Psychology Research Paper Chapter 13 Stress,coping and Health - What Are the Effects of Stress on Physical Health?

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(Soufer, 2004). Explored neurocardiac interaction during Myocardial Ischemia induced by stress and how the brain copes. In particular, the scientist argued that ischemic is realized by more of a contribution of blood pressure in mental stress and heart rate in exercise stress. Consequently, in spite of an increase in myocardial demand in both ischemia triggers, there is an increase in systemic vascular resistance resulting from a response to mental stress and a decrease in reaction to exercise stress. Furthermore, the researcher noted that standardizing and implementing clinical mental stress testing might be a critical optional extra in diagnosing persons vulnerable to mental stress ischemia (MSI).

Further, (Niess, Monnikes, Dignass, Klapp, and Arck, 2002). Studied the link between stress and immune mediators, hormones, and neuropeptices in the case of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). They found that stress has an impact on the neuroendocrine system, immune system, and the intestinal epithelia. Stress leads to the discharge of neuropeptides and pro-inflammatory Th1 cytokines. As a result, it may bring on changes in the intestine epithelium through the interface of the immune and neuroendocrine system and might lead to deterioration of inflammatory bowel disease. Other studies have also found a link between stress and immune suppression. (Weiten and McCann, 2013). Noted that there are individual variations in how much stress one can tolerate without experiencing ill effects. Additionally, he noted that social support is an important moderator of the link between physical and mental health and stress.

Conclusion

In conclusion, stress has a negative impact on physical health. It is negatively linked to numerous diseases and conditions. It affects the neuroendocrine system, immune system, and the intestinal epithelia leading to worsening of IBD. Stress causes immune suppression, worsening of myocardial ischemia, and rheumatoid arthritis among other diseases. It is true that stress is only one factor in a particular physical health issue but it is undeniably a factor that affects physical health. “Our greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another” (William James) “It is not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it” (Hans Selye)

References

Hapuarachchi, J., Chalmers, A.,Winefield, A., & Blake-Mortimer, J. (2003) Changes in clinically relevant metabolites with psychological stress parameters. Behavioral Medicine, 29 (2), 52-59

Niess, J. H., Monnikes, H., Dignass, A. U., Klapp, B. F., & Arck, P. C. (2002). Review on the influence of stress on immune mediators, neuropeptides and hormones with

Relevance for inflammatory bowel disease. Digestion, 65 (3), 131-40.

Soufer, R. (2004). Neurocardia interaction during Stress-Induced Myocardial Ischemia:

How does the brain cope? Circulation, 110, 1710-1713

Weiten, W., & McCann, D. (2013). Psychology: Themes and variations. (3rd. Canadian ed.).

Toronto, ON: Thomas Nelson.

Macleod, J., Davey-Smith, G., Heslop, P., Metcalfe, C., Carroll, D., & Hart, C. (2002).

Psychological stress and cardiovascular disease: Empirical demonstration of bias in a prospective observational study of Scottish men. British Medical Journal, 324, 1-7.