The Human Stress Response Is One Example of an Aspect

Question

Examlex · Accepted Answer

The Answer is (i) In the ancestral environment, typical stressors were immediate physical threats such as predators, natural disasters, or food scarcity. These stressors required a quick and intense response in order to ensure survival. In the modern, developed world, typical stressors are often more psychological in nature, such as work deadlines, financial pressures, or social conflicts. These stressors can be ongoing and chronic, leading to prolonged periods of stress.

(ii) Three specific aspects of the human stress response that were adaptive for human ancestors, yet can threaten long-term health in the modern era are the fight or flight response, the release of cortisol, and the suppression of non-essential bodily functions. The fight or flight response allowed our ancestors to react quickly to immediate threats, but in the modern world, chronic activation of this response can lead to increased risk of heart disease, anxiety, and depression. The release of cortisol, a stress hormone, helped our ancestors to mobilize energy and suppress non-essential bodily functions in order to deal with immediate threats. However, in the modern world, chronic release of cortisol can lead to weakened immune system, weight gain, and increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes. Additionally, the suppression of non-essential bodily functions, such as digestion and reproduction, was beneficial for our ancestors in times of immediate danger. However, in the modern world, chronic suppression of these functions can lead to digestive issues, infertility, and hormonal imbalances.

The Human Stress Response Is One Example of an Aspect

Definitions: