Overview
This lecture covers the physiology, sources, effects, measurement, individual differences, and coping strategies related to stress, as presented in the A-level Psychology optional stress module.
Physiology of Stress
- The physiology of stress examines biological responses to stressors, first described as General Adaptation Syndrome by Hans Selye.
- General Adaptation Syndrome includes three stages: alarm reaction (SNS activation), resistance (cortisol release), and exhaustion (depleted resources and physical illness).
- The sympathomedullary pathway manages acute (short-term) stress via adrenaline/noradrenaline from the adrenal medulla.
- The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) system handles chronic (long-term) stress through cortisol release, which can suppress immunity with prolonged exposure.
Stress and Illness
- Chronic stress leads to immunosuppression, reducing the body's ability to fight diseases.
- Research shows lower immune cell counts in students during exam periods (Kiecolt-Glaser et al., 1984).
- Stress is linked to cardiovascular disorders, increasing heart attack risk and blood pressure, both directly and indirectly through unhealthy behaviors.
Sources of Stress
- Major life changes (e.g., death, marriage) are measured using the Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS).
- Daily hassles (minor irritations) are measured using the Hassles and Uplifts Scale.
- Workplace stress is influenced by workload and control; higher stress occurs with high demands and low control (Karasek’s demand-control model).
Measuring Stress
- Self-report methods: SRRS (life events) and Hassles and Uplifts Scale (daily annoyances/positives).
- High life change or hassle scores correlate with more stress-related health problems.
- Physiological methods: Skin Conductance Response measures sweat as a stress indicator (e.g., polygraph tests).
Individual Differences in Stress
- Personality types: Type A (impatient, competitive, aggressive) has higher heart disease risk; Type B is more relaxed; Type C (emotion-repressing) linked to cancer risk.
- Hardiness includes commitment, challenge, and control traits; hardy individuals resist stress-related illnesses better.
- Gender differences: Fight-or-flight response (men) versus tend-and-befriend (women).
Coping with Stress
- Drug therapies: Benzodiazepines (increase GABA) and beta blockers (reduce SNS activity) lower anxiety but have side effects and risk of addiction.
- Stress inoculation therapy (a CBT technique) involves conceptualization, skill acquisition, and application phases.
- Biofeedback helps individuals control physiological responses through awareness, training, and real-life application.
- Social support includes instrumental (practical), emotional (comfort), and esteem (confidence building) support from others.
Key Terms & Definitions
- General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) — Sequence of physiological stress responses: alarm, resistance, exhaustion.
- Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) — Part of ANS activating fight-or-flight reaction.
- Cortisol — A hormone released in response to stress, raising blood sugar and suppressing immunity.
- Immunosuppression — Reduced immune system effectiveness due to chronic stress.
- SRRS (Social Readjustment Rating Scale) — Measures stress from life changes.
- Skin Conductance Response — Physiological measure of stress based on sweat-induced skin electrical conductance.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review key terms and physiological pathways of stress.
- Study the different stress measurement tools (SRRS, Hassles and Uplifts, skin conductance).
- Prepare examples of individual differences and coping strategies for exam questions.