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PHC 281

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7 views5 pages

PHC 281

Uploaded by

kevin wabwile
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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ASSIGNMENT COVER SHEET

Course name Health Behavior

Course number PHC 281

CRN

Assignment title or task: 1. Describe the physiology of stress.


(Write and questions) 2. How psychology influences immunity and disease.

Student names and ID


numbers:

Submission date:

Instructor name:
Grade: __ Out of 10
Guidelines:

 Use this Word Document.


 Fill in students’ information on the first page of this document.
 Start your writing from the next page (page 3)
 Word limit: Minimum 600 words (3 pages)
 Font should be 12 Times New Roman
 Headings should be Bold
 Color should be Black
 Line spacing should be 1.5
 Use reliable references (APA format)
 AVOID PLAGIARISM (you will get ZERO when there is plagiarism)
 You should use at least two references
 Submit this WORD Document when you complete the required task
 Submission should be before the deadline (submission after the deadline is not allowed)
 Due date 4/November/2023
1. Describe the physiology of stress.

The brain and the body's neurological and hormonal systems interact intricately in the
physiology of stress. The amygdala, a part of the brain that processes emotions, alerts the
hypothalamus to initiate the body's "fight or flight" reaction when a person is in a stressful
environment. Subsequently, the pituitary gland produces adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
in response to the hypothalamus' production of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) (Tsigos,
2020). The adrenal glands then produce cortisol and adrenaline into the circulation in response to
ACTH.

Known as the "stress hormone," cortisol raises glucose levels and suppresses non-
essential organs including the immunological and digestive systems, which is how it helps the
body mobilize its energy stores. Conversely, adrenaline speeds up the body's first physical
reaction to stress by boosting heart rate and rerouting blood flow to the muscles (Cool &
Zappetti, 2019). The body is primed by this synchronized hormonal response to react swiftly and
efficiently to any perceived danger. Although the short-term adaptation of this acute stress
response is adaptive, long-term stress exposure may cause dysregulation of these systems, which
can exacerbate a variety of health problems such as immune system malfunction, cardiovascular
disease, and mental health disorders.

Moreover, the nervous system and other organs communicate intricately throughout the
physiological reaction to stress. The autonomic nervous system is important even after the "fight
or flight" response is immediately triggered. The body's physiological readiness for action is
heightened by the release of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, which are produced by an
extremely active sympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic nerve system, sometimes
known as the "rest and digest" system, is simultaneously repressed (Tsigos, 2020). Stress causes
a change in this autonomic balance, which affects blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate.
The precise synchronization of these physiological alterations guarantees a prompt and flexible
reaction to perceived hazards, highlighting the complex network of interplay among the brain,
neurological system, and hormone pathways in the physiology of stress.

2. How psychology influences immunity and disease.


Examining the complex relationships among psychology, the neurological system, and
the immune system is the focus of the discipline of psychoneuroimmunology. It has been shown
that psychological elements including stress, emotions, and mental states have a big impact on
how the body reacts to immunity (Hayward et al., 2019). For example, long-term stress may
cause the body to generate stress chemicals like cortisol, which can weaken the immune system.
A weakened immune system and a higher vulnerability to diseases might be the outcomes of this
suppression. In addition, behavioral modifications brought on by stress, such as irregular sleep
schedules and bad lifestyle decisions, may further weaken the immune system and increase
susceptibility to infections.

Positive psychological emotions, on the other hand, such as optimism and social support,
have been linked to improved immune function. According to studies, those who have supportive
social networks and an optimistic perspective may have a stronger immune system, which lowers
their chance of contracting certain illnesses (Dantzer et al., 2018). The complex relationship
between psychological health and immune function highlights the mind-body link and highlights
the need to take both physical and mental health into account when diagnosing and treating
illnesses.

Positively speaking, strategies aimed at enhancing mental health may benefit the immune
system. Positive alterations in immune function have been linked to therapeutic techniques
including cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness meditation. Stronger immune responses
may result from engaging in psychologically beneficial activities including being socially
connected, cultivating appreciation, and taking up hobbies (Seiler et al., 2020). This highlights
the significance of an integrated approach to healthcare that takes into account both the mental
and physical components of well-being. Acknowledging and treating the psychological aspects
of health may therefore give useful insights into preventative and treatment measures for a
variety of disorders.
References

Cool, J., & Zappetti, D. (2019). The physiology of stress. Medical Student Well-Being: An
Essential Guide, 1-15.

Dantzer, R., Cohen, S., Russo, S. J., & Dinan, T. G. (2018). Resilience and immunity. Brain,
behavior, and immunity, 74, 28-42.

Hayward, S. E., Dowd, J. B., Fletcher, H., Nellums, L. B., Wurie, F., & Boccia, D. (2019). A
systematic review of the impact of psychosocial factors on immunity: Implications for
enhancing BCG response against tuberculosis. SSM - population health, 10, 100522.

Seiler, A., Fagundes, C. P., & Christian, L. M. (2020). The impact of everyday stressors on the
immune system and health. Stress challenges and immunity in space: From mechanisms
to monitoring and preventive strategies, 71-92.

Tsigos, C., Kyrou, I., Kassi, E., & Chrousos, G. P. (2020). Stress: endocrine physiology and
pathophysiology. Endotext [Internet].

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