Post on 02-Jan-2016
STRESS: THE CONSTANT CHALLENGE
Chapter Two
What is Stress?
Stress = 1) Situations that trigger physical and emotional reactions and 2) The reactions themselves
Stressor –Anything that triggers stress Eustress vs. Distress
Two Systems Oversee the Physical Responses to stressors
Nervous system Endocrine system
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Components of the Central Nervous System
Brain Receives information from
internal & external environment &
Integrates and makes decisions about incoming information
Spinal Cord Connects brain w/ peripheral
nerves Nerves
Send & receive messages (chemical /electrical)
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Divisions of the Central Nervous System
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Components of the Endocrine System
Scattered glands, cells, tissues that release hormones into bloodstream
Hormones regulate & control body functions
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The CNS & Endocrine System Work Together to respond to Stress
Nervous system operates fast, endocrine system is slower
Both systems act simultaneously to bring about change during a stress response Ex. Release of cortisol and adrenaline during
a stress response
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Physical Responses to Stress
Cortisol and Adrenaline cause: Acute hearing and vision (pupils dilate) Increased HR Release of sugar into bloodstream (by
liver) Digestion to halt The release of endorphins (pain reliever) Bronchi to dilate
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Emotional & Behavioral Responses to Stress
Behavioral responses to stress are controlled by the Somatic N.S.
Effective responses to stress: Talking, laughing, exercise, time management
Ineffective responses to stress: Eating, Procrastination, Frustration
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Personality and Stress
What determines how we respond to stress? Personality
Type A, B and C personalities Resilient personality
Cultural background
Gender
Past Experiences
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Return to Homeostasis
What is Homeostasis? The body’s ability to maintain internal
stability, while our environment constantly changes.
Why is it important to return to homeostasis?
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The General Adaptation Syndrome
Pattern of all stressors Alarm
Sequence of events brought on by Fight-or-Flight reaction
May experience headaches, anxiety Resistance
New level of homeostasis where body is more resistant to disease and injury
Exhaustion Life-threatening physiological state Allostatic Load: Long-term wear and tear of the stress
response A high allostatic load is linked with heart disease,
obesity hypertension, and reduced immune function11
General Adaptation Syndrome(G.A.S.), a theory of Stress and
Disease
Alarm
Resistance
Exhaustion
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Stress and Disease
Several components interact w/ stress to increase vulnerability to disease
Genetic predisposition
Personality
Social environment
Health related behaviors
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Women, Men, and Stress
Women and stress Balancing multiple roles
Men and stress Compelled to be in charge at all times
American Psychological Association’s “ Stress in America” survey 82% of female and 71% of male Americans
reported stress-related health problems. Physiological Differences
Testosterone – men Oxytocin – women
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Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI)
Definition: Study of complex interactions between N.S, endocrine and immune system
Specific connections between stress & immune system exist Chronic high blood pressure
Atherosclerosis Strokes Psychological problems brought on by
hormones released during stress response Colds and other infections Cancer
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Managing Stress
Social Support Communication Exercise Nutrition Sleep
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How sleep works Two phases: REM and NREM (4 stages of
successively deeper sleep) During NREM, vital signs slow and growth
hormone is released, brain wave patterns slow
During REM dreams occur, vital signs increase Sleep problems
Insomnia Sleep apnea
Chapter Two©2008 McGraw-Hill Companies. All Rights Reserved.
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Managing Stress
Cognitive Techniques
Think and act constructively Take control Problem-solve Modify your expectations Stay positive Cultivate your sense of humor Focus on what’s important
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Relaxation Techniques
Progressive relaxation Visualization Meditation Deep breathing Yoga Music Tai chi (Taijiuan) Biofeedback
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