MPH - Stress and Illness Lesson
Learning Targets:
- Describe how our interpretation of an event influences our stress response, and identify the three primary categories of stressors.
- Discuss how we react to and cope with stress over time.
- Explain how stress can increase our susceptibility to illness.
- Analyze why certain individuals are more likely to develop coronary heart disease compared to others.
- Explore the origins and impact of anger.
Courtesy of the AP psychology course and exam description, effective fall 2024. (n.d.). Links to an external site.
Stress
Health psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on how psychological, behavioral, and cultural factors influence our health and well-being. Stress, a common phenomenon in our lives, can positively and negatively impact our performance and overall health. Stressors, such as academic pressures, social relationships, and family dynamics, can trigger stress responses in individuals. Through approaches like psychoneuroimmunology, health psychologists study the connections between our thoughts, feelings, brain functions, and the immune system to promote better health outcomes. By working with individuals, hospitals, corporations, and government agencies, health psychologists aim to enhance health behaviors and overall well-being.
Stress and Its Impact on Our Health
Stress is a multifaceted concept that significantly impacts our daily experiences, with our interpretations of events shaping our stress responses. What one person views as stressful, another may not perceive similarly. There are three main categories of stressors: acute, chronic, and eustress. Acute stressors manifest as immediate and short-term challenges, while chronic stressors persist over a more extended period. Eustress, however, can serve as a positive motivator that energizes us. How we interpret and react to stressors can yield beneficial and detrimental effects on our overall well-being, underscoring the importance of comprehending the connection between our mental and physical well-being to manage stress and uphold a healthy lifestyle effectively. Additionally, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) such as abuse or trauma can shape our long-term stress responses, impacting both our physical and mental health. Stress is also a contributing factor to increased vulnerability to disorders and diseases, with links to physiological conditions like hypertension, headaches, and immune system suppression.
Stressors
| Approach & Avoidance Motives |
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Stress Response System
Understanding and Adapting to Stress
Stress is a natural part of life, and our bodies have a way of responding to it. Austrian-born physician Hans Selye dedicated his research to studying stress and developed a stage theory to explain how we react to it. According to Selye, there are three key stages that individuals go through when faced with stress. These stages include the alarm stage, where the body prepares to fight or flight; the resistance stage, where the body attempts to cope with the stressor; and finally, the exhaustion stage, where the body's resources become depleted if the stress continues for a prolonged period. Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) model helps us understand how our bodies physiologically respond to stress and the potential effects of prolonged stress on our well-being. Recognizing these stages and finding healthy ways to manage and adapt to stress to maintain overall well-being is essential.
- Phase 1 - When faced with a stressor, the alarm phase kicks in, triggering an intense activation of physical resources. During this phase, the heart rate increases rapidly, and the sympathetic nervous system is aroused, preparing the body to confront the challenge. Blood is redirected to the skeletal muscles, and energy reserves are mobilized, gearing the individual up to respond effectively to the stressor.
- Phase 2 - Your body actively resists stressors. Corticosteroids are released to help maintain a state of readiness. Your temperature, blood pressure, and respiration remain high during this stage. Your endocrine system releases epinephrine and norepinephrine into your bloodstream, keeping you fully engaged and summoning all your resources to meet the challenge. However, your body's reserves will diminish if the stress persists without relief.
- Phase 3 - The body experiences heightened arousal, leading to physical exhaustion. During this stage, the parasympathetic nervous system gradually returns to normal. This phase makes us more susceptible to illnesses as our bodies reach a state of vulnerability. Severe exhaustion during this phase can even lead to serious consequences such as illness, collapse, or, in extreme cases, death.
Stress can elicit various reactions that can change as we navigate challenging situations. For instance, in the face of profound loss, like the passing of a loved one, some individuals may choose to withdraw, isolate themselves, and conserve their energy. In contrast, in extreme crises, people may exhibit remarkable resilience and take proactive steps rather than succumbing to fear. The tend and befriend response illustrates a standard response, mainly observed among women. This involves seeking and offering emotional support within a social circle during times of stress.
Stress and Vulnerability to Disease
Excessive or prolonged stress can have a significant impact on both mental and physical health. Stress can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to various illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, digestive problems, anxiety, and depression. It is essential to seek proper treatment for stress-related diseases, which can include medication, psychotherapy, and stress management techniques. For example, high levels of stress can lead to an overreaction of the immune system, potentially causing allergic reactions or autoimmune diseases like lupus or multiple sclerosis. On the other hand, underreacting immune responses due to stress can result in heightened risks of bacterial infections, dormant viruses becoming active, or increased cancer cell proliferation.
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