Psychophysiology of Stress

Psychophysiology: A field of study based on the principle that the mind and body are one, where
thoughts and perceptions affect potentially all aspects of physiology. (Seaward, 2012, p. 47)
The Nervous System: The Central Nervous System

Vegetative level - Similar to all other mammals, the most primitive

level of the brain. It regulates vital involuntary functions such as
respiration and heartbeat.
Limbic system - or the emotional control center. The hypothalamus
gland controls appetite and body- core temperature and is the pain
and pleasure center of the brain. That is why appetite decreases when
people are extremely worried or why violent crimes are more common
on extremely hot days, as crime statistics point out.
Neocortical level - the level that separates humans from animals; it is
the center of logic and decision making. On the neocortical level
information is processed and
perceived as a threat or non-threat.
Seaward, 2012, p.47

The Autonomic Nervous System

(PNS) peripheral nervous system - works

in close collaboration with the CNS and is made up of the
somatic network and the autonomic nervous system (ANS). It
was once believed that there was no way to control the ANS
but now it is known that conscious thought (the highest level
of the brain) can intercept the messages from the ANS and
control emotional response.
Sympathetic: The nervous system responsible for the flight or
fight response through the release of epinephrine
(adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline). It is the
accelerator of the body. The effects are felt instantly when
the sympathetic nervous system turns on.
Parasympathetic: The nervous system responsible for anabolic
functioning; the process responsible for growth and regeneration. It is the bodys breaks.
The Endocrine System

Seaward, 2012, p. 57

The system that regulates metabolic functioning and releases

hormones throughout the body. Four components make up the endocrine system: glands, hormones,
circulation and target organs.
The glands involved in the stress response are the thyroid, adrenal and pituitary gland.
Cortisol- the adrenal cortex releases the glucocorticoids cortisol and cortisone. Cortisol helps generate
glucose and to mobilize and breakdown fats. Increased levels of cortisol, due to increased amounts of
stress, are linked to immune system depression. This is because cortisol degrades white blood cells.
Cortisol also adds cholesterol to the blood stream leading to artery plaque buildup.
The Immune System

Borysenkos
Stress and
Disease
Dichotomy

Seaward, 2012, p.
64

The primary biological reason for stress is physical survival. Stress,

whether emotional or physical, activates the same physical
response in the body. If the body is subjected to chronic stress the
body struggles to return to homeostasis, or a resting state. This has
devastating effects on the immune system, cardiovascular system,
the digestive system and the musculoskeletal system.
Also chronic stress shrinks brain cells and can result in memory
and learning dysfunction. But, findings in the new field of
neuroplasticity are confirming that the brain cells are indeed
flexible and always growing. That means with conscious thought
we can reshape the way our brain functions.
Germs are pathogenic microbes that invade our immune system,
attack our body systems and cause disease and illness. That
accepted fact is called Louis Pasteurs germ theory.

However there is another theory by Claude Bernard that says it the state of the body which could
either destroy the germs or be destroyed by them. This concludes that it is the strength of the immune
system that allows for health or dysfunction.

Sources
Seaward, B. L. (2012). Managing Stress: Principles and Strategies for Health and Well-Being. Burlington, MA: Jones &
Bartlett Learning