(AC 1) Stress is defined as the state in which people experience difficulty in coping with the situations they find themselves in due to a lack of skills or knowledge to manage them (Anxiety UK, ND). These situations are often referred to as stressors. The way individuals react to these stressors is called the stress response. Stress does not directly cause infections or health problems in a person. Instead, products produced in the stress process interfere with the normal operations of the immune system. Numerous studies have shown that stress has an immunosuppressive effect, meaning that the functions of the immune system are reduced when an individual experiences stress (Gross et al., 2008). Corticosteroids are initially produced during the alarm phase of General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), usually causing no damage to the immune system. However, if the presence of corticosteroids in the blood is prolonged due to chronic stress, they can interfere with the production of antibodies leaving the body vulnerable to harmful viruses and bacteria (Gross et al., 2008). As described in Selye's GAS model, individuals might experience drastic changes in their body such as high blood pressure and heart rate to cope with stressful situations. If these changes are prolonged, this could lead to permanent damage to the body (Bailey et al, 2008).(AC 2)There are many causes of stress in modern society due to increased expectations and demands from different aspects of life. Work-related stress is a common cause of stress. People feel stressed at work for various reasons. For example, long working hours are a type of stressor because workers are overworked, which leads to...... middle of paper ......e] Available from:< http:/ /www.carersuk.org/ media/k2/attachments/Facts_about_carers_Dec_2012.pdf> [Accessed on (19 February 2014)]Fletcher, V., (2008). How just 20 minutes of housework a week boosts your brain.[online] Available from:< http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/40806/How-just-20-minutes-of-housework- one-week-boosts-the-brain>[Accessed on (19 February 2014)]Gross et al., (2008). AQA (A) Psychology for AS. London. Hodder EducationRice et al., (2008). Psychology Focus: AS Level. Lancaster. Causeway Press LimitedStress Management Society (ND). Exercise. [online] Available from: [Accessed on (19 February 2014)]UC Davis (2013). Mindfulness resulting from meditation associated with stress hormone reduction. [online] Available from:< http://www.news.ucdavis.edu/search/news_detail.lasso?id=10538>[Accessed on (19 February 2014)]