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 We 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
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Identified five stages that occur in the wake of natural disasters 1.Psychic numbness: Shock, confusion 2.Automatic action: Little awareness/recall of the experience 3.Communal effort: People pool resources and collaborate 4.Letdown: Depletion of energy, feel abandoned 5.Recovery: Survivors adapt to changes created by the catastrophe Cohen and Ahearn
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 The Physical Stress Response The physical response to nearly any stressor follows the same sequence. 1.Initial arousal 2.Protective behavioral reaction, often fight-or- flight (or freezing) 3.Internal responses to the autonomic nervous system and endocrine system 4.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 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
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 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 Resistance Body tries to adapt to stressor Hormonal changes to cope with stress Conservation of resources. Effects on activity level, feeding etc.
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 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 of normal resistance Successful 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
CAN I? Describe the 4 stage process in which all humans react to stress Explain each of the 3 Stages of GAS