Chapter 9.1, Problem 1QC

Summary Introduction

To explain: How stress is related to unhealthy coping behaviors.

Concept introduction:

Stress is a feeling of pain and pressure defined as a perceived threat that interrupts the homeostasis of a person. It can seriously affect both the mind and body of a person. Stress in small amounts may be beneficial, desired, and even healthy. It increases the risk of depression, ulcers, heart attacks, and strokes.

Explanation of Solution

The frequent and higher stress episodes are normally unhealthy. It may induce unhealthy coping behaviors such as smoking, drug abuse, and alcohol consumption, and overeating.

Smoking often helps to relieve stress, but it actually increases the tension and anxiety. During smoking, nicotine reaches the brain and releases dopamine. The release of dopamine results in the feelings of relaxation and pleasure.

Drug abuse and alcohol consumption are harmful, but these do relieve stress. The brain under stress releases a hormone known as the corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) into the bloodstream. Similarly, some drugs of abuse and alcohol consumption also stimulate the CRF that travels to the pituitary gland through the bloodstream. This CRF releases another hormone known as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH triggers the release of the hormone cortisol in the adrenal glands. Cortisol helps to cope with the stress.

Overeating may also be seen in certain response to stress. Being stressed increases the release of cortisol, a hormone that increases hunger. Stress increases the intake of fat-filled and sugar-filled foods. The stress-related hormones and the effects of fat-filled and sugar-filled foods drive people toward overeating that help to distract a person from the stress.