PSC 126 Chapter Notes - Chapter 13: Cortisol, Allostasis, Glucocorticoid
Document Summary
Brain measures quantity of glucocorticoids & rate at which the level is changing. Body is sensitive to size of stressor. Linear relationship between ex: extent of the drop in blood pressure & epinephrine secretion. Body is good at measuring just how far & fast the stressor is throwing the body out of allostatic balance. The physiological stress- response can be modulated by psychological factors. 2 identical stressors w/ the same extent of allostatic disruption can be perceived. Psychological variables alone can trigger a stress - response. Can even imagine the outlet & get some relief. Needs to be positive for the individual. Activity has to be desired, not forced. Exercise provides body for the outlet that it was preparing for. Ex: rats given warning bell before shock had fewer ulcers. Learn when something dreadful is about to happen, & knows when it won"t happen (can relax) Rats w/o warning don"t know when next shock is about to happen.
