PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY OF STRESS SPECIFICITY

Though Selye postulated a non-specific stress response, it has been proved that this is not necessarily always the case In addition, a fear response may not be the same as the anger response physiologically.

Hormone specificity: John Mason showed unique cardiovascular and endocrine responses specific to a variety of different types of stressors (fear, anger).

Voodoo death: George Engle demonstrated vasospasm and constriction of coronary arteries (scared to death reaction). This is an extreme stress reaction caused by excessive fright or anxiety.

Reactivity: Robert Eliot originated the concept of "hot reactors" to describe individuals who over-react to mild stressors (e.g. cardiovascular, skeletomuscular, gastrointestinal responses) These are some of the selective measures of testing stress in those prone toward excessive responses to intellectual challenge or routine crises.