1. STRESS & HEALTH

2. Stress*
Physiological response to threat, watch Angry at Heart Video (second video) What is the response you see below called? Image attributed to Stangor, Introduction to Psychology
EXHAUSTION
ALARM
RESISTANCE
Stress Occurs

3. General Adaptation Syndrome *
Three stage response to long-term stress.
1. Alarm *
Body releases stress hormones, inc. cortisol
2. Resistance *
Body adapts to threat; tries to return to normal functions; glucose & BP increase
3. Exhaustion *
Reserves gone; immunity & organs fail
Image attributed to Stangor, Introduction to Psychology

4. The HPA Axis – Response to Stress Image attributed to Stangor, 2011
The HPA Axis – Response to Stress Image attributed to Stangor, Introduction to Psychology
HYPOTHALAMUS
Pituitary Gland
ACTH
Adrenal Glands
Cortisol
Epinephrine and Norepinephrine

5. Biopsychosocial Model *
Explanations in terms of interactions between biological, psychological, and social variables.
Psychoneuroimmunology *
Studies interaction between immune system, nervous system & psychological processes
Health Psychology *
Focus on how interactions of biology, behavior & social situation influence health & illness.

6. What causes stress? Social Readjustment Rating Scale *
Holmes & Rahe research.
Everyday life events rated for their stress potential.
Predictive for illness (exhaustion stage of GAS)
Daily Hassles *
Minor events – argument, lost keys, test
Predictive for stress and poorer health
What causes the most stress for you?

7. Responses to Stress Individual differences Fight-Flight Response:
More common in men
Emotional and Behavioral Response to stress that increases the readiness for action.
Tend and Befriend:
More common in women
Behavioral reaction to stress that involves activities designed to create social networks that provide protection from stress.

8. COPING Problem-focused coping *
Trying to change situation or problem that is causing the stress. Example?
Emotion-focused coping *
Trying to reduce the effects of stress by controlling emotions. Example ?
Individual differences in resisting stress *
Age, exercise, diet, social support, health, genes
‪Jaycee Dugard Interview Video

9. Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome *
Response to an extreme stressor, e.g. war, rape, natural disaster, life-threatening event
Symptoms include : anxiety, intrusive thoughts, emotional problems, distracted
Substance abuse & family problems common
Medical and psychological treatment needed.
Video Interview