PSYC 155 Lecture Notes - Lecture 12: Allostatic Load, Monoamine Oxidase A, Hans Selye
Document Summary
Stress: nature x nurture: another plasticity marker: (short/long, monoamine oxidase-a (maoa, warrior gene, predicts aggressive behavior after provocation, high vs low maoa, males deficient in maoa were more sensitive to parental maltreatment, developed. Low-maoa shows differential susceptibility more antisocial behaviors, and were more likely convicted of violent offenses: gender effect for warrior gene. Immune response: short-term stress boosts the immune system such as during the end of the fight or flight response, whereas chronic stress weakens it, leaving the body less able to deal with infection. Sets the stage for diseases of adaptation: stage 3: exhaustion, continued exposure to same stressor drains the body further & capacity to resist is depleted, usually results in illness. Japan: reduce work hours to reduce risk of dying. Issues / criticisms: assigns limited role to psychological factors - critical to the experience of stress. Should get adapted to similar stressors and stress response should get smaller and smaller over time.
