2. Remember way back in Semester 1 when we looked at
homeostasis???
Our body’s maintenance of balance in day-to-day
automatic functions.
Well just to confused you there is also a concept known
as allostasis which is our bodies ability to remain flexible
(variable) to allow us to adapt to future challenges.
CONFUSED???? Its ok if you are because it super
confusing to get your head around!
Homeostasis is there to ensure we remain stable in
function whereas allostasis is there to ensure we can still
manage when life stressors jolt us into instability!
3. Homeostasis Vs Allostasis
Homeostasis aims to maintain a ‘set point’
of bodily functions
Allostasis aims to maintain a ‘set point’ in
changing environments
e.g. You are sitting in class quietly, not alarmed
or nervous then you hear the teacher saying we
have a pop quiz and all of a sudden your heart
starts beating and you being to sweat -
allostasis body responding to environment
4. Allostasis allows us homeostasis (stability) when
we are in flight or fight mode.
e.g. I am studying full time at uni whilst working
30 hours a week when my partner breaks up
with me. I am extremely upset and am freaking
out about how to pay rent without their input.
Due to my high state of arousal, allostasis is
maintaining my ability to function (work and
study) until I can find a house mate to elevate
my financial concerns and return to
homeostasis.
5. Allostatic load
Refers to the number of stressors that a
person may experience, leading to
recurrent arousal
Frequent activation of the flight-fight
response has a cumulative effect that can
result in long term damage to the body
e.g. Penny is a Year 12 student, she has a usual load of
5 subjects which is stressful enough, however she has
just been informed to gain her scholarship she needs
an average of 90% across her subjects. This pressure
adds to her allostatic load
6. Allostatic Overload
As the name
suggests, too
many new
stressors, or
being unable
to adapt to
the new
stressors
results in an
inability to
‘cope’
