Untitled Flashcards Set

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

The body’s three-stage response to stress: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

Nun Study

A longitudinal study showing that positive emotions in early life are linked to longer lifespan and cognitive health.

Broaden-and-Build Theory

Positive emotions expand our thinking and build personal resources.

External Locus of Control

Belief that outside forces (luck, fate) control your life.

Internal Locus of Control

Belief that you control your own destiny.

Cortisol

Stress hormone that helps the body respond to stress.

Adrenal Glands

Release cortisol and adrenaline during stress.

Self-Esteem

A person’s overall sense of self-worth or personal value.

Meta-Analysis

A study that combines the results of multiple studies to find overall trends.

Learned Helplessness

When repeated failure leads to a belief that effort won’t help.

Behavioral Medicine

A field that combines medicine and psychology to improve health.

Cannon-Bard Theory

The idea that emotions and bodily responses occur simultaneously.

Type A Personality

Competitive, impatient, high-stress risk.

Type B Personality

Relaxed, less competitive, lower stress levels.

Quantitative Research

Uses numbers, statistics (e.g., surveys, experiments).

Qualitative Research

Uses observations, interviews (e.g., case studies).

Biofeedback

Using technology to monitor and control body functions like heart rate.

Immune System & Health

Chronic stress weakens the immune system.

Positive Traits & Health

Optimism, resilience, gratitude linked to better mental and physical health.

Walter Cannon

Studied stress responses (fight-or-flight).

Hans Selye

Developed General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS).

Symptoms of Depression

Common Signs include sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, sleep changes, difficulty concentrating.

Endorphins

Natural painkillers that create feelings of euphoria.

Epinephrine (Adrenaline)

Increases heart rate and boosts energy.

Norepinephrine

Helps with alertness and focus.

Sympathetic Nervous System

‘Fight or flight’ response, increases heart rate, prepares for action.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

‘Rest and digest’ response, slows heart rate, promotes relaxation.

Double-Blind Study

Neither the participants nor researchers know who is receiving the treatment or placebo.

Hindsight Bias

The tendency to believe, after an event, that we ‘knew it all along.’

Confirmation Bias

Seeking information that confirms our beliefs and ignoring opposing evidence.

Placebo Effect

When people experience real changes because they believe they are receiving treatment.

Independent Variable

What is changed in an experiment.

Dependent Variable

What is measured in an experiment.

Control Group

No treatment, used for comparison.

Experimental Group

Receives the treatment.

Self-Regulation

Controlling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors to achieve goals.