This Is A Series Of 4 Questions, Each Has 200 W

This Is A Series Of 4 Questions Each One Of Them Has A 200 Word Requi

This assignment involves answering four psychology-related questions, each requiring a detailed response of at least 200 words. The questions focus on topics such as Selye’s general adaptation syndrome, the role of stress in adjustment disorders, panic disorder, and cultural influences on eating disorders. In addition, there are three shorter questions, each requiring a 75-word answer discussing depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, substance abuse versus dependence, and effective treatment approaches for substance abuse. All responses must adhere to APA formatting, including in-text citations and references, with no plagiarism. The textbook by Nevid, Rathus, and Green (2011) will be used as the primary source for the detailed questions, and proper academic referencing must be employed throughout. The deadline for submission is Sunday, June 15, 2014, at 11:00 P.M. Eastern Time for the longer responses, and Monday, June 16, 2014, at 11:00 P.M. Eastern Time for the shorter responses.

Paper For Above instruction

Question 1: Explain Selye’s general adaptation syndrome and the characteristics of its three stages.

Hans Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) elucidates the physiological response to stress, comprising three distinct stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. The alarm stage activates the body's fight-or-flight response, marked by the release of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, preparing the individual to confront or escape the stressor (Nevid, Rathus, & Green, 2011). Following this, the resistance stage involves the body adapting to ongoing stress, attempting to restore balance and maintain homeostasis through sustained physiological efforts. However, prolonged exposure to stress during this phase can deplete resources, leading to the final stage, exhaustion. In exhaustion, the body's ability to cope diminishes, resulting in increased vulnerability to illness, fatigue, and psychological burnout. The GAS model highlights how chronic stress can have deleterious effects on physical and mental health, emphasizing the importance of stress management strategies (Nevid et al., 2011). The stages underscore that initial adaptive responses can become maladaptive if stress persists, aiding in understanding stress-related disorders and informing interventions.

Question 2: In your own words, explain the physiological role stress plays in adjustment disorders. Explain how life changes can affect stress levels and, in turn, adjustment disorders.

Stress influences adjustment disorders by disrupting the body's ability to cope with challenging life changes, leading to emotional and behavioral symptoms that exceed normal responses. Physiologically, stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, releasing cortisol and other hormones that prepare the body for immediate action. When stress persists or becomes overwhelming, it can impair neural functioning and immune response, increasing vulnerability to psychological disorders, including adjustment disorder (Nevid et al., 2011). Significant life changes, such as divorce, job loss, or bereavement, often trigger heightened stress responses, often resulting in difficulty adapting to new circumstances. If these changes surpass an individual's coping capacity, they may develop symptoms of anxiety, depression, or maladaptive behaviors characteristic of adjustment disorder. The complex interaction between physiological stress responses and environmental factors underlines how chronic or intense stress can impair emotional regulation, leading to pathological responses. Recognizing and managing stress, especially during significant life transitions, is crucial in preventing or alleviating adjustment disorders, highlighting the importance of intervention strategies and resilience-building measures (Nevid et al., 2011). Understanding this process aids clinicians in developing targeted therapeutic approaches to mitigate adverse outcomes.

Question 3: In your own words, explain what a panic disorder is, the theories that may cause the disorder, and what treatments are used to treat the disorder.

Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent, unexpected episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, and shortness of breath, often reaching a peak within minutes. Theories suggest that panic disorder results from a combination of genetic, biochemical, and cognitive factors. Biological explanations propose an overactivity in the locus coeruleus or dysregulation of neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine (Nevid et al., 2011). Cognitive-behavioral theories emphasize heightened sensitivity to bodily sensations, which can trigger panic attacks when individuals interpret normal physiological responses as threatening. Treatment approaches primarily involve cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps patients identify and challenge catastrophic thoughts and learn relaxation techniques. Pharmacotherapy, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or benzodiazepines, can also be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of panic attacks (Nevid et al., 2011). Combining CBT with medication often yields the best results, as it addresses both cognitive distortions and neurochemical imbalances. Overall, understanding the multifaceted origins of panic disorder allows for tailored interventions that improve patients' quality of life by reducing panic episodes and associated anxiety.

Question 4: Describe the way culture and society has influenced eating disorders. Discuss why eating disorders are more prevalent in western civilization than in other cultures. Use specific examples to support your answer.

Cultural and societal influences significantly shape the development and prevalence of eating disorders. In Western societies, the idealization of thinness, especially for women, promotes unhealthy body image standards that contribute to disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Media portrayals of celebrities and fashion models emphasize dieting, slenderness, and perfection, fostering a culture of body dissatisfaction (Nevid et al., 2011). Conversely, many non-Western cultures traditionally value fuller body types linked with health and prosperity, which makes eating disorders less prevalent. For example, in some African and Asian cultures, larger body sizes are associated with social status and well-being, reducing pressure to conform to Western ideals. The globalization of media has begun shifting these attitudes, leading to increased rates of disordered eating worldwide, but discrepancies persist. Social factors such as peer influence, family dynamics, and societal pressures intensify in Western contexts, creating environments where thinness becomes a primary aesthetic goal, often at a cost to mental health. These cultural differences highlight the powerful role societal standards play in shaping attitudes toward beauty and health, reinforcing the need for culturally sensitive prevention and intervention strategies (Nevid et al., 2011).

References

• Nevid, J. S., Rathus, S. A., & Green, B. (2011). Abnormal psychology in a changing world (8th ed.). Prentice Hall.