A-Level Psychology (OCR) – Biological: stressors in the environment

15.1 - Biological: Stressors in the Environment

4 min

The nature of environmental stressors and their types

Environmental stressors are external conditions or events in the surroundings that can cause physical or psychological strain on individuals.

Common types of environmental stressors

Heat - Extreme temperatures can cause discomfort, dehydration, and heat-related illnesses.
Noise - Persistent or loud sounds, such as traffic or construction.
Architecture - Poorly designed buildings or spaces.
Pollution - Exposure to air, water, or soil contaminants.
Crowding - Overcrowded environments.
Environmental catastrophes - Natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, or wildfires.

The biological responses to environmental stressors

When faced with environmental stressors, the human body activates a series of biological mechanisms to cope with the threat or discomfort.

Key systems and processes in stress response

Role of the central nervous system (CNS)
Role of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)
Role of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)
Role of the adrenal glands and hormones
Fight or flight response
Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)
- Alarm reaction
- Resistance
- Exhaustion

Problem-focused strategies for managing environmental stress

Problem-focused strategies aim to address the root cause of environmental stress by altering the situation or environment itself.

Practical solutions to reduce environmental stressors

Architectural improvements - Installing noise-reducing materials in buildings.
Vibration-dampening technologies - Incorporating shock-absorbing systems in urban structures.
Buffer zones - Establishing separation areas between industrial zones and residential neighbourhoods.
Transportation infrastructure - Developing additional roads, public transport options, or traffic management systems to reduce congestion.

Emotion-focused strategies for managing environmental stress

Emotion-focused strategies concentrate on managing the emotional and psychological distress caused by environmental stressors, rather than changing the situation.

Techniques to handle stress responses

Rational emotive therapy (RET)
Mindfulness
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Imaginal exposure therapy

The nature of environmental stressors and their types

Environmental stressors are external conditions or events in the surroundings that can cause physical or psychological strain on individuals.

Common types of environmental stressors

Heat - Extreme temperatures can cause discomfort, dehydration, and heat-related illnesses.

Noise - Persistent or loud sounds, such as traffic or construction.

Architecture - Poorly designed buildings or spaces.

Pollution - Exposure to air, water, or soil contaminants.

Crowding - Overcrowded environments.

Environmental catastrophes - Natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, or wildfires.

The biological responses to environmental stressors

When faced with environmental stressors, the human body activates a series of biological mechanisms to cope with the threat or discomfort.

Key systems and processes in stress response

Role of the central nervous system (CNS)

Role of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)

Role of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)

Role of the adrenal glands and hormones

Fight or flight response

Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

Alarm reaction
Resistance
Exhaustion

Problem-focused strategies for managing environmental stress

Problem-focused strategies aim to address the root cause of environmental stress by altering the situation or environment itself.

Practical solutions to reduce environmental stressors

Architectural improvements - Installing noise-reducing materials in buildings.

Vibration-dampening technologies - Incorporating shock-absorbing systems in urban structures.

Buffer zones - Establishing separation areas between industrial zones and residential neighbourhoods.

Transportation infrastructure - Developing additional roads, public transport options, or traffic management systems to reduce congestion.

Emotion-focused strategies for managing environmental stress

Emotion-focused strategies concentrate on managing the emotional and psychological distress caused by environmental stressors, rather than changing the situation.

Techniques to handle stress responses

Rational emotive therapy (RET)

Mindfulness

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

Imaginal exposure therapy