Stress wace prep

Stress defined by Selye (1936)

Nonspecific response of the body to any psychological or physiological demand

Stress defined by Selye key characteristic of theory

For a person to experience stress they must be exposed to a stressor

Stress is then experienced when a person perceives that the demand of a stressor exceed their ability to cope

2 types of stress outlined by Selye (1936)

Distress and Eustress

Distress definition Selye (1936)

Negative stress response typically accompanied by physiological reactivity and negative emotions

Distress defined by Selye (1936) key characteristic of theory

Impedes our ability to perform and cope at an optimal level

Physiological changes triggered by distress can lead to health risks

Eustress definition by Selye (1936)

Positive stress response that motivates and enhances functioning

Eustress definition by Selye (1936) key characteristics of theory

Individual feels stressed yet prepared

Can be beneficial because it increases our alertness and energises us to we are ready to meet the demands of challenging situation, without causing physical harm to our body

Stressors definition

Sources of stress from external or internal factors. Any person, object or event that challenges or threatens them, thus causing a feeling of stress

4 types of stressors

Environmental

Psychological

Social

Cultural

Environmental stressors

Arise from the conditions and physical surroundings of an individual e.g. noise, pollution, temperature

Psychological stressor

Caused by emotional and cognitive factors

Social

Stem from relationships and interactions with others in society e.g. pressure to be accepted by others

Cultural stressor

Emerge from aspects of cultural identity, values or beliefs e.g. discrimination due to cultural beliefs or practises

3 Characteristics of stressors

Source Duration Intensity

2 types of stressor sources

External and internal

External stressor

Pressure or challenges that come from the environment around us

Internal stressor

Originate within the individual. Thoughts, emotions and personal attitudes that create tension or worry. Most common source of stress

2 types of duration of stressors

Short term acute which arises suddenly. Long term chronic which lasts for a long time and may continue for weeks, months or years

Intensity of stressor

Ranges from mild to severely distressing, with the ability to cope with the stressor is affected by its intensity

Stress as a response- General Adaptation Syndrome Selye (1936, 1983)

Used to describe the physiological changes that the body automatically goes through in response to stress. Stress isn’t simply an environmental stress, but a set of processes that act as a response. Stress = physical reaction = stress as a response

Physiological response to stress

Increased heart rate, increased breathing rate

GAS 3 stages

1. Alarm

2. Resistance

3. Exhaustion

Cortisol

A steroid hormone secreted from the adrenal gland when the body experiences stress

Adrenaline

Hormone secreted from the adrenal gland that increases heart rate and supports the conversion of glycogen into glucose in the liver

Noradrenaline

A hormone secreted from the adrenal gland that causes blood vessels to constrict (become narrower) and blood pressure to increase