Chapter 14
Stress and Stressors
The Concept of Stress
Stress A physical and psychological
response to events (stressors) that challenge a persons normal functioning (homeostasis)
Everyone has stress, it’s a normal part of life
The Concept of Stress Stressors
Physical Examples include injury,
physical exertion, noise, overcrowding, excessive heat or cold
Psychological Examples include
interpersonal conflict, isolation, traumatic events, time pressured tasks, peer pressure, expectations of others
Types of Stressors Psychological conflicts
Approach – approach Two attractive choices
Avoidance – avoidance Two unattractive choices
Approach – avoidance One choice with both positive and negative aspects
Double approach – avoidance Two choices – each with positive and negative
features
Types of Stressors Catastrophic Events
earthquakes, combat stress, floods Life Changes
death of a loved one, divorce, loss of job, promotion
Daily Hassles rush hour traffic, long lines, job
stress, burnout
Perceived control
Stressors are seen as especially stressful when we appraise them as both negative and uncontrolled
“Executive Rat” experiment
Perceived Control Health consequences of a loss of control
No connection to shock source
To shock control To shock source
“Executive” rat “Subordinate” rat Control rat
Perceived Control Equality and Longevity
The Stress Response
Physiological response Cerebral cortex perceives and
interprets a stressor (appraisal) Sympathetic nervous system releases
epinephrine and norepinephrine (adrenaline)
Adrenal glands release cortisol
Pituitary hormone in the bloodstream stimulatesthe outer part of the adrenalgland to release the stress hormone cortisol
Sympathetic nervoussystem releases the stress hormonesepinephrine andnorepinephrinefrom nerve endings in the inner part ofthe adrenal glands
Thalamus
Hypothalamus
Pituitary gland
Adrenal glands
Cerebral cortex(perceives stressor)
The Stress Response
Psychological response Appraisal of stress
Primary appraisal – Is this a threat or challenge?
Secondary appraisal – What should I do?
Stress Appraisal
Stressful event(tough math test)
Threat(“Yikes! This isbeyond me!”)
Challenge(“I’ve got to apply
all I know”)
Panic, freeze up
Aroused, focused
Appraisal Response
The Stress Response
Psychological response Appraisal of stress
Primary appraisal Secondary appraisal
Walter Cannon – “fight or flight”
Increases heart rate and respiration
Diverts blood from digestion to skeletal muscles
Dulls pain Releases sugar and fat
from the body’s stores
The Stress Response
Psychological response Appraisal of stress
Primary appraisal Secondary appraisal
Walter Cannon – “fight or flight” Hans Selye – General Adaptation
Syndrome (GAS)
General Adaptation Syndrome – Hans Selye
Stressresistance
Phase 1Alarm
reaction(mobilize
resources)
Phase 2Resistance(cope with stressor)
Phase 3Exhaustion(reservesdepleted)
The body’s resistance to stress canlast only so long before exhaustion sets in
Stressoroccurs