Stress as a Biological Model

Stress as a Psychobiological Process

  • Stress Definition:

    • A psychobiological process influenced by internal and external factors.

  • Internal and External Stressors:

    • Internal: thoughts, emotions, beliefs.
    • External: environmental factors, life events.

  • Stress Responses:

    • Physiological and psychological reactions to stressors, including:
    • Fight-or-Flight-or-Freeze Response (acute stress response):
      • Immediate physiological reaction to perceived danger involving increased heart rate, blood pressure, and energy mobilization.
    • Cortisol Role in Chronic Stress:
      • Hormone released during prolonged stress, affecting various bodily functions and can lead to negative health consequences if sustained.

  • Gut-Brain Axis (GBA):

    • Interaction between gut microbiota and the nervous system, influencing psychological processes and behavior.
    • Emerging research highlights its role in stress response and mental health.

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

  • Hans Selye's GAS Model:

    • Describes a three-stage physiological response to stress that is non-specific to the cause of stress.
    • Stages of GAS:
    1. Alarm Reaction:
      • Initial response to stressor; temporary shock followed by counter-shock.
      • Activation of the sympathetic nervous system.
    2. Resistance:
      • Body maintains heightened arousal to the ongoing stressor.
      • Energy resources are mobilized, physiological processes shut down, and cortisol is released.
      • Body adapts to stress but can be vulnerable to illness.
    3. Exhaustion:
      • Occurs if stressor persists beyond the resistance stage.
      • Depletion of energy resources, increased vulnerability to physical and mental disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression).

  • Physiological Processes During GAS:

    • Alarm Reaction:
    • Shock phase (initial decrease in arousal) leading to counter-shock (increased arousal, adrenaline release).
    • Resistance Stage:
    • Sustained high arousal, continued cortisol release; risk of emergence of health issues.
    • Exhaustion Stage:
    • Symptoms reappear, body cannot deal with stressor, leads to physical wear and tear, and illnesses like hypertension.

Transactional Model of Stress and Coping

  • Lazarus and Folkman:
    • Focus on psychological appraisal of stress (primary and secondary appraisal).
    • Emphasizes personal interpretation of a stressor and coping strategies utilized.

Coping Strategies for Stress

  • Approach Strategies:
    • Proactive actions taken to manage the stressor or its effects.
  • Avoidance Strategies:
    • Strategies focused on avoiding stressor or denying stress.
  • Coping Flexibility:
    • Ability to adapt coping strategies depending on context and changing circumstances.

Application of GAS in Real-Life Scenarios

  • Practical Examples:
    • Stage 1 (Alarm): A student hears about upcoming exams and experiences shock and anxiety.
    • Stage 2 (Resistance): The student continues studying over several months despite feeling unwell.
    • Stage 3 (Exhaustion): The student develops a serious illness due to prolonged stress and exhaustion during exams.

Key Considerations for Exam Preparation

  • Understand each stage of GAS, be able to identify symptoms, physiological changes, and the role of cortisol.
  • Familiarize with the GBA and its implications for psychological health.
  • Practice applying knowledge of stress models in hypothetical scenarios for exam questions.