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STRESS: THE CONSTANT CHALLENGE Chapter Two
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What is Stress? Stress = 1) Situations that trigger physical and emotional reactions and 2) The reactions themselves Stressor –Anything that triggers stress Eustress vs. Distress Two Systems Oversee the Physical Responses to stressors Nervous system Endocrine system 2
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Components of the Central Nervous System Brain Receives information from internal & external environment & Integrates and makes decisions about incoming information Spinal Cord Connects brain w/ peripheral nerves Nerves Send & receive messages (chemical /electrical) 3
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Divisions of the Central Nervous System 4 Central Nervous System Autonomic (Involuntary) Parasympathetic “Rest & Digest” Sympathetic “Fight/Flight” Somatic (Voluntary)
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Components of the Endocrine System Scattered glands, cells, tissues that release hormones into bloodstream Hormones regulate & control body functions 5
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The CNS & Endocrine System Work Together to respond to Stress Nervous system operates fast, endocrine system is slower Both systems act simultaneously to bring about change during a stress response Ex. Release of cortisol and adrenaline during a stress response 6
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Physical Responses to Stress Cortisol and Adrenaline cause: Acute hearing and vision (pupils dilate) Increased HR Release of sugar into bloodstream (by liver) Digestion to halt The release of endorphins (pain reliever) Bronchi to dilate 7
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Emotional & Behavioral Responses to Stress Behavioral responses to stress are controlled by the Somatic N.S. Effective responses to stress: Talking, laughing, exercise, time management Ineffective responses to stress: Eating, Procrastination, Frustration 8
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Personality and Stress What determines how we respond to stress? Personality Type A, B and C personalities Resilient personality Cultural background Gender Past Experiences 9
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Return to Homeostasis What is Homeostasis? The body’s ability to maintain internal stability, while our environment constantly changes. Why is it important to return to homeostasis? 10
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The General Adaptation Syndrome Pattern of all stressors Alarm Sequence of events brought on by Fight-or-Flight reaction May experience headaches, anxiety Resistance New level of homeostasis where body is more resistant to disease and injury Exhaustion Life-threatening physiological state Allostatic Load: Long-term wear and tear of the stress response A high allostatic load is linked with heart disease, obesity hypertension, and reduced immune function 11
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General Adaptation Syndrome (G.A.S.), a theory of Stress and Disease Alarm Resistance Exhaustion 12
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Stress and Disease Several components interact w/ stress to increase vulnerability to disease Genetic predisposition Personality Social environment Health related behaviors 13
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Women, Men, and Stress Women and stress Balancing multiple roles Men and stress Compelled to be in charge at all times American Psychological Association’s “ Stress in America” survey 82% of female and 71% of male Americans reported stress-related health problems. Physiological Differences Testosterone – men Oxytocin – women 14
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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 Atherosclerosis Strokes Psychological problems brought on by hormones released during stress response Colds and other infections Cancer 15
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Managing Stress Social Support Communication Exercise Nutrition Sleep 16
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How sleep works Two phases: REM and NREM (4 stages of successively deeper sleep) During NREM, vital signs slow and growth hormone is released, brain wave patterns slow During REM dreams occur, vital signs increase Sleep problems Insomnia Sleep apnea Chapter Two©2008 McGraw-Hill Companies. All Rights Reserved. 17 Managing Stress
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Cognitive Techniques Think and act constructively Take control Problem-solve Modify your expectations Stay positive Cultivate your sense of humor Focus on what’s important 18
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Relaxation Techniques Progressive relaxation Visualization Meditation Deep breathing Yoga Music Tai chi (Taijiuan) Biofeedback 19
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