Download Psych B – Module 13

Chapter 6:
Stress and Health
Module 13:
Effects of Stress
Stress
• The process by which
we perceive and
respond to events that
we appraise as
threatening or
challenging
• Is a process of
perceiving and
responding
• Events = stressors.
• Response = stress
reaction.
– Which of the following
is the stressor and
which is the reaction
– Pimples and a 1st Date
• Stress reaction, stressor
• What other examples
can you come up with?
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Health Psychology
• A subfield of
psychology that focuses
on how stress affects
our well being and our
health
• Some of the questions
they ask 
• How are stress and
illness related?
• How do our perceptions
of stress affect our
health?
• Can we control our
reactions to stress?
• What behaviors and
attitudes help prevent
health problems?
Responding to Stress
Responding to Stress
Responding to Stress:
Draw this one!!!
Walter Cannon
• Physiologist
• Different situations trigger the release
of stress related hormones into the
nervous system
• Heart Rate ↑
• ↓ Pain Sensation
• ↑ Blood flow to muscles
• “Fight or Flight”
• BOTTOM LINE
– Simultaneous occurrence of
Physiological and Emotional
Experiences
Hans Selye (1907-1982)
aka “Mr. GAS”
• Researched recurring responses to
stress
• Discovered various chemicals caused
stress reactions in animals
• Developed the concept of the
general adaptation syndrome
(GAS)
• Bottom line:
– Prolonged stress produces physical
deterioration…like?
– Ex: long time child abuse victims have a
shrinking hippocampus (used for
memory recall)
General Adaptation Syndrome
• The body’s adaptive response to stress in 3 stages
• 1. Alarm Reaction – nervous system activated in
response to stressor
– Heart pumps faster
• 2. Resistance – body responds with physiological
reactions to cope with the stressor
– Respiration, temperature, & blood pressure rise
• 3. Exhaustion – body’s resistance to stress is
depleted (physical deterioration)
General Adaptation Syndrome
(Example: Prisoner Of War)
General Adaptation Syndrome
General Adaptation Syndrome
Module 13: Effects of Stress
Stress:
Stressful Events
What are the 3 main types of stressors
and how do they affect our health?
1. Daily Stress
• Stress can be caused by:
– Typical demands of
the day
– Living situations
– Economic difficulties
• What are some of
your daily stresses?
– Locker jam
– Running late
• Burnout
– Physical, emotional,
and mental exhaustion
brought on by
persistent stress
• Burnout can result in:
– Depression
– Decreased
performance
– Cynicism
2. Significant Life Changes
• Stress can be the result of personal life
changes
– Death of a loved one
– Leaving home for college
– What else?
• Can result in health problems
– What examples can you provide?
3. Catastrophes
• Large scale stress
events (i.e.
earthquakes, floods,
war, etc.
• Prolonged exposure
can lead to physical
and psychological
problems.
Module 13: Effects of Stress
Effects of Perceived
Control
Can our outlook and feelings of
control influence our health?
Perceived Control
• The sense of control or influence one
has over stressful events in one’s life
• Most studies suggest
– ↓perceived control
– ↑potential for health-related problems
– ↓immunity to disease
• Does empowerment = healthier life?
Describe the Images
Optimism
• A generally positive outlook on the future
• Optimists have stronger immune systems
and recover faster from health problems.
• Opposite of pessimism
• Is the glass half-full or half-empty?
Stress Hormones
• Hormones released in response to stress
• The body must work to rid the body of the
stress hormones.
• Pessimism and perceived lack of control
both produce more stress hormones and
hinder recovery time.
• Example:
– Sickness during vacation vs. FINALS
Module 13: Effects of Stress
Stress and Disease:
Cancer and Stress
Is there a connection between the two?
Stress-Cancer Connection
• Evidence for a connection is not conclusive.
• Two conclusions:
– Stress does not create cancer cells.
– Stress affects the body’s malignancyfighting ability.
• Those with stress weakened immune systems
are much more likely to allow tumor growth
they would otherwise combat
Module 13: Effects of Stress
Stress and Disease:
Stress and Heart
Problems
What do we know about the link between
stress and heart problems?
Individuals:
Type A
vs.
Type B
• Individuals who are
• Individuals who are
competitive, hard-driving,
easygoing, laid-back,
impatient, verbally
and relaxed
aggressive, and anger-prone.
• More prone to heart attacks
& other stress related
illnesses