Biological explanation 2: Cortisol and Chronic Stress

Question 1

What is the A01 Content?

Answer 1

1. The HPA system
2. Effect on memory
3. Effect on health

Question 2

1. What system is activated for chronic stress?

Answer 2

The HPA system.

Question 3

1. Outline the HPA systems response to stress.

Answer 3

The stressor triggers the hypothalamus to release a message to the pituitary gland, this releases the hormone ACTH which reaches the adrenal cortex triggering it to release cortisol.

Question 4

1. Research support on cortisol and stress.

Answer 4

Lacey et al conducted a study on participants undergoing an exam, compared to a matched pairs design students that were taking the exam had higher cortisol levels one hour prior than those that weren’t.

Question 5

1. What effect does cortisol have on the body and how does this affect stress?

Answer 5

It raises our blood sugar in order to have energy to deal with the stressor. It suppresses the immune system in order to deal with essential resources. However, It can affect cognitive performance.

Question 6

2. What effect does cortisol have on memory?

Answer 6

Has an adverse effect, impairs memory.

Question 7

2. What did Kuhlmann et al find?

Answer 7

He found that participants given cortisol were less able to recall a list of words that participants that didn’t receive cortisol. Could explain why ‘minds go blank’ within an exam.

Question 8

2. What short term effect does cortisol have on the amygdala?

Answer 8

Can cause hyperactivity which may result in heightened anxiety and depression.

Question 9

2. What long term effects does cortisol have on the amygdala?

Answer 9

Can cause the right side of the amygdala to reduce in volume which may later a contributing factor to psychiatric disorders.

Question 10

2. What effect does cortisol have on the frontal lobe?

Answer 10

Cortisol reduces frontal lobe volume, this impaired cognitive functions such as memory, decision making and attention.

Question 11

2. What effect does cortisol have on the hippocampus?

Answer 11

Overall appears normal but specific areas growth is affected and therefore affects memory and spatial awareness.

Question 12

3. How does cortisol affect the immune system

Answer 12

Can cause immunosuppression as the immune system is not vital in stress response so energy is diverted to key areas needed. This leaves the indivual immune compromised and more susceptible to illness.

Question 13

3. What did Glaser et al find?

Answer 13

He found that students completing a medical exam had much lower Natural Killer cells within their body then a month before the exam.

Question 14

Evaluation - Real world application

Answer 14

This theory has been used to aid those in Addisons disease crisis. Addisons prevents an individual from producing cortisol to generate energy needed in response to stress, by using this theory patients can now self administer cortisol to help combat stressful situations.

Question 15

Evaluation - Low levels of cortisol also have health problems

Answer 15

Without cortisol people may not have sufficient energy and therefore may become easily exhausted. Cortisol helps maintain blood pressure, without this fainting etc may occur. Adrenal crisis.

Question 16

Evaluation - Issues in research studies

Answer 16

Can not determine direct cause and effect, when people are stressed they usually adapt a range of other habits such as poor eating and sleep deprivation this may be the reason for increased cortisol and condoned any research findings.