The human species, despite its intelligence and talent for problem-solving (which, remember, started to evolve way back in Homo habilis, as a response to rapidly cycling wet/dry climate shifts), has managed over the millennia to turn one of its most basic survival mechanisms–the “fight or flight” stress response–against itself. What are some common physical side-effects of stress? Circle all that apply:
Diabetes & heart disease
High blood pressure
Gastrointestinal disorders (~IBS)
Weight loss & muscle toning
Decreased immune response
Memory loss & depression
Weight gain in the stomach area
Reduced blood pressure
Stomach Ulcers
Shortened telomeres & aging
2. Evolutionarily, what is the purpose of stress? Why don’t zebras get sick from stress like humans do (Sapolsky’s book is called “Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers”)
3. At the most basic physiological level, our stress response is driven by what?
a. the hormones adrenalin/epinephrine and glucocorticoid
b. degrading neural connections in the front cortex
c. a drop in red blood cells
d. an onslaught of white blood cells
4. The question below is one you saw in the beginning of the semester when we read the article “PTSD Beyond the Battlefield.” It’s relevant here too:
Stress, anxiety, & depression are evolutionary adaptations necessary to responding to danger. Which statements below are accurate characterizations? Circle all that apply:
Stress triggers the flight or fight response (preferable to getting eaten!)
Depression keeps you from being too active and putting yourself at too much risk
Mental health has drastically improved thanks to modern technology & multi-tasking
Stress, such as anxiety and depression, has been naturally selected for over time
5. True or False: For both baboons and humans, individuals lower down in the social hierarchy (the have nots) suffer more stress, and consequently more stress-related health problems, than those higher in the social hierarchy (the haves)?
6. What was the “Dutch Hunger Winter” and how were people who were conceived and born during this time affected by it later as adults?
7. The first time I watched this it ironically stressed me out. But there is some good news. What does the video argue are some ways to deal with psychological stress?
This video is from 2008. I really like the info in it (and who isn’t entertained by Sapolsky’s hair?), but I’m wondering if it’s too old... KEEP or DITCH it next semester?