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General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)
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Today, we're going to start with Hans Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome, which describes the body's response to stress in three stages. Who can tell me the first stage?
Is it the alarm reaction?
That's correct! The alarm reaction is our body's immediate response to a stressor, often called the fight-or-flight response. Can anyone explain what happens in this stage?
Our body releases hormones like adrenaline, right?
Exactly! Adrenaline prepares us to either fight or escape. Now, what comes after the alarm reaction?
The resistance stage, where we adapt to the stress?
Yes! In the resistance stage, the body tries to cope with the stress. Lastly, what do you think the exhaustion stage entails?
Is that when our resources run out and we feel burnt out?
Exactly! Excellent job, everyone! So, we have the three stages: Alarm Reaction, Resistance, and Exhaustion. Remember this with the acronym A-R-E.
Transactional Model of Stress
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Now, let's talk about Lazarus and Folkman's Transactional Model. What does this model emphasize in the context of stress?
It focuses on how we think about the stressor, right?
Correct! The model involves cognitive appraisal. Can someone explain the two types of appraisal they suggested?
The primary appraisal assesses if the stressor is a threat, challenge, or harmless, while the secondary appraisal evaluates our coping resources.
Exactly right! So what do we do when we're faced with a stressor according to this model?
We first decide if itβs a threat and then figure out how to cope!
Perfect! Remembering this process helps us understand our stress responses better.
Cannon's Fight or Flight Response
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Next, letβs discuss Cannonβs fight or flight response. What is this theory about?
It describes how our body reacts physically to stress.
Correct! What physiological changes do we see during this response?
Increased heart rate and adrenaline release.
Exactly! These changes prepare us to either confront the threat or escape from it. How does understanding this help in managing stress?
Knowing how our bodies react can help us find ways to calm ourselves down.
Great insight! By understanding these responses, we can develop better stress management techniques.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
In this section, we examine several key theories of stress, including Hans Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome, Lazarus and Folkmanβs Transactional Model, and Cannon's Fight or Flight Response. These theories provide insight into the physiological and psychological responses to stress, highlighting why individuals may respond differently to similar stressors.
Detailed
Theories of Stress
Understanding how stress works is essential in the field of stress management and psychological well-being. There are several prominent theories that explain the mechanisms behind stress and why different individuals may respond uniquely to stressors.
1. Hans Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)
Hans Selye, a pioneer in stress research, introduced the General Adaptation Syndrome, which outlines a three-stage response to stress:
- Alarm Reaction: This is the body's immediate response to a stressor, which can manifest as a fight-or-flight reaction.
- Resistance: In this phase, the body tries to adapt to the ongoing stressful situation, utilizing all available resources to cope.
- Exhaustion: Prolonged exposure to stress leads to a depletion of the bodyβs resources, resulting in fatigue, burnout, and potential illness.
2. Lazarus and Folkmanβs Transactional Model of Stress
According to Lazarus and Folkman, stress is defined by the individual's cognitive appraisal of a situation:
- Primary Appraisal: This is the initial assessment of whether the situation poses a threat, challenge, or is benign.
- Secondary Appraisal: This evaluates the resources available to cope with the stressor, assessing coping strategies and support mechanisms at disposal.
3. Cannonβs Fight or Flight Response
Walter Cannon's concept of the fight-or-flight response details the physiological changes that occur when confronted with a stressor. The body's immediate reaction involves the release of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which prepare an individual to either confront (fight) or escape (flight) from the danger.
These theories underline the importance of understanding not just what stresses us but also how our bodies and minds react, providing a framework for developing effective stress management strategies.
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Hans Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)
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Hans Selye proposed that stress leads to a three-stage physiological response:
1. Alarm Reaction: The initial shock and fight-or-flight response.
2. Resistance: The body attempts to adapt to the stressor, using its resources to cope.
3. Exhaustion: If the stressor persists, the body's resources are depleted, leading to fatigue, burnout, or illness.
Detailed Explanation
Hans Selye introduced a model called General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) that outlines how the body reacts to prolonged stress. The first stage, Alarm Reaction, occurs when we first encounter a stressor. Our body recognizes the danger and prepares to respond, activating the 'fight-or-flight' mechanism. The second stage, Resistance, happens when the body tries to adapt to the ongoing stressor, managing the situation using its available resources. Lastly, if the stress continues for too long, the Exhaustion stage sets in, where the body has run out of resources and can lead to serious consequences like fatigue or illness.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine preparing for a big exam. In the Alarm stage, you feel anxious and alert, ready to study hard (fight). In the Resistance stage, you might spend several weeks preparing, balancing study time with other activities. However, if you donβt take breaks or find ways to manage your stress, you might enter the Exhaustion stage, feeling burnt-out and unable to concentrate, which can harm your performance.
Lazarus and Folkmanβs Transactional Model of Stress
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According to Lazarus and Folkman, stress results from an individualβs assessment (cognitive appraisal) of a situation as either threatening or challenging, and their evaluation of the resources they have to cope with it.
The two types of appraisals are:
1. Primary Appraisal: Assessing whether the situation is a threat, challenge, or harmless.
2. Secondary Appraisal: Evaluating available resources and coping strategies.
Detailed Explanation
Lazarus and Folkman proposed that stress is not just about the external stressor, but also about how we perceive and react to it. In the first step, Primary Appraisal, we evaluate whether the situation could cause us harm or if it represents an opportunity for growth. Following that, in Secondary Appraisal, we consider our resources and coping optionsβsuch as whether we can tackle the challenge or if we need help. This model emphasizes that our interpretation of a situation largely influences our stress level.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a presentation at work. During the Primary Appraisal, you might think, 'This is a major threat to my job security!' or 'This is a great chance to showcase my skills!' In the Secondary Appraisal phase, you may feel anxious if you believe you lack the skills to present effectively, or empowered if you feel supported by colleagues and well-prepared.
Cannonβs Fight or Flight Response
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Walter Cannon introduced the "fight-or-flight" concept, describing the bodyβs physiological reaction to stress. In response to a stressor, the body releases adrenaline and cortisol, preparing an individual to either confront (fight) or escape (flight) the threat.
Detailed Explanation
Cannonβs concept describes that when we encounter a stressful situation, our body undergoes immediate changes to prepare for action. When a stressor is recognized, hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol are released into our bloodstream, leading to increased heart rate, heightened senses, and energy boosts. This physiological state enables us to either confront the stressor (fight) or flee from it (flight), which is crucial for survival in life-threatening situations.
Examples & Analogies
Consider walking alone at night and suddenly encountering a barking dog. Your body reacts instantly; your heart races (fight) as you weigh whether to face the dog or run away (flight). This immediate reaction is your body's way of gearing up to handle or escape from potential danger.
Definitions & Key Concepts
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Key Concepts
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General Adaptation Syndrome: A three-step process (Alarm Reaction, Resistance, Exhaustion) describing the physiological response to stress.
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Transactional Model of Stress: A model highlighting cognitive appraisal processes in stress evaluation and coping strategies.
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Fight or Flight Response: A physical response to danger characterized by adrenaline release and heightened readiness for action.
Examples & Real-Life Applications
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Examples
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When faced with an impending deadline, a student may experience increased heart rate and focus, reflecting Selye's Alarm Reaction.
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A worker receiving criticism at work might first assess the situation (primary appraisal) to determine if it's a major threat before deciding how to respond (secondary appraisal).
Memory Aids
Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.
π΅ Rhymes Time
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In times of stress, A-R-E we say, Alarm, Resistance, Exhaustion β the body's way.
π Fascinating Stories
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Imagine a brave knight faced with a dragon. The alarm rings, he prepares to fight, but if the battle lasts long, exhaustion might take flight!
π§ Other Memory Gems
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Remember Selye's GAS as A-R-E: Alarm, Resistance, Exhaustion.
π― Super Acronyms
G.A.S = General Adaptation Syndrome
- Remember 'G.A.S' when recalling the stress stages.
Flash Cards
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Glossary of Terms
Review the Definitions for terms.
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Term: General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)
Definition:
A three-stage response (Alarm Reaction, Resistance, Exhaustion) to stress proposed by Hans Selye.
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Term: Transactional Model
Definition:
A model by Lazarus and Folkman focusing on cognitive appraisal of stressors and evaluation of coping resources.
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Term: Fight or Flight Response
Definition:
A physiological reaction described by Cannon that prepares the body to confront or escape a threat.