The document defines key terms related to stress such as stress, stressors, distress, and eustress. It explains Selye's definition of stress as a nonspecifically induced state manifested by specific physiological changes. The document also describes the general adaptation syndrome (GAS) as having three stages: the alarm stage of initial reaction to stressors, the resistance stage of building tolerance, and the exhaustion stage of vulnerability to stressors due to overtaxed systems.

1. CHAPTER 8 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Define: stress, stressors, distress, eustress. How does Selye define stress? 3) Explain how state, nonspecifically induced changes, & specific syndrome contribute to Selye's stress definition. 4) What does GAS stand for? 5) State & explain the 3 stages of GAS (page 217).

2. CHAPTER 8: THE ROLE OF LEISURE IN STRESS REDUCTION

3. WHAT IS STRESS? -A PHYSICAL RESPONSE BY THE BODY TO A STIMULUS THAT DISTURBS OR INTERFERES WITH THE NORMAL PHYSIOLOGICAL EQUILIBRIUM OF AN ORGANISM. -STRESS CAN BE FELT AS PHYSICAL, MENTAL, OR EMOTIONAL STRAIN/TENSION.

4. WHAT IS A STRESSOR? -A STIMULUS (ACTIVITY, EVENT, ETC) THAT CAUSES STRESS.

5. WHAT IS DISTRESS? -NEGATIVE STRESS. -STRESS THAT CAUSES PAIN, SUFFERING, TROUBLE, ETC.

6. WHAT IS EUSTRESS? -POSITIVE STRESS. -STRESS THAT IS HELPFUL.

7. AS WE DISCUSS SELYE & THE GAS STAGES, THINK OF A SPORT YOU PLAY/PLAYED AS THE STRESSOR.

8. SELYE’S STRESS DEFINITION “ A state manifested by a specific syndrome that consists of all nonspecifically induced changes within a biological system.” 1) State -Stress is characterized by a particular state of being -Stress produces physiological changes that are evident in most people under stress -People under stress display common characteristics of their state of being 2) Nonspecifically Induced Changes -Stress can be induced anywhere and by anything -Thus, stress is nonspecifically induced 3) Specific Syndrome -Stress is characterized by a specific pattern of changes (GAS) -General Adaptation Syndrome

9. GENERAL ADAPTATION SYNDROME General -Has widespread effect on biological system -Many parts of the body are affected Adaptation -Stimulates a defense or adjustment to a stressor Syndrome -A set of coordinated stages that are dependent on one another -GAS consists of 3 stages

10. GAS STAGES 1) ALARM Body has initial physical reaction to a stressor Often called the Fight-or-Flight reaction This prepares the body for life-threatening situations, channeling away resources from such as the digestive and immune system to more immediate muscular and emotional needs. This leads to the immune system being depressed, making us susceptible to disease. -Weight Loss -Blood becoming more concentrated with hormones Stage is short-lived

11. 2) RESISTANCE As we become used to the stress levels, we initially become more resistance to disease Body is working at peak efficiency and is unlikely to succumb to stressor -Blood becomes diluted -Body weight returns to normal This leads us to believe we can easily adapt to these more stressful situations However, this is only the immune system fighting to keep up with demands and expectations, but requires it to work at abnormally high levels Stage can last seconds, days, months

12. 3) EXHAUSTION Body becomes weak and is vulnerable to stressor Damage inflicted is depended on strength of the body and nature of stressor Strong stressor could result in stress-related disease -Heart Attack -Death Mild stressor may not cause any significant damage -Fatigue -Minimal weight loss