mental and physical health.2

Health Psychology

study of how psychological, behavioral, and cultural factors contribute to physical health and illness

Stress

the response of the body and mind to challenges/demands, characterized by physical, emotional, and mental reactions

Stressors

events/conditions that trigger stress by challenging your ability to cope/adjust

Eustress (Motivating)

positive stress that enhances motivation, performance, and emotional well-being :D

Distress (Debilitating)

negative stress that decreases motivation, impairs performance, and leads to emotional and physical problems

Daily Hassles

Minor irrigations that occur regularly (someone trying to avoid traffic)

Significant Life Changes

Major events that require adaptation (someone moving)

Catastrophes

unpredictable, large-scaled events that cause widespread stress (community loss)

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

stressful/traumatic events in childhood that can have long-lasting effects on health and well-being throughout a person’s life :(

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

3-stage response to stress that includes alarm, resistance, and exhaustion (ARE), describing how the body reacts and adapts to stress over time

Alarm Reaction Phase

initial stage of the GAS, where the body reacts to a stressor with a “fight or flight” response, activating stress hormones and physiological change

Fight-Flight-Freeze Response

a physiological reaction to perceived threats that prepares the body to flight, flee, or freeze to enhance survivial

Resistance Phase

the second stage of the GAS, where the body tries to adapt and cope with a stressor, maintaining heightened alertness and stress hormone levels

Exhaustion Phase

the final stage of the GAS, where the body’s resources are depleted after prolonged stress, leading to decreased stress tolerance and potential health issues

Tend-and-Befriend Theory

behavioral reaction to stress that involves nurturing activities to protect oneself and one’s offspring, and seeking social support to reduce stress (mostly women)

Problem-Focused Coping

involves directly managing or solving the source of stress to reduce its impact

Emotion-Focused Coping

managing the emotional response to stress rather than changing the stressful situation itself

Positive Psychology

the scientific study of human flourishing and subjective well-being to help people/communities to thrive

subjective well-being

self-perceived happiness or satisfaction with life

Resilience

The ability to adapt and recover quickly from difficulties or change, maintaining cycle, psychological well-being in the face of adversity

post traumatic growth

Positive psychological changes experienced as a result of struggling with high challenging life circumstances leading to a higher level of personal or interpersonal functioning

positive emotions

Feelings that foster enjoyment is interest and contentment and contribute to overall well-being and happiness

gratitude

The appreciation of what is valuable and meaningful to oneself enhancing overall well-being by fostering positive feelings and relationships

signature strengths & virtues

Core characteristics that a person naturally possesses and express expresses which contribute to fulfilling authentic and engaged living

Wisdom and knowledge

Ability to make sound decisions based on deep understanding and experience (good problem-solving and relationships)

courage

The mental and moral strength to persevere and withstand, fear or difficult, difficulty enabling people to face challenges and act in accordance with their values despite potential risks

humanity

The quality of being compassionate, empathetic and supportive towards others, fostering positive interpersonal relationships, and social well-being

justice

A commitment to fairness equity and advocating for the rights of others which helps maintain healthy community and societal relationships

temperance

Self regulation and control over excesses and impulses, promoting balance, and moderation in personal behavior and relationship (taking a walk)

Transcendence

The ability to connect to the larger universe and find meaning beyond oneself often through appreciation of beauty, gratitude, hope humor and spirituality (yoga, meditation)