Effects Of Stress On Healths Flashcards
(23 cards)
What is the difference between acute and chronic stress?
Acute stress is short-term and can be protective, while chronic stress is prolonged and has negative effects.
How can acute stress be beneficial for health?
Acute stress can enhance the immune response, particularly during surgery or vaccination.
What does the GAS model explain in relation to stress?
The GAS model explains that the fight or flight mode is a survival mechanism that activates the immune response.
What are the physical effects of chronic stress on the digestive system?
Chronic stress can change hormone levels and increase stomach acidity, potentially leading to ulcers.
What behavioral responses to stress can increase the risk of ulcers?
- Smoking
- Drinking
- Use of NSAIDs
- Lack of sleep
How does stress affect the circulatory system?
Stress increases heart rate and raises blood pressure, putting strain on the circulatory system.
What is one of the highest risk factors in coronary heart disease (CHD)?
Hypertension.
How does stress contribute to high cholesterol levels?
Stress increases the production of adrenaline and noradrenaline, affecting fatty acid release and leading to cholesterol clumping.
What are some negative coping strategies people use to deal with stress?
- Overeating
- Drinking alcohol
- Smoking
True or False: Long-term chronic stress is always detrimental to health.
False.
Fill in the blank: Chronic stress can lead to increased levels of ______ in the stomach.
stomach acid
What is a likely indirect cause of stomach ulcers under stress?
Behavioral responses to stress.
How does stress affect the immune system?
Stress can lead to immunosuppression due to cortisol production, which reduces the body’s immune response.
What is the role of cortisol in stress and immune function?
Cortisol reduces the body’s immune response during chronic stress.
What did Kiecolt-Glaser et al. (1984) study?
They studied whether examination stress could lead to poorer immune function in medical students.
What were the two time points for blood sample collection in Kiecolt-Glaser et al.’s study?
One month prior to exams (lower stress) and during exams (high stress).
What are natural killer (NK) cells?
NK cells are an essential part of the innate immune system; lower levels indicate poorer immune response.
What were the findings regarding NK cells in Kiecolt-Glaser et al.’s study?
NK cell levels were lower during high stress and more so in participants who reported feeling lonely.
What psychological factors were assessed in Kiecolt-Glaser et al.’s study?
Life events and loneliness.
What is one strength of understanding the effects of stress on health?
It can raise awareness of stress’s damaging effects, leading to health protection actions.
What is one weakness of research into stress and health?
Researchers have not found a single factor linked to stress and poor health, limiting the usefulness of the research.
Fill in the blank: Chronic stress can lead to _______ due to cortisol production.
immunosuppression
True or False: Higher levels of life events correlate with higher NK cell levels.
False
