Stress Reactions
Stress can produce changes in every system of the body and mind, and triggers both physical and psychological reactions
Physical Reaction and common effects on body
In the presents of the threading stress, brain activates hypothalamus, pituitary gland and adrenal gland in turns. The adrenal gland releases the hormone (epinephrine, norepinephrine) to increase the respiratory activities and blood pressure. It also release the cortisol hormone to increase the glucose level in the blood. Chronic stress exposure makes the body susceptible to coronary heart disease, obesity, diabetes, infection, tumor growth, aging, irreversible organ damage, or death (Schacter et.al, Introducing Psychology, 2013) It also weakens the immune system.
Common effects on body
Psychological Reactions and common effects on mood and behavior
The body's response to stress is intertwined with response of the mind. Once we interpret the stimulus as stress thorough the primary appraisal (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984), the secondary appraisal interprets the stress as challenge (a stressor you feel fairy confident you can control) or threat (a stressor you believe you may not be overcome)(Schacter et.al, Introducing Psychology, 2013). Psychological reaction to the stress can lead to stress disorder (e.g. PTSD: post-traumatic stress disorder). Psychological reaction to the stress also can be expressed in mood and behavior changes in daily life..
Common effects on mood
Physical Reaction and common effects on body
In the presents of the threading stress, brain activates hypothalamus, pituitary gland and adrenal gland in turns. The adrenal gland releases the hormone (epinephrine, norepinephrine) to increase the respiratory activities and blood pressure. It also release the cortisol hormone to increase the glucose level in the blood. Chronic stress exposure makes the body susceptible to coronary heart disease, obesity, diabetes, infection, tumor growth, aging, irreversible organ damage, or death (Schacter et.al, Introducing Psychology, 2013) It also weakens the immune system.
Common effects on body
- Headache
- Muscle tension or pain
- Chest Pain
- Fatigue
- Change in sex drive
- Stomach upset
- Sleep problems
Psychological Reactions and common effects on mood and behavior
The body's response to stress is intertwined with response of the mind. Once we interpret the stimulus as stress thorough the primary appraisal (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984), the secondary appraisal interprets the stress as challenge (a stressor you feel fairy confident you can control) or threat (a stressor you believe you may not be overcome)(Schacter et.al, Introducing Psychology, 2013). Psychological reaction to the stress can lead to stress disorder (e.g. PTSD: post-traumatic stress disorder). Psychological reaction to the stress also can be expressed in mood and behavior changes in daily life..
Common effects on mood
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Lack of motivation or focus
- Irritability or anger
- Sadness or depression
- Overeating or undereating
- Angry outbursts
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Tobacco use
- Social withdrawal
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Reference:
1. Schacter, Gilbert, Wegner. Introducing Psychology second edition, Chapter 15, 2013
2. http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/stress-management/in-depth/stress-symptoms/art-20050987
3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzrjEP5MOT4
4. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5J8kk0uWquc
1. Schacter, Gilbert, Wegner. Introducing Psychology second edition, Chapter 15, 2013
2. http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/stress-management/in-depth/stress-symptoms/art-20050987
3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzrjEP5MOT4
4. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5J8kk0uWquc