Psychology 1000 Chapter 15: ch 15. stress

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 1000
• Professor: Laura Fazakas- De Hoog

Document Summary

Stress viewed as a response with cognitive, physiological, and behavioural components. General adaptation syndrome (gas)- selye physiological response pattern to strong and prolonged stressors consisting of three phases: alarm reaction. Due to sudden activation of the sympathetic nervous system. Sudden release of stress hormones by the endocrine system. +cortisol- triggers an increase in blood sugars by acting on the liver. Blood to muscles contains more oxygen and sugar. Suppresses immune system, injuries won"t get so swollen (cortisone). The adrenal glands release epinephrin, norepinephrine, and cortisol to maintain increased arousal. The body"s resources continue to be mobilized so that the person can function despite the presence of the stressor: exhaustion. The adrenal glands lose their ability to function normally. Increased vulnerability to disease. in extremes, collapse and death. Physical stressors, which evolved to help us deal with life-threatening situations may not be as adaptive for dealing with the psychological stressors that activate them today (eg. exams).