What is Stress? PDF

**What is Stress?** Stress is a **biological response** to challenges or threats, whether real or perceived. It involves the body\'s adaptation to maintain **homeostasis**, which is the state of physiological balance. 1. **Types of Stressors** - **Physical Stressors** -- Immediate threats...

**What is Stress?** Stress is a **biological response** to challenges or threats, whether real or perceived. It involves the body\'s adaptation to maintain **homeostasis**, which is the state of physiological balance. 1. **Types of Stressors** - **Physical Stressors** -- Immediate threats like injury, starvation, or extreme temperatures. - **Chronic Physical Challenges** -- Long-term threats such as drought or persistent hunger. - **Psychological and Social Stressors** -- Unique to humans and some primates, these include financial worries, relationship problems, job pressures, and social status concerns. 2. **The Body's Response to Stress** - **Fight-or-Flight Activation** -- The body\'s natural reaction to threats, involving an increase in heart rate, energy mobilization, and heightened alertness. - **Role of Glucocorticoids** -- Hormones like cortisol are released to regulate metabolism and immune function during stress. - **Short-term vs. Chronic Stress** -- Acute stress can be beneficial for survival, while prolonged stress can lead to health issues. 3. **Anticipatory Stress** - Humans can **activate the stress response just by thinking** about future events, unlike animals who only react to immediate threats. - Example: A student worrying about an upcoming exam can experience stress symptoms even before the actual test. 4. **Health Consequences of Stress** - **Cardiovascular Effects** -- Chronic stress can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease. - **Metabolic Effects** -- Prolonged stress disrupts blood sugar levels and increases the risk of diabetes. - **Immune System Suppression** -- Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, making the body more prone to infections. - **Cognitive Impairment** -- Stress affects memory, learning, and emotional regulation. 5. **The Modern Stress Burden** - Unlike animals who experience short bursts of stress, humans **prolong the stress response** by worrying about social, economic, and personal issues. - This **overactivation of stress systems** is what leads to stress-related diseases.