Stress, Lifestyle, and Health: Chapter 14

These flashcards cover key concepts from Chapter 14 regarding stress, its effects, and related psychological factors.

Stress

A term used to describe a variety of unpleasant feeling states, such as frustration, anger, or fatigue.

Eustress

Positive stress that can motivate us to act in our best interests.

Distress

Negative stress that causes exhaustion and declines in performance.

Cognitive Appraisals

The process by which individuals perceive and respond to stressful events they consider threatening.

Primary Appraisal

Judgment about the potential harm or threat a stressor might entail.

Secondary Appraisal

Judgment of the options available for coping with a stressor and the perceived effectiveness of those options.

General Adaptation Syndrome

The body's nonspecific physiological response to stress, consisting of three stages: Alarm, Resistance, and Exhaustion.

Psychophysiological Disorders

Physical disorders whose symptoms are brought about or worsened by stress and emotional factors.

Immune System Errors

Conditions like autoimmune disease and immunosuppression that arise from improper immune system functioning.

Learned Helplessness

An acquired belief that one is powerless to alter a situation, often leading to depression.

Social Support

The emotional and tangible assistance provided by friends and family during times of stress.

Positive Psychology

A field focused on identifying and promoting qualities that lead to greater fulfillment in life.

Flow

A state of intense engagement and focus in an activity, often experienced during creative tasks.

Type A Personality

Individuals who are competitive, driven, and often hostile, have a higher risk of heart disease.

Type B Personality

Individuals who are relaxed and laid back, having a lower risk of heart disease.

Transactional Model of Hostility

A model suggesting that hostile thoughts and emotions lead to antagonistic behaviors and adverse cardiovascular outcomes.