N121 Exam-1 (Week 3 Learning
Objective Stress and Coping)
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Test
Describe psychological, physiological, and biological consequences of
unresolved stress. - ANSWER ✔✔Consequences of Unresolved
Stress- Although stress is a normal physiological response, many
consequences occur if stress is sustained over a long period of time or is
severe. Chronic stress results in the continuous activation of the nervous
system and eventually produces negative outcomes across multiple
body systems.
, • Central nervous system: Chronic stress affects cognitive function,
including headaches, nervousness, irritability, problems with decision
making, insomnia, memory problems, confusion, anxiety disorders, and
depression. Prolonged release of corticosteroids can also lead to stress-
induced damage to the hippocampus, which can affect long-term
memory.
• Cardiovascular system: Chronic stress results in excessive activation
of the SNS and in long-term exposure to catecholamines. This increases
heart rate and blood pressure and can lead to cardiovascular disease
such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, cardiac arrhythmias, myocardial
infarction, or stroke. Furthermore, individuals with preexisting
cardiovascular disease are particularly at risk for exacerbation of the
condition if exposed to prolonged stress.
• Immune system: Excessive and long-term exposure to cortisol has
been shown to decrease white blood cells, leading to stress-induced
immunosuppression placing the individual at greater risk for bacterial
and viral infections. There also appears to be a correlation between
Objective Stress and Coping)
2026 Expert Verifed Ace the
Test
Describe psychological, physiological, and biological consequences of
unresolved stress. - ANSWER ✔✔Consequences of Unresolved
Stress- Although stress is a normal physiological response, many
consequences occur if stress is sustained over a long period of time or is
severe. Chronic stress results in the continuous activation of the nervous
system and eventually produces negative outcomes across multiple
body systems.
, • Central nervous system: Chronic stress affects cognitive function,
including headaches, nervousness, irritability, problems with decision
making, insomnia, memory problems, confusion, anxiety disorders, and
depression. Prolonged release of corticosteroids can also lead to stress-
induced damage to the hippocampus, which can affect long-term
memory.
• Cardiovascular system: Chronic stress results in excessive activation
of the SNS and in long-term exposure to catecholamines. This increases
heart rate and blood pressure and can lead to cardiovascular disease
such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, cardiac arrhythmias, myocardial
infarction, or stroke. Furthermore, individuals with preexisting
cardiovascular disease are particularly at risk for exacerbation of the
condition if exposed to prolonged stress.
• Immune system: Excessive and long-term exposure to cortisol has
been shown to decrease white blood cells, leading to stress-induced
immunosuppression placing the individual at greater risk for bacterial
and viral infections. There also appears to be a correlation between
