Health Psych

Health Psychology

a subfield of psychology that focuses on the relationship between psychological factors and physical health

Stress

a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from perceived demands, responsibilities, or threats

Immune system

a set of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral mechanisms that protect and defend an individual's psychological and physiological well-being

Immune suppression

a state in which the immune system's function is weakened or impaired, potentially due to factors like chronic stress, depression, or other psychological conditions, leading to increased susceptibility to illness

Hypertension

a condition characterized by persistently elevated blood pressure readings

Stressors

external or internal events, situations, or stimuli that trigger a stress response in an individual

Eustress

positive stress

Distress

negative stress

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

potentially traumatic experiences that occur during childhood (ages 0-17), such as abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction, that can have long-lasting negative impacts on physical and mental health

General Adaptation Syndrome

three-stage sequence of behavior in response to stress

Alarm Stage

when the stressor appears

Resistance Stage

attempting to cope with the stressor

Exhaustion Stage

when people reach a breaking point

Tend-and-befriend response

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

Problem-focused coping

a stress management strategy where individuals directly address and attempt to solve stressors causing distress, rather than focusing on managing the emotional impact

Emotion-focused coping

managing the emotional response to a stressful situation rather than trying to change the situation itself

Positive Psychology

a branch of psychology that focuses on the study of human strengths, well-being, and positive emotion

Positive emotions

pleasant, desirable situational responses, encompassing feelings like joy, gratitude, and hope that contribute to overall well-being and promote resilience, broadened thinking, and social connections

Well-being

encompasses a broad concept of positive functioning and a sense of overall quality of life

Resilience

the ability to adapt successfully to difficult or challenging life experiences, demonstrating mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and adjustment to external and internal demands

Gratitude

a positive emotion and a state of thankfulness or appreciation for something received or a fortunate event, often involving the recognition of an external source for a positive outcome

Wisdom

the ability to apply knowledge, experience, and good judgment, to navigate life's complexities

Courage

the ability to meet a difficult challenge despite the physical, psychological, or moral risks involved

Humanity

mindset emphasizing individual choice, free will, and the inherent goodness of people, focusing on Maslow's hierarchy of needs and Rogers' idea of self-actualization

Justice

approach emphasizing fairness, equity, and inclusivity, in addressing social issues, particularly those related to marginalized and disadvantaged populations

Temperament

self-regulation and self-control in managing emotions, motivations, and behaviors to achieve goals

Transcendence

a state of being or experience that goes beyond the self, encompassing a broader perspective and a focus on meaning, purpose, and connection with something larger than oneself

Post-traumatic growth

positive psychological changes as a result of struggling with extremely challenging circumstances and life crises