Psych 105 chapter 14

The College Undergraduate Stress Scale (CUSS)

is a tool used to assess stress levels specifically in college students, measuring various academic and social stressors that may affect their well-being.

Chronic Stressors

are persistent, long-term stressors that can negatively impact an individual's mental and physical health over time, often arising from ongoing situations such as financial difficulties or relationship problems.

General Adaption Syndrome

3 stage physiological stress response that appears. body's reaction to stress, including alarm, resistance, and exhaustion stages.

Selye’s theory

Resistance to stress builds over time but can only last so long before exhaustion sets in.

Effect of Stress on Telomeres

Stress causes telomeres to shorten, increasing aging.

Chronic stress effect on Immune system

Stressors cause hormones (glucocorticoids) to flood the brain, wearing down the immune system and making it weaker to fight pathogens.

Chronic Stress effect on Cardiovascular Health

Long-term stress leads to increased heart rate and blood pressure, raising the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Higher Hostility

is linked to increased inflammation and negative health outcomes, contributing to cardiovascular issues.

Primary Appraisal

The first step where an individual assesses whether an event is a threat or not, influencing their emotional response.

Secondary Appraisal

Evaluation if you have the resources to manage or control the stressor, affecting coping mechanisms.

Consequences of Burnout

Include emotional exhaustion, reduced performance, and a decline in overall well-being, leading to physical and mental health issues.

Rational Coping

A method of dealing with stress by facing it, understanding its causes, and finding solutions, often leading to effective problem-solving. Involves acceptance, exposure and understanding

Stress Inoculation Training (SIT)

Reframing technique that prepares individuals to handle stress by developing positive thinking patterns.

The Sickness Response

Coordinated, adaptive set of reactions to illness organized by the brain. Can sometimes be prompted without infection is stress is present.

Depression Symptoms

There is a link between stress, immune response and depressive symptoms. White blood cells and cytokines communicate with the brain, influencing mood and behavior during an illness.

The Placebo Effect

A phenomenon where a person experiences a tangible response to a treatment that has no therapeutic effect, often due to their belief in the treatment's efficacy.

Patient-Practitioner Interactions

Refers to the communication and relationship between patients and healthcare providers, which can impact treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction. Patients are more likely to comply with a treatment if they feel understood and supported by their practitioners.