Physiological and Psychological Response to Stress

Flashcards covering key concepts related to the physiological and psychological responses to stress.

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

A model that describes the body's physiological stress response in three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

Eustress

Positive stress that can lead to adaptation and learning.

Distress

Negative stress resulting in depletion of energy and exhaustion.

Fight-or-Flight Response

A physiological reaction that occurs in response to a perceived harmful event, attack, or threat to survival.

Chronic Stress

Prolonged exposure to stressors resulting in persistent feelings of being overwhelmed.

Toxic Stress

An extreme, prolonged stress response that can lead to biological and neurological changes.

Coping Styles

Strategies used to manage and respond to stress, such as problem-focused, emotion-focused, and avoidant.

Defense Mechanisms

Cognitive strategies used unconsciously to protect oneself from anxiety or stress.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to adapt and change as a result of experience.

Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions in response to external changes.

Physiological Effects of Stress

Changes in the body due to stress, including increased heart rate, muscle tension, and alterations in hormones.

Acute Stress

A short-term stress response that aligns with the alarm stage of GAS, triggered by sudden exposure to stressors.

Resilience

The ability to recover quickly from stress and adapt to challenging circumstances.

Adaptive Defense Mechanisms

Mature strategies that help individuals cope effectively with stress.

Maladaptive Defense Mechanisms

Immature strategies that can exacerbate the problem or lead to greater distress.

Protective Factors

Conditions or attributes in individuals, families, or communities that mitigate or eliminate risks.

Mediators of Stress Response

Factors that influence how one perceives and reacts to stress, including personal and environmental elements.

Psychosocial Stressors

Stressors related to social and relational factors that can impact mental health and well-being.