Physiological psychology BODILY RESPONSE TO STRESSORS
PHYSIOLOGICAL STRESS RESPONSE
Place the terms in the correct column SAM HYPOTHALAMUS HPA PITUITARY GLAND ANS (SYMPATHETIC) ACTH ADRENAL MEDULLA ADRENAL CORTEX ADRENALINE CORTISOL FIGHT OR FLIGHT ACUTE STRESS CHRONIC STRESS
GAS (General Adaptation Syndrome)
ALARM The ‘fight and flight’ response SAM
RESISTANCE If the stressor isn’t removed. Cortisol is released (HPA)
EXHAUSTION The production of ACTH is inhibited once there is a certain level of ACTH and corticosteroids already circulating. Blood sugar returns to normal, but if the stress situation, the body cannot meet the demands being made on it.
EFFECTS OF EXHAUSTION Blood glucose levels drop – in extreme cases leading to hypoglycaemia Hypertension Coronary heart disease Asthma Peptic ulcers
EVALUATION OF GAS Selye’s work was a breakthrough in explaining the physiological response to stress. Not all stressors produce the same pattern of activity. The research was mainly done with rats and generalised to humans. Psychological factors are ignored, i.e. stress must be ‘perceived’ first.