An ancient theory for a current problem [Review of the book Healthy Work: Stress, productivity and the reconstruction of working life, by R.A. Karasek & T. Theorell].
Journal Title: Journal of Health and Social Sciences - Year 2016, Vol 1, Issue 3
Abstract
Book Review: The word ‘stress’ descends from latin word ‘strictus’, which means narrow. From the word etymology, a sense of oppression, lack of movement and constriction is evident. The Austrian doctor Hans Selye was one of the first to use the word ‘stress’ in relation to the medical field, borrowing it from a physics and mechanics term that indicates the forces capable of deforming a body [1]. Stress is defined by the author as ‘a non-specific response of the body to any demand made on it from the external environment’, from the principle of homeostasis developed by Bernard and Cannon’s work on the role of adrenaline in the ‘fight-or-flight’ response. From this definition, the author theorizes a complex body response mechanism: the ‘General Adaptation Syndrome’ (General Adaptation Syndrome - GAS).
Authors and Affiliations
Pietro Crescenzo
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP216232
- DOI 10.19204/2016/nnct29
- Views 112
- Downloads 0
Gender and HIV/AIDS in Bangladesh: A review
Introduction: The HIV/AIDS epidemic portrays a growing health threat in the world. In Bangladesh, the prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS is not yet high but it is gradually becoming a threat especially for women and young girls...
A qualitative study examining psychosocial distress and coping mechanisms among orphan and vulnerable children living in institutional care in New Delhi, India
Introduction: India is home to the largest population of orphaned children in the South Asia, who are at increased risk of poor psychosocial well-being. In the Indian context, literature on the psychosocial well-being of...
Tuberculous cardiac tamponade presenting as severe hypoxic hepatitis
A 57-year-old man was referred to the Emergency Department with epigastric and respiratory dependent pain for six days. The physical examination showed mild jaundice, painful liver and muffled heart sounds. Laboratory te...
A case of silent myocardial ischemia associated with severe and prolonged hypoglycemia
The scientific literature on treatment options and complications following large insulin overdoses is limited to case reports and few retrospective, epidemiological reports providing limited clinical insights. The effect...
Psychosocial risks within prison service
The action research was aimed at identifying psychosocial risks of the Penitentiary Police. We have specifically developed the PSrQ-p, a questionnaire consisting of 22 items that made it possible to investigate five dime...