of mucus in the air passages decreases.
The SNS functions are called "catabolic" because they break down stored supplies and rapidly increase metabolism (Stern, 1987, p. 394-395).
Behavioral responses to stress and psychological (i.e., cognitive and emotional) responses may also occur (Quick and Quick, 1984, pp. 4-5).
Behavioral responses take the form of reducing or eliminating the stimuli and the potential impact of the stressor. Research indicates that when behavioral control over a stressor is possible, coping is shared between behavioral and neurochemical methods. When behavioral control is impossible/unavailable, coping depends on endogenous processes (Anisman, 1987).
Psychological responses, such as depression, occur when behavioral coping methods are ineffective. Researchers agree that depression is a stress reaction. Depression takes many forms.
An individual may feel "helpless" in determining his/her destiny when faced with a stressful situation. This, in turn, may generate depression.
An alternative view is that depression is a consequence of neurochemical alterations that develop when behavioral control over stressful situations is not available (Anisman, 1987, pp. 372-373).
Individual responses to stress are considered innate; however, other responses depend on psychosocial factors such as how a threat is interpreted and the coping mechanisms utilized to deal with it (Miller, 1987).
Stotland (1987, pp. 370-372) and Anisman (1987, pp. 272-373) point out the stress responses reported below.
First, Selye refers to "the stress of life" as stimuli that generates the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS). Persons who exhibit this syndrome proceed through several stages including: (1) alarm reactions that lead to (2) resistance or the body's attempts to limit the effects of the stressor to (3) the fight or flight from the stressor. When the third stage is unsuccessful, the individual...