PSYC 2301 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Self Esteem (Song), Negative Affectivity, Allostatic Load
Document Summary
Stress is defined as a negative emotional experience accompanied by predictable biochemical physiological, cognitive, and behavioural changes that are directed either towards altering the stressful event or accommodating to its effects. Stress is initiated or aggravated by exposure to a stressor. Stressors: an event, situation, experience or trigger that causes stress. Stress is only evident in the presence of a stressor. Degree of stress is determined by psychological appraisal. Secondary appraisal determines coping abilities and resources available. Stress causes short and long term changes to health. Harmful events are labelled by the cerebral cortex. Initiate earliest response to stress (flight or fight response) Leads to sympathetic arousal (blood pressure, heart rate, sweating) Activation of the hypothalamus releases corticotrophin-releasing factor (crf) Stimulates pituitary gland to secrete adrenocorticotropic hormone (acth) Cortisol: conserve stores of carbs, reduces inflammation, inhibits release of crf, bring body back to steady state. System was not designed for long term stress (allostatic load)