Fight or Flight Slides Mechanics of the Fight-or-Flight Response
Understanding the biological circuitry of the stress response.
Psychology Unit: Stress & Coping
The Automatic Body
Autonomic Nervous System
The control center for involuntary functions like heartbeat, breathing, and digestion.
Sympathetic Division
The "Gas Pedal." Mobilizes body systems for activity (the stress response).
Immediate Reactions
🫀 Increased Heart Rate
🫁 Rapid Breathing
👁️ Dilated Pupils
🧊 Digestion Stops
The HPA Axis
The endocrine system's primary communication loop for stress management.
Hypothalamus
Releases CRH
Pituitary
Releases ACTH
Adrenal Glands
Releases Cortisol
"This system allows the brain to communicate with the body's internal organs to prepare for survival."
Chemical Messengers
STEROID
Cortisol
Increases sugar in the bloodstream
Enhances brain's use of glucose
Suppresses non-essential systems (immune/digestive)
HORMONE
Adrenaline
Increases blood flow to muscles
Raises metabolic rate
Causes immediate boost in energy
The Survival Brain
Why does this happen so fast?
The Amygdala (emotional processing center) sends a distress signal to the hypothalamus before the prefrontal cortex (thinking center) can even identify what the threat is.
INVOLUNTARY
Your body reacts to the loud noise automatically.
VOLUNTARY
You decide to walk toward or away from the noise.
Body Under Siege Worksheet Body Under Siege
Clinical Record: Stress Physiology Analysis
Subject Name:
Date:
Part 1: The Sympathetic Alarm
During the initial "Fight-or-Flight" reaction, the sympathetic nervous system triggers immediate changes. Describe the physiological purpose of each reaction below.
Reaction: Heart Rate Increases
Reaction: Pupils Dilate
Reaction: Digestion Suppresses
Reaction: Rapid Breathing
Part 2: The HPA Axis Logic
Complete the flow chart by identifying the structure and the primary hormone/chemical released at each stage.
Command Center
1. ____________________
Releases: CRH
Relay Station
2. ____________________
Releases: ACTH
Executioner Glands
3. ____________________
Releases: Cortisol & ________________
Part 3: Chemical Synthesis
1. The Energy Surge:
Why is it beneficial for the body to increase blood glucose (sugar) during a life-threatening encounter? How does cortisol contribute to this?
2. Voluntary vs. Involuntary:
A car backfires nearby and you jump instantly. Three seconds later, you decide to keep walking. Identify which part of this reaction was involuntary and which was voluntary . Explain the biological "shortcut" that makes the jump happen so fast.
END OF RECORD // PHYSIOLOGY UNIT 1.01
Acute and Chronic Stress Slides Acute vs. Chronic Stressors
Analyzing duration, adaptation, and the modern evolutionary mismatch.
Lesson 2: General Adaptation Syndrome
The Two Faces of Stress
Acute Stress
Short-Term & Intense
Immediate threat or event
Quick resolution (Fight/Flight)
Ex: Near car accident, pop quiz
Chronic Stress
Long-Term & Sustained
Ongoing demands or pressure
Body never fully returns to rest
Ex: Poverty, toxic relationships
GAS: Hans Selye's Model
STAGE 1
Alarm
The immediate "shock" phase. Sympathetic nervous system activates. Heart rate spikes, energy mobilizes.
STAGE 2
Resistance
The body attempts to cope with sustained high levels of cortisol. Temperature and blood pressure stay elevated.
STAGE 3
Exhaustion
Resources are depleted. Immune system fails. Susceptibility to illness (ulcers, heart disease) increases.
"Stress is not what happens to us, but our response to what happens." — Hans Selye
Evolutionary Mismatch
Prehistoric Stress
Physical threats (lions, rival groups). Stress was acute and resolved by physical action.
Modern Stress
Psychological/Social threats (grades, social media, bills). Stress is chronic and often has no physical outlet.
The Conflict
We have Stone Age brains trying to solve Space Age problems.
Why is "escaping a lion" biologically different than "worrying about SATs"?
Chronic Cortisol Exposure
Physical Impact
Weakened Immune System
High Blood Pressure / Heart Disease
Weight Gain (Abdominal Fat)
Psychological Impact
Increased Anxiety & Depression
Reduced Cognitive Function
Insomnia & Sleep Deprivation
Stressor Case Studies Worksheet Stressor Profiles
Lab Analysis: Acute vs. Chronic Impacts
Student:
Class:
Analysis Objective
In this activity, you will analyze three distinct scenarios. For each, you must identify the type of stressor, predict the subject's position on the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) curve, and evaluate the physiological consequences of their stress levels.
CASE FILE #101: THE PRESENTATION PRIORITY: ACUTE
Subject: Leo, 16.Context: Leo is standing backstage, waiting to walk out and deliver his final speech to 300 students. His palms are sweating, his heart is thumping in his chest, and he feels a surge of energy. As soon as the speech is over, he feels a wave of relief and his body returns to normal within 20 minutes.
GAS Phase Prediction
Physiological Benefit
CASE FILE #202: THE SUSTAINED LOAD PRIORITY: CHRONIC
Subject: Maya, 17.Context: Maya works 30 hours a week to help her family pay rent while taking 4 AP classes. She has been sleeping 5 hours a night for three months. She feels "wired but tired" constantly. She hasn't been sick yet, but she notices her blood pressure is higher than usual during a routine checkup.
GAS Phase Prediction
Long-Term Risk
CASE FILE #303: THE CRASH PRIORITY: EXHAUSTION
Subject: David, 45.Context: After a year of intense legal battles and financial instability, David wakes up one morning and feels like he can't get out of bed. He catches a severe flu that lingers for three weeks. He feels physically depleted and has no emotional energy left to cope with daily tasks.
GAS Phase Prediction
Biological Failure Point
Evolutionary Synthesis
Explain why the "Stone Age Brain" is problematic for Subject Maya but not necessarily for Subject Leo.
PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT // LAB REQUISITION NO. 405-GAS
Cognitive Appraisal Slides Cognitive Appraisal and Restructuring
It's not what happens; it's how you look at it.
Lesson 3: The Power of Reframing
The Appraisal Model
Event
Losing your phone
Appraisal
"I'm so stupid, I've lost everything!"
Stress Level
10 / 10
Same Event
Losing your phone
Appraisal
"Annoying, but I have a backup on the cloud."
Stress Level
3 / 10
Mind Traps (Distortions)
Catastrophizing
"If I fail this one quiz, I'll never get into college and I'll be homeless."
Expecting the absolute worst-case scenario from a minor setback.
All-or-Nothing Thinking
"I didn't stick to my diet today, so I'm a complete failure and should just give up."
Viewing things in black-and-white terms; no middle ground or nuance.
Mind Reading
Emotional Reasoning
Personalization
The 3-Step Reframe
1
Catch It
Identify the negative thought. Label the distortion (e.g., "That's catastrophizing").
2
Check It
Is there evidence for this thought? What is a more realistic or likely outcome?
3
Change It
Rewrite the internal monologue. Shift from threat to challenge.
"I am not a victim of my thoughts; I am the observer of them."
Challenge vs. Threat
Threat Appraisal
Focus on potential for loss or harm. Results in high anxiety and impaired performance.
Challenge Appraisal
Focus on potential for growth or mastery. Results in focused energy and improved resilience.
🏆
Reframing Success
"I don't have to give this speech, I get to share my ideas."
Mind Architect Worksheet Mind Architect
Cognitive Restructuring Workshop
Designer:
Session:
Stage 1: Identify the Distortion
Read the "Automatic Thought" and identify the cognitive distortion at play (e.g., Catastrophizing, All-or-Nothing, Personalization).
"My friend didn't text me back. They must hate me and never want to talk to me again."
Distortion Type
"I missed one practice session. Now I'm totally out of shape and will play terribly in the game."
Distortion Type
"The teacher looked annoyed when I walked in. I bet they're mad at me for that question I asked yesterday."
Distortion Type
Stage 2: The Reframe Workshop
Use the "Check It" and "Change It" steps to rewrite the following stressful appraisals.
SCENARIO: You failed a Chemistry test you studied hard for.
Original Appraisal (Threat)
"I'm just not smart enough for science. I'll never pass this class and my GPA is ruined."
Restructured Appraisal (Challenge)
SCENARIO: You weren't invited to a weekend party that everyone is talking about.
Original Appraisal (Threat)
"Everyone thinks I'm boring. I'm obviously an outsider and no one actually likes me."
Restructured Appraisal (Challenge)
Personal Reflection
Think of a recurring stressor in your life. What is the most common cognitive distortion you apply to it? How could you reframe that stressor as a challenge instead of a threat ?
COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY // PROTOCOL 3-REFRAME
Emotion Regulation Slides Strategies for Emotion Regulation
Choosing the right tool for the right stressor.
Lesson 4: Coping Mechanisms
Two Ways to Cope
Problem-Focused
Attempting to alleviate stress directly by changing the stressor or the way we interact with it.
WHEN TO USE:
When we have control over the situation.
Emotion-Focused
Attempting to alleviate stress by avoiding or ignoring a stressor and attending to emotional needs.
WHEN TO USE:
When we have no control over the situation.
Stress Triage
Ask: "Can I fix the source?"
YES (Problem-Focused)
Time management
Seeking support/advice
Developing a plan
NO (Emotion-Focused)
Mindfulness/Meditation
Physical Exercise
Journaling/Reflection
WARNING: Using the wrong tool can increase stress!
Biological Regulation
Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)
Tensing and then releasing specific muscle groups. This sends a physical signal to the brain that the "threat" is over.
Box Breathing
4s Inhale / 4s Hold / 4s Exhale / 4s Hold. This manually slows the heart rate and stimulates the Vagus nerve.
🧘
Mindfulness
The practice of observing current physical sensations and thoughts without judgment. It moves activity from the Amygdala to the Prefrontal Cortex.
Stress Triage Game
How to Play:
1
Read the rapid-fire scenario.
2
Decide: Problem or Emotion focused?
3
Justify your choice in 5 seconds!
READY?
Stress Triage Activity Cards Stress Triage Activity
Scenario Deck: Coping Decision Matrix
Lesson 4 Handout
Instructions
Cut out the cards below. For each scenario, categorize it as High Control (Problem-Focused approach needed) or Low Control (Emotion-Focused approach needed). Then, list a specific strategy you would use.
Scenario A
You have a science project due tomorrow morning and you haven't started yet.
Problem-Focused
Emotion-Focused
Strategy: _______________________
Scenario B
A global news event is causing you significant anxiety and fear about the future.
Problem-Focused
Emotion-Focused
Strategy: _______________________
Scenario C
You and your best friend had a major argument and they aren't answering your calls.
Problem-Focused
Emotion-Focused
Strategy: _______________________
Scenario D
You are waiting for the results of a biopsy for a family member's health scare.
Problem-Focused
Emotion-Focused
Strategy: _______________________
Coping Toolkit
Problem-Focused Toolkit
• Break tasks into smaller sub-goals.
• Create a structured daily schedule.
• Ask for clarification or instructions.
• Research solutions or gather more data.
Emotion-Focused Toolkit
• Box Breathing (4-4-4-4).
• Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR).
• Gratitude journaling.
• Seeking emotional validation from a peer.
EMOTION REGULATION LAB // CARDS 001-004
Stress Protocol Project Slides The Stress Protocol Project
Synthesizing biology and psychology to design wellness plans.
Lesson 5: Summative Mastery
Your Role: Stress Consultant
The Objective
You have been hired by a high-stress client (Persona) to review their lifestyle and biological data.
Your job is to prescribe a science-backed management plan that addresses their specific physiological and psychological needs.
Explain the Biology
Analyze the Appraisals
Prescribe the Coping
The Protocol Must Include:
1. Biological Profile
• Identify current GAS stage.
• Explain impact of cortisol on their health.
• Identify specific fight-or-flight symptoms.
2. Cognitive Rebuild
• List 3 common distortions they have.
• Reframe 2 "threats" into "challenges."
3. Intervention Plan
• 1 Problem-focused strategy.
• 1 Emotion-focused strategy.
• 1 Biological "Bio-hack" (PMR/Breathing).
"Every intervention must be justified by scientific evidence from the unit."
Meet the Personas
🏃♂️
Athlete Alex
Choking during high-stakes games; catastrophizing every mistake; experiencing chronic muscle tension.
SELECT PERSONA A
🏥
Nurse Nia
Working 12-hour shifts; feeling emotionally drained (Exhaustion stage); high cortisol; no time for personal care.
SELECT PERSONA B
🎨
Artist Amir
Facing financial rejection; avoidant coping (ignoring bills); all-or-nothing thinking about their talent.
SELECT PERSONA C
The Consultant's Audit
Peer Feedback Questions:
Is the Biological Profile accurate to the Persona's symptoms?
Are the Cognitive Reframes realistic and challenge-focused?
Does the plan properly distinguish between Controllable and Uncontrollable stressors?
Stress Protocol Project Template Stress Protocol Dossier
Summative Assessment // Clinical Design Project
Lead Consultant:
Target Persona:
Section 1: Biological Diagnostic
Analyze your persona's physiological state. Use terms like cortisol , HPA axis , and General Adaptation Syndrome .
Current GAS Stage & Justification
Impact of Chronic Stress on Immune/Physical Health
Section 2: Cognitive Mapping
Identified Distortions (List 3)
The Reframe (Threat → Challenge)
Section 3: Intervention Protocol
Problem-Focused
Addresses controllable stressors.
Emotion-Focused
Addresses emotional reaction.
Biological Hack
PMR, Box Breathing, etc.
Scientific Justification (Why will these work?)
Evaluation Rubric
Criteria
Mastery (4)
Proficient (3)
Developing (2)
Biology
Accurate HPA/GAS use
Mostly accurate
Minor errors
Cognitive
Strong reframing
Clear reframing
Weak reframing
Protocol
Evidence-based
Logical plan
Generic plan
SUMMATIVE CASE STUDY // PSYCHOLOGY UNIT 1.FINAL
