unit 5 positive psychology

general adaptation syndrome (GAS)

explains the body’s response to long-term stress

alarm reaction

happens when stress is first encountered. The body responds with a fight, flight, or freeze reaction, releasing energy to deal with the situation.

resistance

body stays alert and works to cope with the stress. A person may try to solve the problem, adapt to the challenge, or push through the situation

exhaustion

happens when stress lasts too long or takes too much energy. At this point, the body’s resources are drained, leading to fatigue, burnout, and a higher risk of illness.

key areas of health psychology

health behaviors, stress and emotion, treatment adherence, illness prevention

tend-and-befriend theory

some people, especially women, respond to stress by caring for themselves and others while seeking social support.

problem-focused coping

targets the stressor itself. Increases sense of control. Best when situation is controllable. Making a plan/ seeting colutions/ studying more

emotion-focused coping

targets emotional reaction. Reduces emotional distress. Best when situation cannot be changed. Deep breathing/ meditation/ exercise.

PERMA

positive emotion, engagemnt, relationships, meaning, achievement → building blocks of well being

Vallues in Action (VIA) classification

wisdom (creativity) , courage (bravery) , humanity (love), justice (teamwork), temperance (forgiveness), transcendence (gratitude)

posttraumatic growth (PTG)

positive psychological change after struggling with trauma. Deeper appreciation for life, stronger relationships, greater personal strength… Supported by social support, effective coping, meaning-making

What makes behavior a psychological disorder

dysfunction, distress, dangerous, deviance

dysfunctional

interferes with daily life

distress

Highly upsetting and unwelcome experience

deviance

Behavior that is not common in society, odd, or unusual, goes against the cultural norms

danger

the person is a danger to themselves/ others

biopsychosocial model

disorders result from biological, psychological, social factors

diathesis-stress model

psychological disorders develop due to an inherited genetic vulnerability combined with environment stressors

ADHD

neurodevelopmental disorders, inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

neurodevelopmental disorders, social commuincation deficits + restricted/ repetitive behaviors

delusions

false beliefs

major depressive disorder (MDD)

at least 2 weeks of depressed mood or anhedonia

persistent depressive disorder

chronic low mood lasting 2+ years, less severe than MDD bu longer lasting

Bipolar I

at least one manic episode. elevated mood, less need for sleep, risky behavior, major depression

bipolar II

hypomania (less severe mania) + major depressive episodes

dissociative amnesia

inability to recall personal info

dissociative fugue

amnesia accompanied by unexpected travel or wandering

dissociative identity disorder

two or more distinct identities

anorexia nervosa

extreme restriction → very low body weight. intense fear of weight gain

bulimia nervosa

binge eating, compensatory behaviors (vomiting) → normal weight

cluster A

odd, eccentric. unusual behavior

cluster B

dramatic/ erractic. intense emotion

cluster C

anxious, fearful

free asociation

client says whatever comes to mind