HPA Axis and Stress
Study the HPA axis as a physiological explanation of stress, including hypothalamus, pituitary, ACTH, adrenal cortex, cortisol and evaluation of completeness.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2026
- Course
- Psychology XPS01/YPS01
- Level
- A2
Exam points
- Explain the HPA sequence from hypothalamus to ACTH, adrenal cortex and cortisol release.
- Evaluate completeness by comparing physiological stress mechanisms with cognitive appraisal and research evidence.
7.1.1 - HPA axis question 1
[Maximum number: 5]
Question (a)
(a)
Describe the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis in relation to stress.
[ 2 ]
AO1 (2 marks)
Credit up to two marks for accurate description.
For example:
- When the HPA is activated due to a stressor chemicals are
released into the blood stream, including CRF (1). CRF goes to the
pituitary gland that releases ACTH which increases the production
of cortisol (1).
Look for other reasonable marking points.
(2)
Question (b)
(b)
Justify whether the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis is a valid explanation of stress.
[ 3 ]
AO1 (1 mark), AO3 (2 mark)
Credit one mark for identification of the decision (AO1)
Credit up to two marks for justification of the decision (AO3)
For example:
- The explanation is not valid as it is a reductionist explanation that
ignores individual differences in cognitive processing and
responses to stressors (1), e.g. Mason (1975) found that different
participants produced different levels of stress hormones despite
being presented with the same stressor (1), so stress is more than
a physical response to a given situation reducing the validity of
the HPA axis as an explanation of stress (1).
Look for other reasonable marking points.
(3)
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