Psychology: From Inquiry to Understanding Chapter 11

Stress

the tension, discomfort, or physical symptoms that arise when a situation, called a stressor - a type of stimulus - strains our ability to cope effectively

Corticosteriod

stress hormone that activates the body and prepares us to respond to stressful circumstances

posttramatic growth

the perception of beneficial change or personal transformation in the struggle to overcome adversity

Primary appraisal

initial decision regarding whether an event is harmful

secondary appraisal

perceptions regarding our ability to cope with an event that follows primary appraisal

Problem-focused coping

coping strategy by which we problem-solve and tackle life's challenges head-on

emotion-focused coping

coping strategy that features a positive outlook on feelings or situations accompanied by behaviors that reduce painful emotions

Hassles

minor annoyance or nuisance that strains our ability to cope

ecological momentary assessment

technique to measure responses to events in the natural environment on a real-time basis

General Adaptation Syndrome

stress-response pattern proposed by Hans Selye that consists of three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion

alarm reaction

the first stage of Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) extinction of automatic NS, discharge of adrenaline, and physical symptoms of anxiety

flight-or-fight response

physical and psychological reaction that mobilizes people and animals to either defend themselves (fight) or escape (flee) a threatening situation

Resistance

the second stage of Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), is characterized by the person's efforts to maintain normal activities while coping with stress. adapt and find ways to cope.

Exhaustion

The third and last stage of the general adaptation syndrome (GAS), is characterized by depletion of physical and psychological resources. Can cause damage, compromised immune system

PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)

a disorder characterized by haunting memories, nightmares, social withdrawal, jumpy anxiety, numbness of feeling, and/or insomnia that lingers for four weeks or more after a traumatic experience

Acute stress disorder

An anxiety disorder in which fear and related symptoms are experienced soon after a traumatic event and last less than a month

Social Support

relationships with people, groups, and large community that can provide us with emotional comfort and personal and financial resources. higher levels associated with lower mortality rate.

tend and befriend

under stress, people (especially women) often provide support to others and bond with and seek support from others

proactive coping

anticipation of problems and stressful situations that promotes effective coping

acceptance-based coping

accepting feelings and thoughts we can't change

Hardiness

set of attitudes marked by a sense of control over events, commitment to life and work, and courage and motivation to confront stressful events. related to low levels of anxiety proneness

Spirituality

search for the sacred, which may or may not extend to belief in God

optimistic

productive, focused, handle frustration better, and lower levels of mortality

flexible coping

ability to adjust coping strategies (control, problem focused, emotional support) as the situation demands, one size does not fit all

Ruminating

reflecting on over and over again; turning a matter over in the mind. more common in women

immune system

our body's defense system against invading bacteria, viruses, and other potentially illness-producing organisms and substances

acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)

a life-threatening, incurable, and yet treatable condition in which the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks and damages the immune system

Psychoneuroimmunology

study of the relationship between the immune system and central nervous system

psychophysiological

a category of illnesses such as asthma and ulcers in which emotions and stress contribute to, maintain, or aggravate the physical condition

biopsychosocial perspective

the view that an illness or a medical condition is the product of the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors

Coronary heart disease (CHD)

damage to the heart from the complete or partial blockage of the arteries that provide oxygen to the heart. stress is a promient risk factor. more social support - lower rates of this. correlated with lower socioeconomic status

Type A personality

personality type that describes people who are competitive, driven, hostile, and ambitious

Type D personality

personality type that describes a person with high negative affectivity and social inhibition

health psychology

field of psychology, also called behavioral medicine, that integrates the behavioral sciences with the practice of medicine

Healthy lifestyle

Stop smoking, curve alcohol consumption, achieve a healthy weight, exercise.

5% rule

Percent of smokers who try to quit succeed

25-35%

Percent of smokers who succeed quitting using methods developed by health psychologists

Heavy episodic drinking (binge drinking)

five or more drinks on one occasion for men, four or more for women -- increase in cancer, liver problems, pregnancy complications, and brain shrinkage

Healthy weight

Calculated based on BMI. Not develop heart disease, stroke, arthristis, cancer, diabetes

2/3

portion of americans who are overweight: 1/2 of which are obese

Alternative medicine

health care practices and products used in place of conventional medicine. usually BS- does not hold up against placebos

complementary medicine (CAM) or integrative health medicine

healthcare practices and products used together with conventional medicine.

biofeedback

by a device that provides almost an immediate output of a biological function, such as heart rate or skin temperature.

meditation

a variety of practices that train attention and awareness

yoga

physical, mental, and spiritual practices that include postures, meditation, breathing techniques, mental concentration, visualization or guided imagery, and relaxation exercises

acupuncture

ancient Chinese practice of inserting thin needles into one or more of 2,000 points in the body to alter energy forces believed to run through the body

homeopathic medicine

remedies that feature a small dose of an illness-inducing substance to activate the body's own natural defenses