Mental and Physical Health Part 1

Health Psychology

Study of how psychological, behavioral, and cultural factors contribute to physical health and illness.

Stress

Response of the body and mind to challenges or demands

Stressors

Events or conditions that trigger stress by challenging an individual’s ability to cope/adjust

Eustress

Positive stress that enhances motivation, performance, and well-being

Distress

Negative stress that decreases motivation, impairs performance, and leads to emotional and physical problems

Daily Hassles

Minor irritations that occur regularly

Significant Life Changes

Major events that require adaptations

Catastrophes

Unpredictable, large-scale events that cause widespread stress

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Stressful/traumatic events in childhood that have a significant effect on health and well-being

General Adaption Syndrome (GAS)

3-stage response to stress that includes alarm, resistance, and exhaustion that explain how the body reacts and adapts to stress over time

Alarm Reaction Phase

Initial stage of GAS where the body reacts to a stressor with the fight or flight response

Fight-Flight-Freeze Response

Physiological reaction to perceived threats the prepares the body to fight, flee, or freeze to enhance survival

Resistance Phase

Second stage of GAS where the body tries to adapt and cope with a stressor, causing heightened alertness and stress hormones

Exhaustion Phase

Final stage of GAS where the body's resources are depleted after prolonged stress, causing decreased stress tolerance and potential health issues

Tend-and-Befriend Theory

Behavioral reaction to stress that involves nurturing activities to protect oneself and one's offspring and seeking social support to reduce stress

Problem-Focused Coping

Directly managing or solving source of stress to reduce its impact

Emotion-Focused Coping

Managing emotional response to stress rather than changing the situation itself

Positive Psychology

Scientific study of human flourishing to help individuals and communities to thrive

Subjective Well-Being

Self-perceived happiness or satisfaction with life

Resiliance

The ability to adapt and recover quickly from difficulties or changes and maintain well-being in the face of adversity

Posttraumatic Growth

Positive psychological changes after struggling with highly challenging life circumstances, bringing upon a higher level of functioning

Positive Emotions

Feelings that foster enjoyment, interest, and contentment and contribute to overall well-being and happiness

Gratitude

Appreciation of what is powerful and meaningful to one's self

Signature Strengths and Virtues

Core characteristics a person naturally possesses and expresses

Wisdom

A signature strength/virtue that is characterized by the ability to make sound decisions based on understanding and experience

Courage

A signature strength/virtue that is characterized by the mental/moral strength to persevere and withstand fear, difficulty, etc. and face challenges while according with values despite risks

Humanity

A signature strength/virtue that is characterized by being compassionate, empathetic, and supportive towards others

Justice

A signature strength/virtue that is characterized by commitment to fairness, equity, and advocating for the rights of others

Temperance

A signature strength/virtue that is characterized by self-regulation and control over excesses and impulses and balance and motivation in personal behavior and relationships

Transcendence

A signature strength/virtue that is characterized by the ability to connect to the larger universe and find meaning beyond oneself