ABSTRACT
The term 'endogenous' has been used to mean 'coming from within' when there has been no obvious external stressors triggering the onset of a problem. The 'primitive' components of the brain known as the amygdala and hippocampus are implicated in the acquisition and maintenance of fear responses. Cognitive Dissonance Theory states that when an individual engages in behaviour that is counter to their attitudes or beliefs there will be emotional discomfort and a 'dissonance pressure' to change the attitude/belief or the behaviour. The response to stress also increases sympathetic nervous system activity. Heart rate and blood pressure are elevated to increase blood supply and energy to the muscles. Cognitive Dissonance Theory states that when an individual engages in behaviour that is counter to their attitudes or beliefs there will be emotional discomfort and a 'dissonance pressure' to change the attitude/belief or the behaviour.
