Functions of Hormones in Human Behavior IB Psychology From Levels of Analysis in Psychology

Function of Hormones in Human Behavior Hormones are a contributing factor to behavior. No modern psychologist suggests that hormones are the only factor explaining human behavior.

Hormones that Strongly Influence behavior Cortisol (stress hormone) Estrogen and Testosterone All three are steroid hormones and are powerful influences on behavior.

Steroid Hormones Produced by the adrenal cortex and gonads. Influence the transcription process of genes & contribute to the difference between males and females on some cognitive tasks.

Depression: Stress hormones, neurotransmission, and genes. The World Health Organization predicts that depression will be the number one health problem in the future.

Sapolski’s Research Stress Hormones are secreted any time we experience the fight or flight syndrome. Most human’s get this feeling from the expectation of stressful situations or from imagined stressors. Imagined stressors are social and psychological in nature. Imagined or not the stress still affects the body the same way.

HPA Axis The HPA (hypothalamic-petuitary-adrenal) axis is activated when stress is experienced. A constantly activated HPA axis will have the following effects: Weakened immune system Impaired memory Increased risk of depression

Sapolski’s Research People with depression have malfunctioning neurotransmitter systems. Chronic high levels of stress hormones can alter the structure and function of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.

Depression, Hormones, and the Brain Many people with depression have a smaller hippocampus. Cells in the hippocampus have receptors for stress hormones and long-term exposure to stress means that stress hormones can bind to cells and change them, possibly permanently (Walker, 2001).

Depression, Hormones, and Genetics High stress levels affect genes. Stress hormones affect the 5-HTT gene (a gene known to be linked to depression).

Other factors that contribute Thinking and social expectations create imagined stressors. Negative Cognitive Style Low Perceived Efficacy

Depression: Gender, stress hormones, and genes. Susan Nolan-Hoeksma (2001) “Gender Differences in Depression” Meta-Analysis: Combines the results of several studies that address a set of related research hypotheses.

Nolen-Hoeksema (2001) Women are twice as likely as men to develop depression. Transactional Model for depression: depression impairs social and occupational functioning, and then can have a major impact on the environment. Developmental Model for depression: How age groups differ in depression.

Nolen-Hoeksema (2001) Stressful Life Events Reactivity to Stress Victimization Chronic Stress Gender Intensification in Adolescence Reactivity to Stress Biological Responses to Stress Self-Concept Coping Styles