It can be argued that short-term exposure to stress is adaptive and can increase positive performance. Long-term exposure to stress, on the other hand, is considered maladaptive, yet common, in our society. Consider and research the physiological functioning of stress.
Describe how stress responses can be adaptive and how this type of stress affects the brain.
Describe how stress responses can be maladaptive and how this type of stress affects the brain.
Compare the ways in which adaptive stress responses and maladaptive stress responses affect the brain.
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Short-term stress
When we experience a short-term stressor, our bodies go into “fight-or-flight” mode. This is a natural response that helps us to deal with danger or threats. The stress response is controlled by the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands. When we perceive a threat, the hypothalamus sends a signal to the pituitary gland, which then releases a hormone called adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH travels to the adrenal glands, which then release the stress hormone cortisol.
Cortisol has a number of effects on the body, including:
Increasing heart rate and blood pressure
Increasing blood sugar levels
Dilating the pupils
Increasing muscle tension
Slowing down digestion
Reducing the immune system’s response
These changes help us to either fight the threat or run away from it. Once the threat is gone, the stress response stops and our bodies return to normal.
Long-term stress
When we experience long-term stress, the stress response can become chronic. This can have a number of negative effects on the body, including:
Increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes
Weakened immune system
Weight gain
Sleep problems
Anxiety and depression
Memory problems
Difficulty concentrating
Headaches
Muscle tension
Stomach problems
The long-term effects of stress are thought to be caused by the constant release of cortisol. Cortisol can damage the hippocampus, a part of the brain that is important for memory and learning. It can also weaken the immune system and make us more susceptible to illness.
Adaptive stress responses
Adaptive stress responses are those that help us to cope with short-term stressors and perform at our best. For example, a student might experience adaptive stress before an exam. The stress response helps the student to focus and concentrate, which can lead to better performance on the exam.
Maladaptive stress responses
Maladaptive stress responses are those that interfere with our ability to cope with stress and lead to negative consequences. For example, a person who is constantly stressed may experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems. They may also have physical problems such as headaches, stomachaches, and high blood pressure.
How adaptive and maladaptive stress responses affect the brain
Adaptive stress responses can have a positive effect on the brain. For example, short-term stress can increase the production of new brain cells and improve learning and memory. However, maladaptive stress responses can have a negative effect on the brain. For example, chronic stress can damage the hippocampus, a part of the brain that is important for memory and learning. It can also weaken the immune system and make us more susceptible to illness.
It is important to find ways to manage stress in a healthy way. There are a number of things that we can do to reduce stress, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and spending time with loved ones. If you are struggling to cope with stress, it is important to seek professional help.
