Health Psychology
The Interaction of Mind and Body
The Impact of Stress
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Definition of Stress
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A state of the organism when reacting to challenging new
circumstances.
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Challenging circumstances are known as Stressors
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Both positive and negative events can produce stress
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Stress often arises from conflicts in our lives.
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Biological Mechanisms of Stress
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First demonstrated in 1896 by Walter Cannon
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Linked x-rays of stomach movements to emotional states
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Focused on the "Fight-or-Flight" response
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Activation of the body to a state of action by the Sympathetic
Autonomic Nervous System
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Physical problems arise over the long term
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Stress can be prolonged
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Someone who works in a high pressure job
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Stress can be cumulative
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Research on Life Change by Homes & Rahe (1967-1974)
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Stressors are rated in terms of their relative intensity
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The more "Life Change Units" accumulated over a year, the
higher the probability of a serious illness.
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<150 LCU's = Good health
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150-300 LCU's = 50% chance of serious illness
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>300 LCU's = 75% chance of serious illness
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Another explanation
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Jemmott (1985)
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Stress impairs the body's immune system
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NK and Lymphocyte response to infection is weak in people
exposed to high levels of stress.