Provide A 1-Page Description Of A Stressful Event Cur 283219
Provide A 1 Page Description Of A Stressful Event Currently Occurring
Provide a 1-page description of a stressful event currently occurring in your life. Then, referring to information you learned throughout this course, address the following: What physiological changes occur in the brain due to the stress response? What emotional and cognitive effects might occur due to this stressful situation? Would the above changes (physiological, cognitive, or emotional) be any different if the same stress were being experienced by a person of the opposite sex or someone much older or younger than you? If the situation continues, how might your physical health be affected? What three behavioral strategies would you implement to reduce the effects of this stressor? Describe each strategy. Explain how each behavior could cause changes in brain physiology (e.g., exercise can raise serotonin levels). If you were encouraging an adult client to make the above changes, what ethical considerations would you have to keep in mind? How would you address those ethical considerations? In addition to citing the online course and the text, you are also required to cite a minimum of two scholarly sources. Please see the Academic Resources section under Course Home to use the Argosy University online library to find appropriate scholarly sources. For reputable web sources, look for .gov or .edu sites as opposed to .com sites. Please do not use Wikipedia. Your paper should be double-spaced, in 12-point Times New Roman font, and with normal 1-inch margins; written in APA style; and free of typographical and grammatical errors. It should include a title page with a running head, an abstract, and a reference page. The body of the paper should be at least 6 pages in length.
Paper For Above instruction
Stressful events are an inevitable part of life, often inducing physiological, emotional, and cognitive responses that can significantly affect an individual's well-being. Currently, I am experiencing a stressful scenario related to an urgent work deadline following an unforeseen project complication. This event has created a sense of pressure, anxiety, and mental fatigue, as I strive to meet the project requirements within a limited timeframe while managing additional responsibilities. The looming deadline has intensified my stress levels, prompting a series of physiological and psychological reactions that are characteristic of the stress response.
The physiological changes in the brain during stress primarily involve activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system. When confronted with a stressor, the hypothalamus signals the release of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). This, in turn, prompts the adrenal glands to release cortisol, a glucocorticoid that prepares the body for a 'fight or flight' response (McEwen, 2017). Simultaneously, the sympathetic nervous system triggers the release of catecholamines such as adrenaline and noradrenaline, which cause increased heart rate, blood pressure, and energy mobilization. In the brain, areas such as the amygdala become hyperactive, enhancing emotional responses, while the prefrontal cortex experiences diminished activity, impairing decision-making and emotional regulation (Arnsten, 2015).
Emotionally, stress can evoke feelings of anxiety, irritability, and overwhelm. Cognitively, concentration becomes impaired, memory precision declines, and decision-making abilities are compromised due to the diminished functioning of the prefrontal cortex. These effects collectively hinder effective problem-solving and can perpetuate a cycle of stress and emotional distress. The impact of physiological, emotional, and cognitive changes might vary according to demographic factors such as sex and age. For example, research suggests that women may experience more intense emotional responses to stress, partly attributable to variations in hormonal levels like estrogen, which modulate the HPA axis (Bangasser & Wiersielis, 2018). Conversely, older adults may exhibit attenuated physiological responses but increased vulnerability to the adverse effects of chronic stress, including weakened immune function and cardiovascular risks (Lupien et al., 2018). Younger individuals often recover more swiftly due to greater neural plasticity, yet prolonged stress can still cause lasting damage.
If the stressful situation persists, continued activation of the stress response can have detrimental effects on physical health. Chronic cortisol elevation is associated with immune suppression, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic disturbances, and neurodegeneration (Seckl & Holmes, 2007). Prolonged stress can also contribute to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety disorders, further impairing daily functioning and quality of life.
To mitigate the adverse effects of stress, implementing behavioral strategies is crucial. First, engaging in regular physical exercise can effectively reduce stress by increasing the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and endorphins, which enhance mood and promote relaxation (Salmon, 2001). Exercise also modulates cortisol levels, helping to reset the stress response. Second, practicing mindfulness meditation can attenuate amygdala activity while strengthening prefrontal cortex function, thereby improving emotional regulation and cognitive clarity (Hölzel et al., 2011). Mindfulness reduces perceived stress and enhances resilience. Third, establishing healthy sleep routines supports neuroendocrine function, facilitates emotional processing, and reduces cortisol levels (Walker, 2017). Good sleep hygiene ensures restorative sleep, which buffers against the negative physiological effects of chronic stress.
When encouraging a client to adopt these strategies, ethical considerations must be prioritized. Respecting autonomy involves informing clients about the evidence supporting these interventions and obtaining informed consent before initiating any program. Beneficence requires tailoring strategies to individual needs and ensuring that interventions promote their well-being without causing harm. Confidentiality must be maintained, especially when discussing personal stressors. Cultural sensitivity is also vital, as cultural beliefs may influence preferences for certain practices like meditation or exercise. Addressing these ethical issues involves thorough assessment, clear communication, and respecting client choices, aligning with principles in the American Psychological Association’s ethical guidelines (APA, 2017).
In conclusion, understanding the physiological, emotional, and cognitive effects of stress empowers individuals and practitioners to implement effective management strategies. Regular physical activity, mindfulness practices, and sleep hygiene are evidence-based methods that can attenuate stress responses and foster resilience. Ethical considerations serve as the foundation for responsible intervention, ensuring respect for individual needs and autonomy. As chronic stress continues to pose significant health risks, integrating these strategies into daily routines and clinical practice can substantially improve long-term health outcomes.
References
American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. https://www.apa.org/ethics/code
Arnsten, A. F. T. (2015). Stress weakens prefrontal networks: molecular mechanisms and directions for intervention. Science, 350(6259), 1259-1263. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aac5543
Bangasser, D. A., & Wiersielis, K. R. (2018). Sex differences in stress responses: a focus on the locus coeruleus. Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology, 51, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yfrne.2018.02.001
Hölzel, B. K., Lazar, S. W., Gard, T., Schuman-Olivier, Z., Vago, D. R., & Ott, U. (2011). How does mindfulness meditation work? Proposing mechanisms of action from a conceptual and neural perspective. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 6(6), 537–559. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691611419671
Lupien, S. J., McEwen, B. S., Gunnar, M. R., & Heim, C. (2018). Effects of stress throughout the lifespan on the brain, behaviour and cognition. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 19(4), 315–325. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn.2018.9
McEwen, B. S. (2017). Neurobiological and systemic effects of chronic stress. Chronic Stress, 1, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1177/2470547017692328
Salmon, P. (2001). Effects of physical activity on anxiety, depression, and mood: Review and neurobiological hypotheses. Sports Medicine, 31(Salmon, 2001), 21–41. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200131010-00002
Seckl, J. R., & Holmes, M. C. (2007). Mechanisms of disease: glucocorticoids, their cellular targets, and heritable epigenetic effects. The Journal of Clinical Investigation, 117(12), 3214–3220. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI34461
Walker, M. P. (2017). Sleep and neuroplasticity. Sleep Medicine Clinics, 12(4), 491–502. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsmc.2017.05.006