EXW 400

Stress Management (and beyond)

 

Mid Term Exam Study Guide

 

3pts     Be able to list and describe using examples the 3 fundamental components of the stress equation.

           

            Stressor (stimulus) + Individual Characteristics = stress response

 

2pts     Know what the research by Yerkes and Dodson at Harvard University showed about the relationship of stress to productivity

 

            The theory that some stress (eustress) is necessary for health and performance but that beyond an optimal amount both will deteriorate as distress increases.

 

10pts   Be able to list 4 common physical stress reactions, 3 common emotional stress reactions, and 3 common behavioral stress reactions (behavior changes due to stress) from those given in class or in your text.

 

            Emotional;

            Frustration

            Anger

            Paranoia         

            Depersonalization

            Short Attention

            Rigidity

            Anxiety

 

            Behavioral;

            Poor concentration

            Prone to accidents

            Always blaming others for problems

            Decreased work output

            Decreased personal accomplishments

            Explosive outbursts

            Excessive violence

           

            Physical;

            Fatigue – low energy

            Tension headaches

            Back aches

            Colds, flu, and other illnesses

            Dermatitis

            Heart and vascular disease

            Sexual dysfunctions

           

1pt       Be able to identify the primary organs of the central nervous system (CNS)

           

            fig 2.1 on page 32

            Brain spinal cord, & peripheral nervous system (PNS)

           

 

 

 

4pts     Be able to outline the divisions and subdivisions of the peripheral nervous system (PNS).

 

           

 

6pts     Be able to identify the primary functions of each of the following areas of the brain:

 

Reticular formation (RAS) - A stimulus arrives from sensory organs directly to vegetative level of brain or the brain stem where the RAS is located.                                               

Limbic system            - attaches feelings of pleasure or displeasure to arousal, and sends messages to cortex

Amygdala

Brain stem – here is where the RAS takes the sensations and sends it up to the Amygdala          

Hypothalamus - control hunger, sex drive, BP, thirst, pleasure, pain, HR

         Cortex - assesses physical arousal consciously and subconsciously, and either increases or inhibits stress response

 

 

8pts     Be able to describe how the primary functions of each of the following areas of the brain relate to stress.

·         Reticular formation-

·         Amygdala – controls first response such as pull back, then it sends the information to the judgment center where a decision is made about the stress

·         Limbic system -

·         Neo cortex and cortex – where sensory information is fully processed, analyzed, and judged

 

3 pts    Know the primary neurotransmitters for both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

Primary neurotransmitters for the sympathetic nervous system; 

 

Primary neurotransmitters for the parasympathetic nervous system; 

 

 

2pts     Be able to identify how neural impulses are transmitted along a neuron, and transmitted from one neuron to another, or from a motor neuron to a muscle.

 

 

 

 

 

6pts     Chapter 2 of your textbook describes 3 major neuroendocrine axes.  These are chain reactions of biochemical messages, and are major components of the stress response in humans that occur as a result of stimulation of a key area in the brain.  Be able to name and correctly spell each axis and describe one or more of its effects.

 

            The ACTH Axis – This starts with the release of CRF which makes the pituitary gland release ACTH, then this turns on the adrenal cortex.  The adrenal cortex then releases cortisol and aldosterone so the body has increased metabolism and BP.

 

            The Vasopressin Axis – This is activated by the hypothalamus and then released by the pituitary gland.  Vasopressin (ADH) is responsible for BP.  Therefore under prolonged releases of ADH BP is not able to be regulated as it normally would.  This is how we get hypertension.

 

            The Thyroxine Axis- This is activated the same as ADH, the hypothalamus release of thyrotropic hormone factor (TRF).  TRF goes to the back of the pituitary gland and releases TTH this goes to the thyroid gland and releases thyroxine and triiodothyronine.  The effects of this increase is to get your metabolisum up but they can last for 10 days to 2 weeks.   

 

 

4pts     Be able to name at least 2 of the primary glands of the immune system and give the major function of each.

           

            Thymus gland which allows stem cells to develop into T-cells.

      Lymph nodes

Spleen

Bone Marrow

 

 

2pts     Know which type of lymphocytes (immune system cells) help to protect against cancer, and which type of lymphocytes help to protect against infectious diseases, like anthrax.

           

T-lymphocytes
1. T-Helpers – specialized for external pathogens
2. Cytotoxic T-Cells Kill tumor cells or body’s own cells infected by virus i.e. cancer

B-lymphocytes
1.         Kill external pathogens bacteria

2.         Kill virus i.e. anthrax

 

 

4pts     The Borysenko Model for the relationship between stress and disease divides the causes of disease into either autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysregulation or immune system dysregulation.

§         Be able to list 2 examples of specific medical problems resulting from autonomic dysregulation and 2 specific examples from immune dysregulation

§         ANS dysregulation – tension headache, high blood pressure, asthma, diarrhea

§         Immune dysregulation – allergies, cancer

 

§         According to Borysenko, there are two types of immune system dysregulation.  Be able to name them and give examples of each type.

 

§         Over-reaction – Allergies, Arthritis

 

§         Under-reaction – Cold/flu, cancer

 

6pts    Be able to explain at least 2 of the key concepts of Dr. Candace Pert’s research on the relationship between the brain and the immune system.

         

lymphocytes also produce many NT’s themselves

that neurotransmitters are not only produced in the brain

 

6pts    Be able to describe at least 3 detrimental effects of prolonged excess secretion of cortisol (as it occurs with chronic stress).

 

          Bone lose, memory

 

          The increased amount of cortisol in the blood will lead to plaque buildup in the arteries and this will lead to hypertension and coronary heart disease.

 

 

1pt       Be able to identify the key concepts of the Gerber Model with respect to the mind and the brain.

           

            The mind and the brain are not he same.  There is a human energy field that when disrupted can lead to illness.

 

5pts         Understand the definition of entrainment, and its relationship to health issues.

 

            The tuning fork example, where the one with the lower frequency will change its tune to match the higher one.

 

4pts     Dr. Kenneth Pelletier cites several types of compelling research evidence dealing with the relationship between thoughts and disease.  These are:

§         Multiple personality disorders -

§         Spontaneous remission -

§         Placebos – These work 35% 70% of the time.

§         Immunoenhancement – Inspirational thoughts , hope, watching the 3 stooges

Know how each of these concepts apply to the effects of our thoughts on our health.

 

4pts     According to Dr. Richard Lazarus’ “Cognitive Appraisal Model” of stress, there are two appraisal processes continually in play as we interact with our environment.  Be able to define and describe each appraisal process.

            Primary if your brain decides whether this is stressful, the secondary when you already have the stress how to deal.

 

 

4pts     Be able to list examples of individual characteristics that impact each of the appraisal processes in the Cognitive Appraisal Model of stress.  Be able to explain why and how the characteristics affect each of the appraisal processes.

 

            Beliefs values  attitudes          self esteem

            Current state of health            self efficacy

            Expectations                           self image

 

5pts     Be able to list and briefly describe 5 characteristics of Type A Behavior Pattern (TABP).

 

            Demanding of self and other, excessive competitiveness.

 

1pt       Be able to identify which of the Type A characteristics is most closely correlated with increased risk for CHD and early death.

 

            Hostility, anger, cynicism, aggression.

 

2pts     Be able to briefly describe what gestalt psychologists have discovered about how the structure of the human brain affects the way we perceive the environment, and how that relates to our perception of stress.

 

           

 

6pts     Be able to clearly explain 2 important principles that the F-card exercise illustrated regarding human perceptions.  The principles must be taken from class discussion.

 

            Blind spots, perception differently come personality

 

1pt       Be able to identify 2 to 3 key elements of hostility as Dr. Redford Williams defines it.

            Cynicism, aggression, anger

 

 

1pt       Be able to identify at least 3 personality characteristics that are associated with an abnormally high risk for cancer, according to Dr. Caroline Bedell-Thomas.

 

            control or suppress feelings, lack of closeness with parents

 

3pts     Be able to describe 3 key characteristics of the co-dependent personality.

 

            Inadequate, low self esteem

 

1pt       Be able to identify 4 key characteristics of Learned Helplessness.

 

            Depressed, pessimistic, explanatory style

 

1pt       Know what the one common denominator is for the 3 major stress-prone personalities.

 

            Self esteem

 

2pts     Be able to identify what the “Seville Statement” of 1986, proclaimed regarding aggression in humans.