Lecture on Stress in College Students

Presenters

• Nick Schilke
• Hannah McNair
• Taylor

Understanding Stress

• Definition: Reaction to demands placed on the body.
• Hormones Involved: Adrenaline and cortisol are released by the brain in response to stressors.
  • This leads to energy exertion and physical reactions.

Types of Stress

• Acute Stress: Short-term and immediate response.
  • Example: Encountering a bear, body's immediate response prepares for action.
• Chronic Stress: Long-term, continuous stress that is harmful to health.

Causes of Stress in Students

• Intrapersonal Stressors: Internal factors such as eating and sleeping habits.
• Interpersonal Stressors: Relationships and interactions with others.
• Academic and Environmental Stressors: School workload and environmental pressures.
• Study Findings: Interpersonal stressors are most common among students.

Physical Effects of Stress

• Nervous System:
  • Sympathetic Nervous System: Reacts to stress by increasing heart rate and blood pressure.
  • Parasympathetic Nervous System: Calms the body after stress.
  • Chronic stress prevents the parasympathetic system from calming the body, leading to health issues.
• Health Impacts:
  • Skin problems like acne
  • Cardiovascular issues
  • Weakened immune system
  • Headaches and memory problems

Stress and Nutrition

• Stress leads to poor nutritional habits.
• Binge eating is more common among stressed students, especially females.

Academic Impact

• Study from the University of Minnesota:
  • Surveyed 10,000 students.
  • Stress was a major factor affecting GPA.
  • Students who manage stress have higher GPAs.

Stress Management Techniques

• Relaxation and healthy eating
• Avoiding addictive substances like alcohol, drugs, and caffeine
• Using campus resources (e.g., Emory Counseling Center)
• Participating in stress-relief activities (e.g., pet therapy)

Stress Management at Emory

• Counseling Services: Located at 1462 Plifton Road.
• Pet Therapy: Implemented during finals week, showed positive stress reduction results.

Conclusion

• Techniques like using stress balls, massages, and identifying stressors can help.
• Managing stress involves keeping a regulated body and schedule.