1. Chapter 6: Stress and Health Module 13: Effects of Stress

2. Stress The process by which we perceive and respond to events that we appraise as threatening or challenging Is a process of perceiving and responding Events = stressors. Response = stress reaction. –Which of the following is the stressor and which is the reaction –Pimples and a 1 st Date Stress reaction, stressor What other examples can you come up with?

3. http://news.yahoo.com/elepha nts-know-a-thing-or-two- about-empathy- 202224477.html

4. Health Psychology A subfield of psychology that focuses on how stress affects our well being and our health Some of the questions they ask  How are stress and illness related? How do our perceptions of stress affect our health? Can we control our reactions to stress? What behaviors and attitudes help prevent health problems?

5. Responding to Stress

7. Responding to Stress: Draw this one!!!

8. Walter Cannon Physiologist Different situations trigger the release of stress related hormones into the nervous system Heart Rate ↑ ↓ Pain Sensation ↑ Blood flow to muscles “Fight or Flight” BOTTOM LINE –Simultaneous occurrence of Physiological and Emotional Experiences

9. Hans Selye (1907-1982) aka “Mr. GAS” Researched recurring responses to stress Discovered various chemicals caused stress reactions in animals Developed the concept of the general adaptation syndrome (GAS) Bottom line: –Prolonged stress produces physical deterioration…like? –Ex: long time child abuse victims have a shrinking hippocampus (used for memory recall)

10. General Adaptation Syndrome The body’s adaptive response to stress in 3 stages 1. Alarm Reaction – nervous system activated in response to stressor –Heart pumps faster 2. Resistance – body responds with physiological reactions to cope with the stressor –Respiration, temperature, & blood pressure rise 3. Exhaustion – body’s resistance to stress is depleted (physical deterioration)

11. General Adaptation Syndrome (Example: Prisoner Of War)

12. General Adaptation Syndrome

14. Stress: Stressful Events Module 13: Effects of Stress What are the 3 main types of stressors and how do they affect our health?

15. 1. Daily Stress Stress can be caused by: –Typical demands of the day –Living situations –Economic difficulties What are some of your daily stresses? –Locker jam –Running late Burnout –Physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion brought on by persistent stress Burnout can result in: –Depression –Decreased performance –Cynicism

16. 2. Significant Life Changes Stress can be the result of personal life changes –Death of a loved one –Leaving home for college –What else? Can result in health problems –What examples can you provide?

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

18. Effects of Perceived Control Module 13: Effects of Stress Can our outlook and feelings of control influence our health?

19. Perceived Control The sense of control or influence one has over stressful events in one’s life Most studies suggest –↓perceived control –↑potential for health-related problems –↓immunity to disease Does empowerment = healthier life?

20. Describe the Images

21. Optimism A generally positive outlook on the future Optimists have stronger immune systems and recover faster from health problems. Opposite of pessimism Is the glass half-full or half-empty?

22. 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 and hinder recovery time. Example: –Sickness during vacation vs. FINALS

23. Stress and Disease: Cancer and Stress Module 13: Effects of Stress Is there a connection between the two?

24. 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. Those with stress weakened immune systems are much more likely to allow tumor growth they would otherwise combat

25. Stress and Disease: Stress and Heart Problems Module 13: Effects of Stress What do we know about the link between stress and heart problems?

26. Individuals: Type A vs. Type B Individuals who are competitive, hard-driving, impatient, verbally aggressive, and anger-prone. More prone to heart attacks & other stress related illnesses Individuals who are easygoing, laid-back, and relaxed