Discuss the role of perception in the stress response. You may find it useful to review the perception portion of Chapter 5 and discuss its implications for understanding the stress response.

Stress Response

The sympathetic nervous system, the parasympathetic nervous system, and the endocrine system play integrated roles in the physiological stress response. Seconds after perceiving a stressor, messages stream from the cortex to the hypothalamus and to the pituitary gland. The endocrine system increases the levels of several hormones in the bloodstream, including acetylcholine, cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. These hormones increase fatty acid and glucose levels in the bloodstream. Heart rate and blood pressure rise, as the heart pumps more blood to the brain and muscles. Breathing rate increases as the sympathetic nervous system and the endocrine system ready the body to face the stressor.

The general psychological stress response includes increased apprehension and alertness. An individual’s specific psychological response can be either positive or negative. A positive response includes feelings of exhilaration, excitement, challenge, and opportunity. A negative response includes feelings of anxiety, fear, and threat. Although the physiological stress response is about the same for all of us, people vary in their psychological response to perceived stress. This is where you can begin to see how stress can have negative effects.