Wize University Psychology Textbook > Stress & Health
Stress Reactions
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Stress Responses
Stress is not just a feeling, it is also a response too!
A stress response can have physiological effects, such as: activation of the sympathetic nervous system, release of stress hormones, increased heart rate, sweating, and increased breathing rate.
A stress response also has cognitive components. The two main steps are:
1) Primary appraisal - interpretation of the event
Is the situation threatening, harmful, and/or negative?
- No: No Stress
- Yes: Secondary appraisal
2) Secondary appraisal - interpretation of available resources and capabilities
Do I have sufficient resources, strategies, and/or the capability to manage and overcome this event?
- Yes: No Stress
- No: Stress
General Adaptation Syndrome - model for chronic stress response proposed by Hans Selye; comprised of 3 stages
1) Alarm Stage - initial fight-or-flight stress response; activation of sympathetic nervous system, increased arousal, and release of stress hormones (primarily cortisol)
2) Resistance Stage - adaptation to prolonged stress; body maintains a balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system to keep functioning without draining all its resources
3) Exhaustion Stage - after prolonged stress, the body's resources and energy are depleted. This can lead to health issues or the feeling of burnout
