AP Seminar How To #3

 In this discussion, the group examines the effects of stress on individuals in today’s society. Dr. Titche opened the discussion with a scientific examination of what happens in the brain at a chemical level when someone becomes stressed. 

     Dr. McRae argued that stress can be good depending on a person’s perception. If they use their stress to recognize and rise to a challenge, it helps them be more social and interact with others. Dr. Tumarkin studied the relationship between stress and sleep, finding that there is a cycle where stress leads to less sleep, which leads to more stress, and the cycle continues. Dr. Shoffner analyzed the geographic distribution of high stress levels and what factors may contribute to more stress in a certain place. Despite an unplanned fire alarm and some disagreement, the group came to the conclusion that everyone experiences stress differently and education on how to deal with it and even how to see it as a positive can lead to a healthier individual and international community.

     It became apparent that stress can have many different effects on the body, as well as on social skills.