Human Strengths And Meeting Life Challenges — Psychology STD 12 Humanities — Question

Physiological Effects: When the human body is placed under physical or psychological stress, it increases the production of certain hormones such as adrenaline and Cortical.It causes:

1. Changes in heart-rate, blood-pressure levels, metabolism and physical activity.
2. Slowing down of digestive system.
3. Constriction of blood vessels.

Cognitive Effects: High levels of stress can lead to:

1. Mental overload.
2. Impairment in the ability to make sound decision.
3. Poor concentration.
4. Reduced short term memory.

Emotional Effects: Those who suffer from stress are more likely to experience:

1. Mood swings.
2. Erratic behaviour.
3. Maladjustment with family and friends.
4. Feeling of anxiety and depression.
5. Increased physical and psychological tension.
6. Intolerance.
7. Impatience.

Behavioural Effects: Stress affects our behaviour in the form of:

1. Eating less nutritional food.
2. Increasing in take of stimulants such as caffeine or excessive consumption of cigarettes, alcohol and drugs.
3. Disrupted sleep pattern.
4. Reduced work performance.