lesson 2 stress as biological processes

VCE PSYCHOLOGY

© Kristy Kendall & Edrolo 2016

Study design dot point• Models of stress as a biological process, with reference to Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome of alarm reaction

(shock/countershock), resistance and exhaustion, including the ‘fight-flight-freeze’ response and the role of cortisol. (VCAA - Study Design)

What you need to know and be able to do• Explain the General Adaption Syndrome including the characteristics of each stage (reaction (shock/countershock),

resistance and exhaustion)• Explain the strengths and limitations to Selye's General Adaption Syndrome • Explain the 'Flight-fight-freeze' response and the role of cortisol

Lesson 3 – Biological Processes

Question from last lesson

• Multiple choice activity• Write in Books

https://edrolo.com.au/vce-psychology-units-34-2017/4157/positive-effects-of-stress/19/

Questions from Pre-lesson

• Discussion of wiki Questions• Areas of concern


Photo: http://imgur.com/gallery/jDPgA

Hans Seyle (1934)


http://www1.umn.edu/ships/db/selye.htm

He used rates

General Adaptation Syndrome


Normal stress resistance

Initial drop in resistance

Cortisol release



• The general adaptation syndrome explains the experience of stress from a physiological perspective.

• He believed when an individual is threatened they move through three different bodily stages.

• The model was the first to describe stress from a biological perspective.

Biological



Stage Resistance to Stress

Symptoms/Characteristics

Alarm Reaction(Shock)

Below normal The body acts as though it is injured, blood pressure and body temperature drop.

Alarm Reaction(Countershock)

Above normal Sympathetic nervous system is activated; fight-flight-freeze response activated. Adrenalin released.

Resistance Above normal Cortisol is released and all unnecessary functions are shut down. Individual appears as though all is normal.

Exhaustion Below normal Resources are depleted. Immune system is left weakened and prolonged release of adrenalin has negative effects on the body. Individual is susceptible to illness ad disease.

Look for in exam application questions

Strengths and limitations• Strengths:

- It measures a predictable pattern that can be measured in individuals- If stress is not prolonged stages are still experienced, therefore tracks

biological patterns in different types of stress.

• Limitations:- Research was not conducted on humans- Does not account for individual differences and psychological factors.


Stress recap


Video source:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyhvrsAre-0&spfreload=5

Exit Questions

Fast five - Question 1What are the two sub-stages of the alarm reaction stage?


Fast five - Question 1 (Answer)What are the two sub-stages of the alarm reaction stage?

Answer:Shock and countershock.


Fast five - Question 2In which stage is cortisol most likely released?


Fast five - Question 2 (Answer)In which stage is cortisol most likely released?

Answer:Resistance.


Fast five - Question 3What is the final stage of the GAS?


Fast five - Question 3 (Answer)What is the final stage of the GAS?

Answer:Exhaustion.


Fast five - Question 4What does GAS stand for?


Fast five - Question 4 (Answer)What does GAS stand for?

Answer:General Adaptation Syndrome.


Fast five - Question 5What sort of explanation for stress is the GAS?


Fast five - Question 5 (Answer)What sort of explanation for stress is the GAS?

Answer:Physiological.


lesson 2 stress as biological processes

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