Concept of Neuroplasticity and the Stress Hormones

Physiological Psychology
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Neuroplasticity, Brain, and Behavior
Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to undergo specific significant changes, both in its structure and function. Through neuroplasticity, the brain rewires itself and modifies its connections (Puderbaugh & Emmady, 2022). The process allows people to learn, develop, and create memories. As people age and progress, the brain keeps changing and adjusting, with the major triggers being new experiences, environmental changes, and brain damage (Puderbaugh & Emmady, 2022). The neural connections usually become stronger or weaker, depending on the most frequently used network. For instance, If one cooks often, they are likely to grow their ability and know-how in cooking since they constantly use and apply the specific neurons. Similarly, if one refrain from cooking for a long time and gets back at it after months or years, they are likely to have a hard time remembering and applying the same skills they had. Kids’ brains are usually more capable of change since they constantly gain new experiences and learn new things.
There are two general types of brain neuroplasticity. These include functional and structural neuroplasticity. Structural neuroplasticity is where the brain changes and adjusts its overall structure due to learning (Puderbaugh & Emmady, 2022). In the first few years of a life, the brain grows and develops rapidly. However, as one age, one gains new experiences which enhance the strengthening or elimination of some connections in the brain (Park & Bischof, 2022). The human brain adapts to change by creating and developing new connections while at the same time getting rid of weak connections.
Neuroplasticity greatly influences behavior change by creating new neural connections. As one learns new habits, their synapses automatically replace the pathways used to promote undesirable or old behavior (Hupfeld et al., 2021). Once the synapses are removed, the brain is rewired. Therefore, forming a behavior or breaking it involves brain neuroplasticity. For instance, one will desire or repeatedly behave in a certain way because their brain has been sensitized to it. When a person’s desire or urge has been fulfilled, dopamine, which is a feel-good hormone, is released. Dopamine functions to generate pleasure and facilitate neuroplastic changes (Park & Bischof, 2022). Therefore, dopamine helps to build neural connections that make a person repetitively pick on a specific behavior. In this case, they are repetitively motivated to pursue a certain action due to the positive reinforcement that results from the pleasurable effect of dopamine production.
To alter behavior, brain change must occur, which is achieved through the creation of alternate pathways within the brain. Behavior change starts in the prefrontal cortex of the brain. One applies effort consciously and utilizes intention and critical thinking in the process. They then make the desired behavior a routine, which allows the formation and strengthening of connections in the brain (Hupfeld et al., 2021). At this point, the behavior requires little effort since it has already assumed a default pattern. Neuroplasticity training can be applied to treating and managing behavioral problems such as depression and anxiety (Ho & King, 2021). Over the years, it has become an important element of counseling and coaching. When practiced regularly, patients with behavioral problems are likely to experience improved cognition, decreased pain, stress responses, and anxiety. These patients learn important coping skills to overcome challenges threatening their psychological wellness. During this process, new connections are built, which enhance solid resilience and emotional wellness.
Stress Hormones
Stress hormones are produced when stressful situations set in. Examples of these s...