stress definitons

Benzodiazepines

A family of commonly prescribed anti-anxiety drugs that act as minor tranquillizers, including Librium and Valium.

Beta Blockers

Drugs that slow the heart and reduce heart contractions, helping to lower blood pressure and calm the individual.

Biofeedback

A technique that provides real-time information on physiological behavior, allowing individuals to gain some control over their bodily functions such as heart rate.

Cardiovascular Disorders

Conditions affecting the heart and circulatory system, linked to stress and characterized by high blood pressure and potential heart-related issues.

Challenge

A characteristic of the hardy personality that involves viewing changes as opportunities for growth rather than threats.

Commitment (Stress Management)

A trait of the hardy personality referring to a person's sense of purpose and involvement in life events, leading to lower stress perceptions.

Control (Stress Management)

The belief in one's ability to influence life events, associated with lower stress levels and better management of stressors.

Cortisol

A stress hormone released by the adrenal cortex that plays a role in energy release and immune system suppression.

Emotional Social Support

Support that involves recognizing and addressing the emotions of a stressed individual, providing comfort and advice.

Esteem Social Support

Support that improves a person's self-esteem and self-worth during stressful times.

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

Selye's model outlining the body's response to stress in three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

Hardiness

A personality type characterized by high levels of control, commitment, and challenge, leading to lower stress perception.

Hassles and Uplifts Scale (HSUP)

A scale developed to measure daily stressors (hassles) and positive experiences (uplifts) in an individual's life.

Hypothalamic Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA Axis)

A system that regulates stress response via hormonal release from the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal cortex.

Immunosuppression

The suppression of the body's immune response, often linked to chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels.

Instrumental Social Support

Practical help offered to a stressed individual to alleviate stress-related issues.

Personality (Stress)

Defined as characteristic patterns of behavior and response that impact how individuals experience and cope with stress.

Skin Conductance Response

A physiological measure indicating stress levels by assessing the electrical conductivity of the skin.

Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS)

A scale developed to assess the stress level associated with various life events based on life change units.

Type A Personality

A personality type characterized by competitiveness, time urgency, and a tendency towards stress-related illnesses.

Type B Personality

A personality type that is relaxed, easygoing, and less vulnerable to stress-related illnesses.

Type C Personality

A personality type that suppresses emotions and is often unassertive, potentially leading to increased stress and health issues.

Workload

The amount of work a person must complete, which can be perceived differently by individuals.

Workplace Stress

Stress arising from environmental factors in the workplace, significantly impacting individuals' health and well-being.

Sympathomedullary Pathway (SAM Pathway)

The route through which the brain directs the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) to activate in response to short-term stress. The hypothalamus activates the sympathetic branch of the ANS, which then signals the adrenal medulla to secrete adrenaline and noradrenaline.