Psychology as Level Aqa - Stress Unit

The Body’s Response to Stress
Stress: when the body is unable to cope with demands
Stressor: any stimulus which produces the physiological stress response in by definition a stressors
An event that triggers the stress response because it throws the body out of balance and forces it to respond e.g. life changes (bereavement, divorce), daily hassles (traffic, lost keys), workplace stressors (e.g. role strain, lack of control) and environmental stressors (noise, temperature, overcrowding)
Chronic Stress: stressful experiences that last for a long time
Acute Stress: a stressor appears and the body responds
Stress is an adaptive response. There are two types of stress Chronic and Acute. The Acute response prepares the body for flight or fight response, where as Chronic depress the immune system and the liver releases energy.
The Acute Stress Response – SAM (Sympathomedullary Pathway)
Hypothalamus stimulates
Sympathetic branch of ANS (Autonomic Nervous System) activates
Adrenal Medulla releases
Adrenaline or (noradrenaline)
Gets body ready for fight or flight response
The Chronic Stress Response – HPA (Pituitary Adrenal System)
Hypothalamus stimulates
Pituitary Gland releases
ACTH stimulates
Adrenal Cortex produces
Cortisol (corticosteroid)
Liver releases energy and the immune system is depressed
What happens after a stress response?
After a few minutes the parasympathetic branch of ANS will start to work. This will reduce the “fight or flight response” and bring the body back to normal
Stress causes psychological problems like anxiety and depression.
Stress can cause everyday physical illnesses like cough and colds by lowering the effectiveness of the immune system.
Stress can cause Heart Disease and Strokes by increasing build up of cholesterol.
Stress may lead to illnesses like Cancer.
Stress can cause millions of lost sick days from work
Stress can cause accidents and injuries at work due to loss of concentration