Psychology 105: Readings (Midterm #2)

Stress

The tension, discomfort, or physical symptoms that arise when a stressor strains our ability to cope effectively.

Stressor

A stimulus in our environment that provokes stress.

Traumatic Event

Extreme stressors that cause long-term psychological or health consequences.

Primary Appraisal

Initial decision regarding whether an event is harmful.

Secondary Appraisal

Perceptions regarding our ability to cope with an event that follows primary appraisal.

Problem-Focused Thinking

A coping strategy by which we problem-solve and tackle life’s challenges head on.

Emotion-Focused Coping

A coping strategy that features a positive outlook on feelings or situations accompanied by behaviors that reduce painful emotions.

Corticosteroid

Stress hormone that activates the body and prepares us to respond to stressful circumstances.

Social Support

Relationships with people and groups that can provide us with emotional comfort and personal and financial resources.

Hardiness

Set of attitudes marked by a sense of control over events, commitment to life and work, and courage and motivation to confront stressful circumstances.

Cognitive Dissonance

Unpleasant mental experience of tension resulting from two conflicting thoughts or beliefs.

Altruism

Helping others for unselfish reasons.

Discrimination

Negative behavior toward members of out-groups.

Implicit Prejudice

Unfounded negative belief of which we’re unaware regarding the characteristics of an out-group.

In-Group Bias

Tendency to favor individuals within our group over those from outside our group.

Deindividuation

Tendency for people to engage in uncharacteristic behavior when stripped of their usual identities.

Social Comparison Theory

Theory suggesting we evaluate our abilities and beliefs by comparing them with those of others.

Mass Hysteria

Outbreak of irrational behavior that is spread by social contagion.

The Fundamental Attribution Error

Tendency to overestimate the impact of dispositional influences on other people’s behavior.

Scapegoat Hypothesis

Claim that prejudice arises from a need to blame other groups for our misfortunes.

Just-World Hypothesis

Claim that our attributions and behaviors are shaped by a deep-seated assumption that the world is fair.

Social Loafing

Phenomenon whereby individuals become less productive in groups.

Cults

Groups of individuals who exhibit intense and unquestioning devotion to a single cause.

Jigsaw Classroom

Educational approach designed to minimize prejudice by requiring children to make independent contributions to a shared project.