Question

The model of adaptation to stress that says there is stability through change is the a. functional view. b. physiological view. c. homeostatic view. d. allostatic view.

Short answer

The correct answer is d. allostatic view.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Question

The exercise is about a model of adaptation to stress. You are given four options, and you must choose the one that describes the concept of 'stability through change.'

Identify Key Terms

The key phrase in the question is 'stability through change.' This is a specific way of describing how a system responds to stress by making changes to maintain a balanced state.

Analyze Each Option

Examine each option given in the question: - a. Functional view: Focuses on the role or purpose of behaviors rather than how they change under stress. - b. Physiological view: Concerns bodily processes, often understanding stress through biological indicators rather than adaptive change. - c. Homeostatic view: Describes maintenance of internal equilibrium (balance) but through resistance to change rather than adaptability. - d. Allostatic view: This describes stability through change, emphasizing adaptive processes to meet stress demands.

Choose the Correct Option

Based on the analysis, 'allostatic view' is the representation of stability through change, as it suggests the body adapts to stress by altering its physiological processes to achieve balance.

Key concepts

Allostatic View

The Allostatic View is a model of how the body adapts to stress. It highlights the concept of "stability through change," where the body modifies its physiological processes to maintain stability. Unlike other views, which may focus on maintaining balance without change, this view emphasizes the importance of adaptability in response to stress.

Think of allostasis as the body's ability to achieve stability by being flexible and adjusting to new challenges. This means the body might change its hormone levels, for instance, to manage stressful situations effectively. By doing so, it remains stable, but not without changing some of its internal settings.

• Allostasis involves a dynamic adjustment of all body systems to keep functioning optimally.
• It is a proactive rather than a reactive process, allowing the system to prepare for expected changes.

Understanding allostasis helps explain why stress can be managed more effectively when the body can adapt appropriately, ensuring long-term health despite short-term changes.

Homeostatic View

The Homeostatic View is centered around the idea of maintaining internal stability or equilibrium. In this perspective, the body works to keep conditions constant and stable in response to external changes. This concept is akin to a thermostat maintaining a stable indoor temperature, no matter the weather outside.

Homeostasis ensures that essential variables such as body temperature, pH levels, and glucose concentration remain within a narrow range. The goal is to resist change and restore balance whenever it is disrupted.

• It relies on feedback mechanisms, both negative and positive feedback, to correct deviations.
• In essence, it's about resisting change, not adapting for future variability.

While homeostasis is crucial for day-to-day survival, it doesn't account for the body's need to adapt to prolonged stress or constantly changing environments.

Physiological View

The Physiological View helps us understand stress in terms of bodily processes and biological indicators. It examines how stress affects various systems in the body, such as the nervous system, immune system, and cardiovascular system.

This view is more about the direct, measurable effects of stress on our bodies. It looks at changes in hormone levels, heart rate, and blood pressure when the body is under stress.

• Physiological changes can include the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.
• This view also examines acute and chronic stress responses and their impact on health.

Understanding the physiological view provides a clearer picture of how stress impacts health and why managing these responses is crucial for maintaining overall well-being.

Functional View

The Functional View explores the role or purpose of behaviors in response to stress. It does not focus as much on physiological or biological changes, but rather on how behaviors serve different functions under stress.

For example, a functional approach might look at how stress leads to behaviors that aim to protect an individual or adapt socially. These can include seeking social support, withdrawing, or developing coping strategies.

• This view emphasizes the utility of behaviors in achieving an outcome or purpose.
• It helps explain why specific behavioral responses might evolve under certain stressful conditions.

By examining behaviors through a functional lens, we gain insight into the adaptive purposes they serve, helping individuals manage and navigate stressful situations efficiently.