Understanding Stress: Biological and Psychological Responses

Revision sheet excerpt

Course Outline

  1. Characteristics of Stress
  2. Types of Stress
  3. Physical Stress Response
  4. Psychological Stress Response
  5. Biological Stress Explanations
  6. Individual Differences
  7. Social Psychological Explanations
  8. Methods of Modifying Stress
  9. Biological Methods
  10. Psychological Methods

1. Characteristics of Stress

Key Concepts & Definitions

  • Stress: A psychological and physical response to external or internal stressors, involving strain or tension that is difficult to manage or endure (Oxford Dictionary of Psychology). It can be short-term or long-term.

  • Eustress: Positive form of stress that can motivate and enhance performance; beneficial stress that challenges individuals without overwhelming them (Selye).

  • Acute Stress: A short-term stress response to immediate threats or challenges, such as exams or sudden dangers, activating the fight-or-flight response.

  • Chronic Stress: Long-lasting stress resulting from persistent problems like poverty or relationship issues, which can lead to health deterioration over time.

  • Fight-or-Flight Response: An automatic physiological reaction to acute stress involving the sympathetic nervous system releasing adrenaline and noradrenaline to prepare the body for action.

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Quiz preview

1. What is a characteristic of stress?

2. What is the primary physiological mechanism activated during the fight-or-flight response to acute stress?

3. Who is the author associated with the concept of eustress as a positive form of stress?

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Flashcards preview

Stress — definition?

A physical and psychological response to stressors.

Stress — definition?

Response to external/internal stressors causing tension.

Types of stress — examples?

Acute, episodic acute, and chronic stress.

Eustress — characterized by?

Positive stress that motivates and improves performance.

Fight-or-flight — mechanism?

Hormonal activation preparing body for action.

Acute Stress — response?

Short-term response to immediate threats.

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