must choose between options that have both many attractive and many negative aspects Go to the Party Meet friends Have a good time Aren’t alone Aren’t bored Go to the Party Get grounded Don’t study for a test …fail it Do something stupid that you’ll regret Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

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