Mors 200 Arts Final - Chapter 12 Discovering Psychology Notes Part 3

Hypothalamus => pituitary => ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) release => adrenal cortex => secretion of corticosteroids

• Increases release of stored energy

• Reduces inflammation

• Reduces immune system response

The most important of the corticosteroids

Alarm stage Resistance stage Exhaustion stage

Catecholamines are released by the adrenal medulla, intense arousal occurs, and the body mobilizes internal physical resources to meet the demands of the stress-producing event.

As the body tries to adapt to the continuing stressful situation, physiological arousal lessens but remains above normal. Resistance to new stressors is impaired.

If the stress-producing event persists, the symptoms of the alarm stage reappear, now only irreversibly. The body's energy reserves become depleted and adaptation begins to break down, leading to exhaustion, physical disorders, and potentially, death.

Has the capacity to add DNA to shortened telomeres, rebuilding and extending the length of telomeres.

1. The central nervous system and the immune system are directly linked via sympathetic nervous system fibers, which influence the production and functioning of lymphocytes.

2. The surfaces of lymphocytes contain receptor sites for neurotransmitters and hormones, including catecholamines and cortisol.- influences lymphocytes directly

3. Psychoneuroimmunologists have discovered that lymphocytes themselves produce neurotransmitters and hormones.- influence the nervous and endocrine systems

Extremely stressful events Common stresses Chronic stressors that continue for years Psychological stress

Reentry of returning astronauts Being forced to stay awake for days

End or disruption of important interpersonal relationships

Caring for a family member with alzheimer's disease

An inactive substance with no known effects, such as a sugar pill or an injection of sterile water. Often used in biomedical research to help vague the effectiveness of an actual medication or treatment.

The brain's own natural painkillers

Blocks the brain's endorphin response

Known to contain many opioid receptors. During placebo tests, this area of the brain showed activity in both the people who took the placebo and the people who had actual opiates.

Cognitive expectations learned associations Emotional responses

hereditary nutrition health-related habits access to medical care level of exposure to bacteria and viruses and other infections and disease

Personal control Explanatory style Chronic negative emotions Positive emotions Type A behavior and hostility

• Having a sense of personal control enhances positive emotions

• self confidence, feelings of self efficacy, autonomy, and self-relience

• Lack of control produces all the hallmarks of the stress response.- catecholamines and corticosteroids increase

• Immune system function decreases

• More valued in western cultures than eastern cultures

• Situations that you perceive as being beyond your control are highly stressful

Some people give up in the face of failure and setbacks.

How people characteristically explain their failures and defeats makes the difference. - According to:

Optimistic Pessimistic

Inclined to believe that no amount of personal effort will improve their situation. Associated with poorer physical health Associated with higher levels of stress

• Significantly higher levels of lymphocytes, T cells, and helper T cells.

• More inclined to persevere in their efforts to overcome obstacles and challenges.

• Shown to help people cope with pain

• More likely to cope effectively with stressful situations