AP Psychology: Unit 9 Topic 4

Experienced Emotion and Stress and Health

stress

a state of psychological tension or strain, a reaction to a stimulus that disturbs our physical or mental equilibrium

stressor

events/circumstances that can cause stress

wellness

an individual’s state of well-being in which they are able to cope with life stressors productively

general adaptation syndrome (GAS)

Selye’s concept of the body’s adaptive response to stress in three phases—alarm, resistance, exhaustion

alarm

fight of flight or freeze, sudden activation of the sympathetic nervous system. Something occurs or happens to you leading to bodily arousal

resistance

handling it, your flight or fight response is likely still activated and excess adrenaline allows the brain to rise to the challenge and focus energies

exhaustion

out of steam, the body can no longer resist this stressor, weakened immune system

coronary heart disease

the clogging of the vessels that nourish the heart muscle; the leading cause of death in many developed countries

Type A

competitive, hard-driving, impatient, verbally aggressive, and anger-prone people

Type B

relaxed and easygoing

eustress

positive stress that motivates individuals to achieve goals, improve performance, and enhance well-being

arises from situations perceived as challenging but manageable, stimulating feelings of excitement and satisfaction

distress

negative stress that exceeds an individual's ability to cope effectively, leading to feelings of anxiety, frustration, or overwhelm

results from situations perceived as threatening, harmful, or beyond one's control

hypertension

high blood pressure

health psychology

a specialty field that focuses on how biology and psychology impact our physical health and wellness

problem focused coping

involves actively managing or altering stressful situations through direct actions or problem-solving strategies

emotion focused coping

involves regulating emotional responses to stressors, rather than altering the stressors themselves

tend and befriend theory

some people, when coping with stress, will tend to their own needs or the needs of others by seeking connection with others

adverse childhood experiences

potentially traumatic events occurring before age 18, including abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction

positive psychology

the scientific study of what makes life worth living, focusing on human flourishing and optimal functioning

explanatory style

optimistic vs pessimistic