3.4.1 Sources of stress

What is stress and what is GAS (Selye, 1936)?

Stress (Selye)
The nonspecific response of the body to any demand (your body reacts the same way whether it’s exams or actual danger)

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)
A 3-stage biological process the body goes through during stress:

• Alarm

• Resistance

• Exhaustion

Key idea:
Applies to ALL types of stress (based on Selye’s rat experiments)

Memory hook:
Same body reaction whether it’s a tiger or your syllabus

What happens during the Alarm Stage of GAS?

Definition
Initial reaction to a stressor

What happens:

• Release of cortisol + adrenaline

• Activates fight or flight response

• Body prepares to deal with threat

Physical changes:

• Increased heart rate

• Faster breathing

Effect:

• Disrupts homeostasis (normal body balance)

Example:
Assignment due tomorrow → panic mode activated

Memory hook:
Alarm stage = your body hitting the panic button

What happens during the Resistance Stage of GAS?

Definition
Body attempts to recover after initial shock

If stressor is gone:

• Body returns to normal

• Repairs itself

• Homeostasis restored

If stress continues:

• Body stays on high alert

• Cortisol keeps releasing

Psychological signs:

• Irritability

• Frustration

Example:
Deadline extended → instant calm
Deadline still there → slow mental breakdown

Memory hook:
Resistance = “I’m fine” (you are not fine)

What happens during the Exhaustion Stage of GAS?

Definition
Occurs when stress is prolonged (chronic stress)

What happens:

• Body resources depleted

• Can no longer cope

Effects:

• Fatigue

• Anxiety

• Depression

Serious risks:

• CHD (coronary heart disease)

• CVD

Memory hook:
Exhaustion = your body rage quitting life

What are the effects of stress on health?

Minor effects:

• Insomnia

• Headaches

• Appetite changes

• Nausea

• Heartburn

• Muscle pain

Chronic stress effects:

• Type 2 diabetes

• High blood pressure

• Stroke/heart attack risk

• Weak immune system

• Substance abuse

Key idea:
Short-term stress = manageable
Long-term stress = dangerous

What was the aim, method, and findings of Holmes & Rahe (1967)?

Aim of Holmes & Rahe (1967)
To study how life events cause stress and affect health

Key concept:
SRRS (Social Readjustment Rating Scale)

• 43 life events

• Measured using LCUs (Life Change Units)

Examples:

• Death of spouse = 100

• Minor law violation = 11

Sample of Holmes & Rahe

• 2500 male American sailors

Procedure of Holmes & Rahe

• Report life events from past 6 months

• Health tracked for next 6 months

Results of Holmes & Rahe

• Positive correlation between LCU score and illness

Conclusion of Holmes & Rahe
More life change = more illness

Memory hook:
Even good life changes still stress your system out (your body hates surprises)

What was the aim, method, and findings of Chandola et al. (2008)?

Aim of Chandola et al. (2008)
To investigate work stress and CHD

Type of study:
Longitudinal

Sample of Chandola et al.

• 10,000 UK civil servants

Procedure of Chandola et al.

• 7 phases (1985–2004)

• Questionnaires + clinical exams

Measured:

• Job strain = high demand + low control

• Iso-strain = social isolation

Results of Chandola et al.

• Ages 37–49: strong link with CHD

• Ages 50+: weak link

Behaviour findings:

• Worse diet

• More alcohol

• Less exercise

• 32% of CHD risk due to unhealthy behaviour

Conclusion of Chandola et al.
Work stress increases CHD risk

Memory hook:
Toxic job + no control = heart taking damage

What are Type A and Type B personalities (Friedman & Rosenman, 1978)?

Type A personality

• Competitive

• Time urgent

• Hostile

Type B personality

• Relaxed

• Patient

• Easy-going

Key difference:
Type A = stress-prone
Type B = chill

Memory hook:
Type A = always in a rush
Type B = “it’ll work out”

What was the aim, method, and findings of Friedman & Rosenman (1978)?

Aim of Friedman & Rosenman (1978)
To test if Type A personality increases risk of heart disease

Sample of Friedman & Rosenman

• 3000 men

• Aged 39–59

Procedure of Friedman & Rosenman

• Personality questionnaire

• Followed for 8.5 years

Results of Friedman & Rosenman

• 257 developed CHD

• 70% were Type A

• Type A nearly twice as likely to develop CHD

Conclusion of Friedman & Rosenman
Type A personality increases risk of heart disease

Memory hook:
If you can’t sit still without stress… your heart is paying the price