(AC 1) Stress is defined as the state in which people experience difficulty coping with the situations in which they find themselves due to lack of abilities 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, the products produced during stress interfere with the normal operations of the immune system. Many studies have proven that stress has an immunosuppressive effect, meaning that immune system functions are reduced when an individual is subjected to stress (Gross et al., 2008). Corticosteroids are initially produced during the alarm phase of general adaptation syndrome (GAS), they usually do not cause any damage to the immune system. However, if the presence of corticosteroids is prolonged in the blood due to chronic stress, they can interfere with the production of antibodies, making the body vulnerable to harmful viruses and bacteria (Gross et al., 2008). As described in Selye's GAS model, individuals may experience drastic changes in their bodies, such as elevated blood pressure and heart rate, in order to cope with stressful situations. If these changes continue, it 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 the higher expectations and demands of different aspects of life. Work-related stress is a common cause of stress. People feel stressed in the workplace for a variety of reasons. For example, long working hours are a type of stressor because workers are overloaded with work, which leads to...... middle of paper ......e] Available at:< http: //www.carersuk.org/media/k2/attachments/Facts_about_carers_Dec_2012.pdf> [Accessed (February 19, 2014)]Fletcher, V., (2008). How just 20 minutes of housework a week will boost the brain. [online] Available at:< http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/40806/How-just-20-minutes-of-housework- a week will boost the brain>[Accessed on (19 February 2014)]Gross et al., (2008). AQA (A) Psychology for AS. London. Hodder EducationRice et al., (2008). Focus on psychology: AS level. Lancaster. Causeway Press LimitedStress Management Company (ND). Exercise. [online] Available at: [Accessed on (February 19, 2014)]UC Davis (2013). Mindfulness from meditation associated with a reduction in stress hormones. [online] Available at:< http://www.news.ucdavis.edu/search/news_detail.lasso?id=10538>[Accessed on (February 19 2014)]