Chapter 11 Stress, Health, and Human Flourishing

Stress

is the process of appraising and responding to threatening or challenging events, with both positive and negative effects on decision-making and awareness.

Stressful Spectrum

Stressful events can be perceived as Threats, leading to stress and distraction, or as Challenges, leading to arousal and focus.

Major Stressors

Stressors include Catastrophes, significant life changes, and daily hassles or pressures.

Impact of Stress on Health

Stress can delay wound healing, increase vulnerability to colds, and hasten diseases like HIV to AIDS.

Health Psychology

studies psychology's role in behavioral medicine and the interaction between psychology and physical health.

Psychoneuroimmunology

studies how psychological factors impact the immune system and overall health.

HPA Axis The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal

controls the body's stress response through the release of cortisol impacting memory and immune function.

Immune Response to Stress

Stress can cause the immune system to overreact (anaphylaxis) or underreact (allowing infections or cancer cells to multiply).

Stress and Illness Possible Responses

Immune cells involved in stress responses include B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, macrophages, and natural killer cells.

Positive Psychology

Positive mood accelerates healing, while negative mood exacerbates illnesses and susceptibility to colds.

Work Stress

increases blood pressure and requires good anger management strategies like waiting, distraction, or seeking support.

Catharsis

is the emotional release of tension, potentially through activities like rage rooms or crying, but it can backfire.

Pessimism vs Optimism

Pessimism involves expecting negative outcomes with an external locus of control, while optimism involves expecting positive outcomes with an internal locus of control.

Social Isolation and Loneliness

High loneliness is linked to health risks equivalent to smoking and decreased lifespan, with many young adults reporting loneliness.

Social Support System

A strong _________ improves health, often more effectively than medication and therapy.

Religion and Longevity

Religious involvement can lead to longer life due to healthier behaviors, positive emotions, and strong social support.

Income and Happiness

Money increases happiness up to a point; individuals with a comfortable income have similar happiness levels to billionaires.

Divorce and Health

may lead to a shorter lifespan due to associated stress and lifestyle changes.

Trauma Types

Traumas can include accidents, natural disasters, and assault/war experiences.