Kin 66 Module 1: Stress, Stressors and Stress Theories

Walter Cannon (1914)

physiologist (explores systems of the body. known for using the X-ray) observed the idea of homeostasis. first person to observe the body’s reaction to stress. cares about “physical threat” he coined the term “Flight or fight response” he defined stress as a physical reaction to an external stress. thought of stress as a one time stressor that went away. he believed that the body mobilized for action with 2 systems strength/power: fight and endurance: flight. HR increases, BP increase, and RR increases in attempt for the body to maintain homeostasis. 

Han Selye (1930)

endocrinologist (hormones) built off cannons work. came up with chronic and stress response/general adaptation syndrome. 

chronic stress

Han Selye. trying to identify hormone using rats and stumbled upon it. a prolonged state of physiological and psychological strain caused by ongoing or recurring stressors

stress response/general adaptation syndrome

Han Selye. phase 1: alarm - 1st exposure that creates F or F. Phase 2: Adaptation - if the stressor remains. Phase 3: Exhaustion - complete a total degradation. full exhaustion of resources that could lead to death or illness. alarm again to try and stay alive.

Distress

“physical threat”, negative adaptations

Eustress

positive adaptations (ex. evolution)

A.T.W Simeons

Selye’s student (1960’s). believed ego could become vulnerable leading to psychological harm. society does not promote F or F for threat to ego. came up with psychosomatic disease and allostatic load.

psychosomatic disease

A.T.W Simeons. our body has an internal response to physical harm but now it’s triggered by things that aren’t physical which causes accumulation. (allostatic load)

allostatic load

wear and tear on the body from constant adaptation which leads to psychosomatic disease 

Life Event Theory

stems from A.T.W Simeons. concerned about the types of situations a person faces. major life events like a death of a loved one, marriage, etc. the more of these one experiences the more stress is present, but maybe it’s the daily hassles that add up. creating an allostatic load

daily hassles

connected to the life event theory. the minor irritations, annoyances, and demands of everyday life that occur regularly and can, over time, accumulate to cause significant stress. ex. work, traffic, etc.

daily uplifts

connected to the life event theory. positive daily aspects that help decrease the threat of daily hassles. ex. free food, hanging out with loved ones, no homework, etc.

hardiness theory

stems from A.T.W Simeons. cares about “attitude” towards events rather than events themselves. rather than viewing it as a challenge. this would promote hardiness and resilience

social support theory

stems from A.T.W Simeons. when you don’t have adequate support than stress is experienced. ex. of emotional social support and financial support (tangible)

stressors

a external or internal stimulus that has the potential to trigger the F or F response potential because of peoples difference in perception

stress reactivity 

mobilization that takes place in the body (adaptations as well) in summary it is the F or F

strain

physical/mental/psychological/behavioral impact that a stressor has on a person

stress

stressors + stress reactivity + strain = this

stress management

goal is to reduce negative effects/outcomes/adaptations of stress