Psychology - Stress Module

What is the HPA system response?

What type of stressor is it for?

Stressor  Hypothalamus  Stimulates the pituitary glands  Release ACTH Stimulates Adrenal Cortex  Release Corticosteroids Liver releases energy and the immune system is repressd.

It is the stress response for Chronic (Long Term) stressors.

What is the SAM system response?

What type of stressor is it for?

Stressor  Hypothalamus  Stimulates the Adrenal Medulla  Hormone adrenaline and Noradrenaline released  Gets the body ready for fight or flight  Physiological reactions, e.g increased heart rate.

It is the stress response for Acute (Short Term) stressors.

Outline Kiecolt Glaser et al's study related to stress and the immune system.

What were their results and what can does this show?

Kiecolt Glaser et al conducted a study on medical students in their first year during their exams. They took blood samples before and during their exams and compared the level of T cell activity in the blood.

Their results showed that the levels of T cell activity significantly decreased during the exams than before the exams. This shows that stress decreases the immune function and makes you more vulnerable to illnesses.

Outline the two approaches to coping with stress.

Problem focused coping - Deals with the problem itself for example by supressing competing activities and only focusing on the problem itself.

Emotion Focused Coping - Deals with emotions caused by stress, e.g. denail, wishful thinking. It can be both positive or negative.