Topic > Biological factors involved in stress - 1603

Psychological and physical well-being and the overall quality of life are constantly threatened by stress and therefore psychological and medical sciences have long been concerned with the study of the stress response. Cox (1979) stated that, due to poor understanding and definition of the same, the concept of stress tends to be rather elusive. The term “stress” commonly describes any psychological or physical alteration that alters the homeostasis (or balance) of the organism. This essay examines some of the biological factors involved in stress and has been organized as follows. The contribution begins by briefly introducing the concept of stress. We will then discuss and describe the automatic response (fight or flight reaction), hormonal changes, and the effects of cortisol on heart rate, breathing, blood flow, and immune system changes. Additionally, I will discuss the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis response system, and finally, I will briefly highlight stress-induced effects on the hippocampus. Stress is responsible for producing a variety of physical symptoms that can cause discomfort in any part of the body. body. For example, Carlson (2010) stated that chest pain, muscle twitching, palpitations, or even headaches could all be signs of increased stress. As a result, chronic pain becomes worse and more unbearable. Furthermore, it could be argued that stress also involves behavioral changes and emotional reactions and therefore stress if considered only negative; people seem to fail to observe that it can have a positive impact on their lives too (Rudinger, 1988). Furthermore, as suggested by Pinel (2006), there is evidence that patterns of sleep, brain activity, mood, diet might be changed for people under treme... middle of paper... roid and stress. In G. Finck (Ed.), Encyclopedia of stress (Vol. 1, pp. 570 –577). New York: Academic Press. Sveback, S., & Apter, M., J. (Eds.). (1997). Stress-induced health: A reverse theoretical perspective. Washington DC: Taylor & FrancisBell, P., A., Greene, T., C., Fisher, J., D., & Baum, A. (1996). Environmental psychology (4th ed.). Orlando: Harcourt Brace College Publishers Chalmers, N., Crawley, R., & Rose, S., P., R. (1971). The biological bases of behavior. London: Harper & Row Lazarus, R. S. (1966). Psychological stress and the coping process. New York: McGraw-Hill Levi, L. (1974). Stress, distress and psychosocial stimuli. In Mclean, A. & Thomas, C., C. (Eds.). Professional stress. Illinois: Springfield Kristensen, T. S. (1996). Work stress and cardiovascular disease: a critical theoretical review. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 1(3), 246-260