Module 2 STAGES AND MODELS OF STRESS

Stress Models
STIMULUS based models

RESPONSE based models

TRANSACTION based models

Stress as Stimulus
Stress as a Stimulus
Holmes and Rahe 1967: They studied the

relationship between specific life changes such as divorce or death, and the subsequent onset of illness. Focus: Disturbing events within the environment

Stress as Transaction
Stress as a Transaction
Transactional theory of stress emphasizes that

people & groups differ in their sensitivity & vulnerability to certain types of events, as well as in their interpretations & reactions due to individual differences or Gender or Culture. Internal and behavioral responses will be different for each one of us. Pressure-Environment fit model States that the Stress develops when there is a discrepancy between the motives of the person and the supplies of the environment or between the demands of the job and the abilities of the person to meet those demands

Stress as Response
Focus: Reactions of the BODY Selye used the term stressor as the stimulus

or agents that evokes a stress response in the person A stressor may be anything that places a demand on the person for change or adaptation. Any type of stressor may produce the same responses in the human body

Stress as a Response

SELYE proposed two Stress adaptation

responses
General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

Local Adaptation Syndrome

A-R-E : GAS Syndrome

(GAS)General Adaptation Syndrome
I. STAGE OF ALARM Initial reaction of the body; fight OR flight responses Mobilizing of the defense mechanisms of the body and mind to cope with stressors. SHOCK PHASE- the autonomic nervous system reacts; release of Epinephrine and Cortisol

A-R-E : GAS Syndrome

II. STAGE OF RESISTANCE: The BODY stabilizes, hormonal levels return to normal, heart rate, blood pressure and cardiac output return to normal 2 things may occur: Either the person successfully adapts to the stressors and returns to normal, thus resolving and repairing body damage; or The stressor remains present, and adaptation fails (ex. Long-term terminal illness, mental illness, and continuous blood loss)

A-R-E : GAS Syndrome

III. STAGE OF EXHAUSTION: Occurs when the body can no longer resist stress and body energy is depleted. The bodys energy level is compromised and adaptation diminishes. Body may not be able to defend self that may end to death.

GAS : Model
ALARM STAGE

RESISTANCE STAGE

EXHAUSTION STAGES

Recap
Alarm Stage : First reaction to stress .Fight or Flight attitude to

stressor.
Resistance Stage : The body makes continuous efforts to cope with

stress and feels run down and exhausted.Irritation , over reaction , weakness mentally / Physically.Psychological , Physical and behavioural changes are visible.
Exhaustion Stage: Continuous stress leads to a dip in performance

and ultimately Burnout happens where in the body and mind is drained of all energy.A complete Physical , Psychological and emotional breakdown.