Welcome to the Psychology of Stress!
Hi there! Stress is something we all feel—whether it’s before a big exam, a sports match, or even just running late for a bus. But in AQA Psychology, we look deeper. We explore why our bodies react the way they do, how stress can actually make us physically ill, and why some people seem to handle pressure better than others. Don't worry if this seems like a lot of biology at first; we’ll break it down into simple steps that make sense!
1. The Physiology of Stress: Our "Internal Alarm System"
When we perceive a threat, our body doesn't just sit there; it prepares for action. This is called the Stress Response. There are two main pathways you need to know.
A. The SAM Pathway (Short-term Stress)
Think of this as the "Fast Track." It’s for immediate threats, like a dog barking at you.
1. The Hypothalamus (the brain's command center) triggers the Sympathetic Nervous System.
2. This signals the Adrenal Medulla (inside the adrenal glands).
3. It releases Adrenaline and Noradrenaline.
4. Effect: Your heart races, and you get a "Fight or Flight" boost.
B. The HPA System (Long-term Stress)
Think of this as the "Slow Burn." This is for ongoing stress, like exam season.
1. The Hypothalamus releases a hormone called CRH.
2. The Pituitary Gland then releases ACTH.
3. The Adrenal Cortex receives this and releases Cortisol.
4. Cortisol gives us steady energy but can suppress our immune system if it stays high for too long.
The General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)
Psychologist Hans Selye suggested we go through three stages when stressed:
1. Alarm Reaction: The initial "shock" and fight-or-flight response.
2. Resistance: The body tries to cope and use up resources to stay "normal."
3. Exhaustion: Resources are gone. This is where we get sick.
Memory Aid: Remember A.R.E. you stressed? (Alarm, Resistance, Exhaustion).
Key Takeaway: SAM is for instant "Fight or Flight" (Adrenaline); HPA is for long-term "Endurance" (Cortisol).
2. Stress and Illness
Can stress actually make you sick? Yes! Research focuses on two main areas:
Immunosuppression
When you are stressed, your body prioritizes survival over fighting germs. Cortisol stops the production of white blood cells (Leucocytes).
Example: Have you ever noticed you get a cold right after a stressful deadline? That’s immunosuppression in action!
Cardiovascular Disorders (CVD)
Stress increases blood pressure. Over time, this constant "pounding" on the heart and arteries can lead to permanent damage or heart attacks. Stress also increases "clumping" in the blood, which can block arteries.
Quick Review:
- Short term: Adrenaline/Heart issues.
- Long term: Cortisol/Weakened immune system.
3. Sources of Stress: Why are we stressed?
Psychologists look at three main "triggers" for stress:
Life Changes
These are big, infrequent events like moving house, getting married, or a bereavement. Even "happy" changes are stressful because they require us to adjust.
The Scale: Researchers Holmes and Rahe created the SRRS (Social Readjustment Rating Scale) to measure these.
Daily Hassles
These are the small, annoying things that happen every day—losing your keys, traffic jams, or a phone battery dying.
Did you know? Many psychologists believe daily hassles are actually more damaging than big life changes because they happen constantly and "pile up" (accumulation).
Workplace Stress
Two main factors here:
1. Workload: Having too much to do.
2. Control: How much say you have in your job.
The Rule: High workload + Low control = The highest stress levels.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Don't assume only "bad" things cause stress. A promotion at work is a "Life Change" that increases stress because of the new responsibilities!
4. Measuring Stress
How do we put a number on stress? We use two main methods:
A. Self-Report Scales
1. SRRS: Measures "Life Change Units" (LCUs). You tick off events from the last year. If your total \( Score > 300 \), you have a high risk of illness.
2. Hassles and Uplifts Scale: Measures the small negatives (hassles) and small positives (uplifts) in your day.
B. Physiological Measures
Skin Conductance Response (SCR): When we are stressed, we sweat (even a tiny bit). Sweat conducts electricity. By attaching electrodes to the fingers, we can measure how much someone is reacting to a stressor.
Key Takeaway: Scales are easy to use but people might lie or forget. SCR is objective (hard to fake) but can't tell the difference between "stressed" and "excited."
5. Individual Differences: Why is everyone different?
Why does one person love public speaking while another finds it terrifying? It often comes down to Personality.
Personality Types
- Type A: Competitive, time-urgent, and prone to anger. These people are much more likely to have heart disease.
- Type B: Relaxed, easy-going, and patient. Lower risk of stress-related illness.
- Type C: People-pleasers who suppress their emotions. Linked to higher cancer risks in some studies.
Hardiness
Some people are naturally "stress-hardy." They have the 3 Cs:
1. Commitment: They get involved in what they do.
2. Challenge: They see problems as opportunities to grow, not threats.
3. Control: They believe they can influence their own life.
Analogy: A "Hardy" person is like a rubber ball—when life drops them, they bounce back. A non-hardy person is like a glass ornament—they might break under the same pressure.
6. Managing and Coping with Stress
AQA requires you to know how we treat stress. We can use "biological" or "psychological" methods.
A. Drug Therapy
- Benzodiazepines (BZs): Like Valium. These boost GABA, a chemical that tells the brain to "slow down" and relax.
- Beta-Blockers: These work on the body, not the brain. They block adrenaline receptors, keeping your heart rate and blood pressure low.
B. Stress Inoculation Therapy (SIT)
This is like a "vaccine" for stress. You "expose" yourself to small amounts of stress to build up resistance.
1. Conceptualisation: Identify the stressor.
2. Skills Acquisition: Learn coping strategies (like breathing).
3. Application: Practice in the real world.
C. Social Support
Having friends and family helps!
- Instrumental: Practical help (lending money, giving a lift).
- Emotional: Listening and giving a hug.
- Esteem: Making you feel confident in your abilities.
Gender Differences in Coping
Men often use Problem-focused coping (fixing the issue).
Women often use Emotion-focused coping (talking about feelings).
Women are also linked to the "Tend and Befriend" response rather than just "Fight or Flight."
Quick Review Box:
- Drugs: Fast, but have side effects and don't fix the cause.
- SIT: Takes time, but gives you lifelong skills.
- Social Support: Very effective but depends on having a good network.
You've reached the end of the Stress chapter! Great job! Remember, the key to this section is linking the biological response (like Cortisol) to the psychological experience (like Workplace Control). Keep practicing those 3 Cs of Hardiness!