1. Thinking About Psychology: The Science of Mind and Behavior 2e
Charles T. Blair-Broeker
Randal M. Ernst

2. Biopsychological Domain

3. Stress and Health Chapter

4. Module 12: Effects of Stress

5. Effects of Stress
Module 12

6. Stress
The process by which we perceive and respond to certain events, called stressors, that we appraise as threatening or challenging
Is a process of perceiving and responding
The physical or psychological response is called a stress reaction.

7. Health Psychology
A subfield of psychology that focuses on how stress affects our well being and health

8. Stress: Responding to Stress
Module 12: Effects of Stress

9. Responding to Stress

10. Responding to Stress

11. Responding to Stress

12. Hans Selye ( )
Psychologist who researched recurring responses to stress the he called the general adaptation syndrome (GAS)
Discovered various chemicals caused stress reactions in animals

13. General Adaptation Syndrome
Sylye’s concept of the body’s adaptive response to stress in three stages
Alarm
Resistance
Exhaustion

14. General Adaptation Syndrome
Alarm Reaction – nervous system activated in response to stressor
Resistance – body responds with physiological reactions to cope with the stressor
Exhaustion – body’s resistance to stress is depleted (physical deterioration)

15. General Adaptation Syndrome

16. General Adaptation Syndrome

17. General Adaptation Syndrome

18. Stress: Stressful Events
Module 12: Effects of Stress

19. Daily Stress Stress can be caused by: Typical demands of the day
Living situations
Economic difficulties

20. Burnout
Physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion brought on by persistent job-related stress
Burnout can result in:
Depression
Decreased performance
Cynicism

21. Significant Life Changes
Stress can be the result of personal life changes
Death of a loved one
Leaving home for college
Can result in health problems

22. Catastrophes
Large scale stress events (i.e. earthquakes, floods, war, etc.)
Prolonged exposure can lead to physical and psychological problems.

23. Effects of Perceived Control
Module 12: Effects of Stress

24. Perceived Control
The sense of control or influence one has over stressful events in one’s life
Most studies suggest the lower the perceived control the larger the potential for health-related problems
Lower perceived control leads to a lowered immunity to disease.

25. Optimism A generally positive outlook on the future
Optimists have stronger immune systems and recover faster from health problems.
Opposite of pessimism

26. Stress Hormones Hormones released in response to stress
The body must work to rid the body of the stress hormones.
Pessimism and perceived lack of control both produce more stress hormones.

27. Stress and Disease: Cancer and Stress
Module 12: Effects of Stress

28. Stress-Cancer Connection
Evidence for a connection is not conclusive.
Two conclusions:
Stress does not create cancer cells.
Stress affects the body’s malignancy- fighting ability.

29. Stress and Disease: Stress and Heart Problems
Module 12: Effects of Stress

30. Type A
Term for competitive, hard-driving, impatient, verbally aggressive, and anger-prone.
More prone to heart attacks and other stress related illnesses.

31. Type B
Individuals who are easygoing, relaxed people

32. The End