Chronic Stress

Question 1

Consider the work of an air traffic controller or an emergency room physician. Both jobs require alertness, quick thinking, and sound judgment in the making of a constant stream of life-or-death decisions. This process occurs with every worker’s shift, day after day. Imagine the impact of such an ongoing responsibility on cognitive functioning.

Stress has profound effects on cognitive functions, such as decision making, occasionally altering the brain in surprising ways. Stress symptoms may lead to prominent clinical characteristics, which often go beyond anxiety and fear. Stress hormones can affect neurotransmitter systems in the brain, causing physical changes in some cases. The hippocampus, for example, can atrophy as a result of chronic stress.

For this Discussion, consider effects of stress on cognitive functions. Then think about a time when stress affected your cognitive functions.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post a brief explanation of how stress affects cognitive functions, including the roles of the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex. Then provide examples of situations when stress affected your attention, memory, problem solving, or decision making. Finally, explain how you might mitigate the effects of stress on cognitive functions.

Support your response using at least scholarly 3 references. APA Format. 2-3 paragraphs.

Question 2

Sternberg defines creativity as a drive resulting in the production of something “both original and worthwhile” (Laureate Education, 2007). He suggests that creative people demonstrate non-conforming attitudes toward commonly held societal conventions that hamper their creative pursuits, as well as demonstrating a consistent drive to attend to their creative interests. Creative individuals also show a willingness to take risks as well as criticism in the interest of improving their creative work.

For this Discussion, think about ways that you have addressed problems, in particular the level of creativity you may have brought to solutions. Consider whether individuals can increase their own levels of creativity.

Post an example either of a creative solution you developed to address a problem in your life or a creative improvement upon a solution that lacked innovative qualities. Consider the notion of whether creativity can be enhanced. Post an argument for or against this assertion and explain why.

Support your response using at least scholarly 3 references. APA Format. 2-3 paragraphs.