1. Stress: The Constant Challenge
Chapter Two

2. What is Stress?
Stress = state of mental or emotional strain resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances
Stressor –Anything that triggers stress
Eustress vs. Distress
The stress response or the “fight-or-flight” response is a physiological reaction that occurs in response to a perceived harmful event, attack, or threat to survival.

3. What is the Stress Response?
The purpose of the stress response is to prepare your body to fight/flee from a threat
Your body prepares for physical action even if such action is not required
The intensity of the stress response depends on a variety of factors (past experiences, gender, age, etc.).
The threat (stressor) can be real or perceived
Two Systems Oversee the Stress Response
Nervous system (ANS)
Endocrine system
Chapter Two

4. Components of the Central Nervous System
Brain
Receives information from
internal & external environment
Integrates and makes decisions about incoming/outgoing information
Spinal Cord
Connects brain w/ peripheral nerves
Nerves
Send & receive messages throughout the body

5. Divisions of the Central Nervous System
Peripheral Nervous System
Autonomic
Parasympathetic
“Rest & Digest”
Sympathetic
“Fight/Flight”
Somatic
Central Nervous System

6. Components of the Endocrine System
Scattered glands, cells, tissues that release hormones into bloodstream
Hormones regulate & control a variety of body functions
Important in a stress response: pituitary & adrenal gland

7. The CNS & Endocrine System Work Together to Respond to Stress
Both systems act simultaneously during a stress response to bring about physiological changes
Ex. The actions of sympathetic nerves cause the release of adrenaline from adrenal medulla while cortisol is released from the adrenal cortex
So, adrenaline and cortisol are released from the adrenal gland, but in different ways.

8. The Stress Response

9. What Happens During a Stress Response?
Pituitary gland is directed to release ACTH; ACTH acts on the adrenal gland which then produces cortisol and adrenaline
When Cortisol and Adrenaline are released in a Stress Response:
hearing and vision become more acute
heart rate increases
sugar is released into the bloodstream (by liver)
digestion slows/halts
endorphins (pain relievers) are released
bronchi dilate

10. Return to Homeostasis What is Homeostasis?
The body’s ability to maintain internal stability
In this state, BP, HR, hormone levels, vital functions are maintained within a normal range
Why is it important to return to homeostasis?

11. Emotional and Behavioral Responses to Stress
Common emotional responses include anxiety, depression, and fear
Behavioral responses to stress are controlled by the somatic N.S.
Effective behavioral responses to stress: talking, laughing, exercise, time management, taking control of the situation
Ineffective responses to stress: over-eating, procrastination, alcohol or drug abuse

12. Personality and Stress
What determines how we respond to stress?
Personality
Type A -higher perceived level of stress; competitive, controlling
Type B -lower perceived level of stress; relaxed
Type C - have difficulty expressing emotions, anger suppression
Resilience refers to personality traits associated with social and academic success in at risk-populations
Cultural background
Gender-women make up more than half of workforce, often make less money than men in comparable jobs, more likely to suffer sexual harassment or discrimination, less likely to get promoted to leadership roles; men fell overwhelming need to support a family
Past Experiences

13. The General Adaptation Syndrome
Pattern of all stressors
Alarm
The body is exposed to a stressor
Physiological responses brought on by the ANS
May experience headaches, anxiety
Resistance
New level of homeostasis where body is more resistant to disease and injury; body can cope with added stress, but cannot maintain this state indefinitely

14. The General Adaptation Syndrome
Exhaustion
Life-threatening physiological state (1st two stages drain energy)
Allostatic Load: Long-term wear and tear of the stress response on the body and body’s resources are depleted
A high allostatic load is linked with heart disease, obesity, hypertension, and reduced immune function

15. General Adaptation Syndrome (G.A.S.), a theory of Stress and Disease
Alarm
Resistance
Exhaustion

16. Stress and Disease
Several components interact w/ stress to increase vulnerability to disease
Genetic predisposition
Personality
Social environment
Health related behaviors

17. Women, Men, College and Stress
Women and stress
Balancing multiple roles
Men and stress
Compelled to be in charge at all times
Physiological Differences are due to Hormones
Testosterone – men
Oxytocin, estrogen – women
Among college-ages students, 32% reported that stress negatively affected their individual academic performance during the last school year. These students were 85% more likely to drop a class, receive an incomplete or receive a lower grade on an exam/class.
American college health association, 2005

18. Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI)
Definition: Study of complex interactions between N.S, endocrine and immune system
Specific connections between stress & immune system exist
Chronic high blood pressure can lead to atherosclerosis and strokes
Psychological problems brought on by hormones released during stress response
Colds and other infections are harder to fight when under stress
Cancer-abnormal cells are less likely to be destroyed by the immune system

19. Managing Stress is Multidimensional
Social Support
Seek friends and family that are responsible, trustworthy, positive, know how to laugh and cry and with whom you can engage in meaningful conversations with
Communication
With yourself and with others
Change the Way You Think
Our appraisals, thoughts, and ideas of people and situations are what make these things stressful, not the people/situations themselves.
Managing your Time
Prioritize tasks, don’t be afraid to say no, break overwhelming tasks into small pieces, remember that time is precious
Exercise, Nutrition and Sleep

20. Other Relaxation Techniques
Progressive Relaxation
Visualization-imagery; creating vivid mental pictures
Meditation-quieting the mind by focusing on something particular
Deep breathing
Yoga (physical balance/breath
control)-union of mind, body and soul
Music influences pulse, BP and electrical activity of muscles
Biofeedback