PSYC 2000 Chapter : OutlineStress
Document Summary
The physiological and psychological response to conditions that threaten or challenge. Can be negative (distress) or positive events (eustress) How you interpret the stressor will determine your stress response. Brain activates the sympathetic nervous system and inhibits the parasympathetic nervous system. Neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and hormones are released. Prolonged stress can negatively affect immune system functioning. Stress triggers the same kind of response as infections (trying to fight off infection that isn"t there) In the short term stress can have positive effects on the immune system. However, chronic stress wears down the body"s resources. You can"t stay at high level fight or flight response w/o parasympathetic system kicking in not good for you. Alarm: a threat mobilizes body resistance to stress. Exhaustion: the organism"s resources for dealing with stress are exhausted stress resistance drops off start having problems with illness: http://www. stress. org/about/hans-selye-birth-of-stress/ http://brainconnection. brainhq. com/2013/04/05/hans-selye-the-discovery-of-stress/ Body is trying to deal with stressor, so energy output is increased.
