Health Sciences 1001A/B Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Stress Management, The Relaxation Response, Allostatic Load
15 Apr 2016
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Document Summary
When confronted with a stressor, the body undergoes a set of physical changes known as the fight-or-flight reaction. The sympathetic nervous system and endocrine system act on many targets in the body to prepare it for action. Emotional and behavioural responses to stressors vary among individuals. Ineffective responses increase stress but can be moderated or changed. Factors that influence emotional and behavioural responses to stressors include personality, cultural background, gender, and past experiences. The general adaptation syndrome (gas) has three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. A high allostatic load characterized by prolonged or repeated exposure to stress hormones can increase a person"s risk of health problems. Psychoneuroimmunology (pni) looks at how the physiological changes of the stress response affect the immune system and thereby increase the risk of illness. Health problems linked to stress include cvd, colds and other infections, asthma and allergies, cancer, flare-ups of chronic diseases, psychological problems, digestive problems, headaches, insomnia, and injuries.
