characteristics

• What is the definition of stress?

  Psychological and physical strain or tension generated by physical, emotional, social, economic or occupational situations/events that are difficult to cope with or manage.
• What are the two main elements of stress?

  1. Stress as a physical response (Selye)

  2. Stress as a psychological response (Lazarus and Folkman)
• What is the physical response?

  Fight or flight
• What did Selye

  General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)
• What are the 3 stages of GAS?

  1. Alarm

  2. Resistance

  3. Exhaustion
• What happens in the alarm reaction?

  The fight or flight response is triggered as the threat is perceived and a response is made to alarm in the form of HPA and SAM activation, stress related hormones are produced e.g. adrenaline.
• What happens during the resistance stage?

  Your body adapts to the continued presence of the stressor whilst resources are being depleted. The body appears to be coping however its deteriorating.
• What happens during the exhaustion stage?

  - body functions are no longer able to maintain a response to the stressor; e.g. high blood pressure

  - the end of this stage results in recovery or death
• What does Yerkes Dodson say about stress?

  It can be beneficial (eustress), can have a positive effect on health and motivation.
• Stress as a psychological response, how does Lazarus and Folkman define stress?

  An interaction between a person and the environment. (transactional model of stress)
• What is primary appraisal?

  This means whether the threat or stressor is significant to the individual specifically, if its harmful or challenging.
• What is secondary appraisal?

  This means whether you have the resources to deal with this threat/stressor.
• What are the 3 types of stress?

  1. acute

  2. episodic

  3. chronic
• What is acute stress?

  • A short-term stress with a quick resolution e.g. sitting an exam

  • The type of stress our body handles the best

  • Fight or flight
• What is episodic stress?

  Regularly experiencing stressful situations that start and end. (experiencing acute stress frequently)
• What is chronic stress?

  stress associated with long-term problems that are beyond a person's control
• How does stress affect a person phsycially?

  Stress can make you function poorly and become ill due to high blood pressure, damage to immune system and coronary heart disease.

  
  

  Physical effects are a result of over arousal of the bodys systems.

  
  

  Acute and Chronic stress can lead to long term physical illness.
• How does stress affect a person psychcologically?

  Stress can cause low self esteem, anxiety and depression, which can lead to changes in lifestyles e.g. drinking.