Chapter 3 Summary

3.1

• Stress is a psychobiological response to an internal or external source of tension (stressor).

• An internal stressor is a source of tension that comes from our mind and body, whereas an external stressor is a source of tension that originates in our environment.

• Acute stress is experienced when the source of tension, whether real or imagined, produces an elevated level of physiological arousal/stress response for a brief time; for example, a fight with a friend or a minor car accident.

• Chronic stress is experienced when the source of tension is prolonged or ongoing and is perceived to be beyond the person’s ability to cope. The prolonged presence of cortisol in the bloodstream can cause psychological and physical illness due to the suppression of the immune system.

3.2

• Hans Selye developed a biological model of stress while experimenting on non-human subjects. This is known as General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) and identifies three main stages: alarm reaction, resistance and exhaustion.

• Alarm reaction is the first stage of GAS and has two phases: shock and counter shock.

• Resistance is the second stage of GAS. It is also known as the ‘adaptive stage’ because the continued release of stress hormones allows the person to have the resources to deal with the stressor.

• Exhaustion is the third stage of GAS, during which resistance to the stressor reduces to below normal levels.

3.3

• Lazarus and Folkman’s Transactional Model of Stress and Coping focused on a person’s unique perception of a stressor (psychological), which was referred to as a transaction between the individual and their environment, and the use of coping strategies.

3.4

• The gut–brain axis (GBA) is a complex bidirectional communication system between the central and enteric nervous systems via the vagus nerve.

• Seventy per cent of our immune system is in our gastrointestinal tract. Chronic stress and the prolonged presence of cortisol can allow bad bacteria and viruses to cross the blood–brain barrier and cause serious illness.

• An imbalance of microbiota in the gut can lead to biological and psychological problems such as depression, anxiety and physical illnesses.

3.5

• Coping strategies are cognitive behavioural tactics that are used to reduce psychological and emotional discomfort.

• Approach strategies are considered to be adaptive because a person attempts to deal with the stressor directly and exerts effort in finding a solution to reduce their psychological and emotional distress.

• Avoidant strategies are considered to be maladaptive and refer to cognitive and behavioural methods that distract or delay a person from dealing with or adjusting to the emotional distress/stress of the situation.

• Context-specific effectiveness refers to the effective use of previously successful coping strategies in a new/comparable situation.

• Coping flexibility refers to an individual’s ability to adapt effectively to a range of stressful situations.