Stress And The Human Brain - 1720 Words

When we encounter a threat that we feel we do not have the resources to deal with, a stimulus known as stressors are released and as a result, makes us stressed. These stressors activate the stress-response system which sends a cascade of biological events thus releasing the stress hormones known as adrenaline and cortisol. The hormones cause our body to go into a ‘Flight or Fight’ mode and can affect us either positively or negatively. By going into flight or fight mode our blood pressure, breathing, and heart rate increases meanwhile there is a decrease in digestive activity and the liver produces more glucose for energy. The topic of stress is a very popular area of study for those interested in human sciences. In particular, stress is often viewed through the scopes of a Psychologist, Sociologist and an Anthropologist. The Psychologist s perspective revolves around relations between stress and the human brain. One of the questions they might ask would be if an individual can be born with stress. The answer is sometimes but not often. Researches at the University of Edinburgh found that mother’s wombs and babies brains contain a chemical protecting them from a mother s stress. However, if this chemical is unavailable, then the mothers are potentially exposing their unborn babies to stress. The study also discovered that the babies exposed to stress in the womb tend to be more susceptible to anxiety and depression. A psychologist may also be interested in studyingShow MoreRelatedDevelopment Of The Human Brain1414 Words   |  6 PagesDevelopment of the brain The human brain is the most complex structure in the universe. We are still unsure of its complexity today. The human brain begins forming very early in prenatal life ( just three weeks after conception), but in many ways, brain development is a lifelong project. That is because the same events that shape the brain during development are also responsible for storing information, new skills and memories throughout life. (Zerotothree.org). Thesis statement (what is your paperRead MoreEssay on The Breakdown of Mental Health and Stability1611 Words   |  7 Pagescould say that much progress was made in the field of science in terms of understanding the functions of the human brain and some of its behavior. It seems that as each new day passes, something new is discovered about the brain, whether it be a new mental or physiological brain condition, or merely a link and clue to one of the vast number of questions the world has considering the human brain and behavior. These discoverie s and answers are becoming more and more important and imperative due to theRead MoreThe Human Brain Is The Most Complex Structure Of The Universe1410 Words   |  6 PagesThe human brain is the most complex structure in the universe. We are still unsure of its complexity today. The human brain begins forming very early in prenatal life (just three weeks after conception), but in many ways, brain development is a lifelong project. That is because the same events that shape the brain during development are also responsible for storing information, new skills and memories throughout life (Zerotothree.org). Thesis statement (what is your paper going to discuss) DevelopmentRead MoreThe Effects Of Stress And Heart Disease Essay1567 Words   |  7 PagesStress and Cardiovascular Disease The effects of stress and heart disease is explained in a study Chida and Steptoe (2009), in which investigators looked at populations of people in healthy known areas, and assessed in total twenty five different studies. Anger and hostility has a positive relationship with coronary heart disease and was greater in men compared to women. Their findings also showed that individuals who had cardiac arrest and were resuscitated, twenty five percent admitted to feelingRead MoreNeurology: All in your Head Essay1514 Words   |  7 Pagesis called the brain. With the immensely complex structure of the human brain, it is not surprising that from conception to old age many things can become faulty or even just fail to develop correctly in the first place. Separating the brain into the three main parts gives a much better idea as to how the brain functions. These three parts are the cerebral cortex, the brain stem and the cerebellum. The brain stem is the terminal from the brain to the body. This is where the brain will receiveRead MoreWhat Is Meant By Plasticity On The Context Of Neural Development And Briefly Describe How It Occurs As A Lifelong Essay1219 Words   |  5 Pagesthis as brain plasticity and/or neuroplasticity, which means that the brain has the ability to change over a lifespan. Changes in one’s brain can occur by gaining knowledge (â€Å"exercising the mind†), memorization, stress, genes, hormones, and one’s environment. Neuroplasticity is a process. As individuals go through the stages of life, he/she experiences the different stages of neuroplasticity (Nelson, 2011). These stages include prenatal and postnatal events that give rise to human brain functioningRead MoreA Portrait Of A Killer1042 Words   |  5 PagesPortrait of a Killer, examines the types of stress that living beings can endure, and how it can thus affect the rest of their bodies. Severe chronic stress can lead even lead to the destruction of brain cells. Dr. Robert Sapolsky is a neurobiologist of Stanford University who has been researching stress for over thirty years. In order to study stress and its implications upon nonhumans, he went to Africa to study baboons. This species has only three hours of stress caused by eating, and the rest of theirRead MoreEssay on Forensic Psychology1611 Words   |  7 Pagesto continue a trial, and part of psychology because they are responsible for determining the psychological state of thei r client. The brain is a very complicated organ and can inhibit forensic psychologists from performing their jobs completely successfully. Forensic psychologists are responsible for so many different aspects of their client’s life that the brain can act up at many different times, and in many different forms. They must be completely objective at all times in order for their clientRead MoreThe Theory Of Stress And Theory Essay1049 Words   |  5 Pagestheory of stress, Lazarus theory of stress and theory of psychological reactance are discussed. The theories relevance and input to the study is also highlighted. 2.2.1 The Cognitive Activation Theory of Stress The study adopted Levine and Ursin, (1991): The Cognitive Activation Theory of Stress Theory. This theory explains stress in four states: stress stimuli, stress experience, general stress response, and experience of stress. The Cognitive Activation Theory of Stress (CATS) defines stress as negativeRead MorePtsd : Post Traumatic Stress Disorder1462 Words   |  6 Pagespost-traumatic stress disorder is a mental disorder or serious condition that can develop after a victim who has witnessed or experienced a traumatic event.(American Psychiatric Association, 2013) When PTSD was identified as an mental health condition by the psychologist? The term PTSD first appeared in the 1980s, but the concept of this disorder can be traced back to 1952 when the first edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM was published. The stress reaction of PTSD