Characteristics of Stress

Question 1

What is the definition of stress?

Answer 1

Stress can be defined as psychological or physical strain caused by a number of factors such as economics, occupational and life events.

Question 2

What is the A01 content for characteristics of stress?

Answer 2

• Physical response to stress (Seyle)
• Stress as a psychological response
• Different types and effects of stress.

Question 3

What is the physical response to stress?

Answer 3

The fight or flight response that is triggered by a particular stressor, the body undergoes physical changes which are controlled by out nervous system.

Question 4

What is the key research surrounding the physical response to stress and who theories it?

Answer 4

Seyle and the GAS. General adaptation syndrome.

Question 5

What are the 3 stages of the GAS?

Answer 5

1. Alarm reaction ( the body perceives the stressor and the nervous system regulates a response)
2. Resistance ( as the stressor continues the body finds a way of coping however, sources are becoming depleted. It may appear like the body is coping but in reality its slowly deteriorating.
3. Exhaustion ( The bodies resources become depleted and it can no longer cope, this could lead to stress related illness such as cardiovascular problems)

Question 6

What did Seyles research involve?

Answer 6

He conducted research on rats and their response to stress, he found that the body releases energy and hormones in order to respond accordingly.

Question 7

Outline the Yerkes Dodson model of stress.

Answer 7

This is the idea that our bodies remain in a level of stress that allows us to perform at out optimum level however, if we fluctuate beyond these levels then our performance deteriorates.

Question 8

Who developed the theory around the psychological response to stress?

Answer 8

Lazarus and Folkman

Question 9

What did Lazarus and Folkman say were the two stages of our psychological response to stress?

Answer 9

• Primary appraisal ( where we evaluate the stressor, consider whether it could be a threat to us)
• Secondary appraisal ( where we consider whether we have the resources in order to deal with this stressor)

Question 10

What are the three types of stress? And how do they differ?

Answer 10

• Acute (small levels of stress that you are presented with immediately)
• Episodic ( when acute stress occurs often over a period of time)
• Chronic ( stress that feels endless and continues for prolonged periods of time)

Question 11

What are some of the physical effects of stress?

Answer 11

• Increased heart rate
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Stomach issues

Question 12

What are some of the psychological effects of stress?

Answer 12

• Low self esteem
• Anxiety/Depression
• Other mental health problems