Module 10 psych

catharsis

the process of releasing and thereby gaining relief from strong or repressed emotions through expression or experiencing them, often through activities such as talking, writing, or engaging in creative or physical outlets

Type A

a personality type characterized by high levels of competitiveness, urgency, impatience, and a tendency toward aggressive and time-conscious behavior

Individuals with Type A personalities are often driven, ambitious, and prone to stress-related health issues.

health psychology

the study of how biological, psychological, and social factors influence health, illness, and healthcare, focusing on behaviors, emotions, and interactions with the healthcare system

approach and avoidance motives

the drive to either move toward (approach) or away from (avoidance) a stimulus

tend-and-befriend response

a stress response strategy, particularly observed in females, where individuals seek to protect and care for others (tend) and build social networks for support (befriend) to cope with stress and enhance survival

coronary heart disease

a condition characterized by the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, usually due to the buildup of plaque, which reduces blood flow to the heart muscle and can lead to chest pain, heart attacks, or other cardiovascular problems

general adaption syndrome (GAS)

the body's physiological response to stress in three stages: alarm (the initial reaction to a stressor), resistance (the body's attempt to adapt to and cope with the ongoing stress), and exhaustion (when prolonged stress leads to depletion of resources and potential negative health effects)

Type B

a personality type characterized by a more relaxed, patient, and less competitive approach to life

Individuals with Type B personalities typically experience less stress and anxiety, and they are generally more easygoing and less driven.

psychoneuroimmunology

the interdisciplinary field that explores the interactions between psychological processes, the nervous system, and the immune system, and how these interactions affect health and disease

stress

a psychological and physiological response to perceived challenges or threats, characterized by emotional, mental, and physical reactions that can impact overall well-being and health

problem-focused coping

a strategy that involves taking direct actions to address or solve the source of stress

This approach typically includes identifying the problem, developing a plan, and taking steps to eliminate or reduce the stressor.

personal control

an individual's belief in their ability to influence or manage events and outcomes in their life

learned helplessness

when an individual believes they have no control over the outcome of a situation, often because of repeated exposure to uncontrollable and adverse events

This belief can lead to a sense of powerlessness and passivity, where the person stops trying to change or escape the situation, even when opportunities for improvement are available.

self-control

the ability to regulate one's own thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to achieve long-term goals or adhere to personal standards

emotion-focused coping

a strategy that involves managing one’s emotional responses to stress rather than addressing the stressor itself

This approach includes techniques such as seeking emotional support, practicing relaxation, or reframing the situation in a more positive light to reduce the emotional impact of the stress.

coping

strategies and methods individuals use to manage and deal with stress, challenges, or difficult emotions

external locus of control

the belief that external factors, such as luck, fate, or other people's actions, are primarily responsible for the outcomes in one's life

internal locus of control

the belief that one’s own actions, decisions, and efforts are primarily responsible for the outcomes and events in their life

character strengths and virtues

positive traits and qualities that are valued across cultures and contribute to an individual's overall well-being and moral excellence

feel-good, do-good phenomenon

the concept that people are more likely to help others and engage in prosocial behavior when they are in a good mood

adaptation-level phenomenon

the tendency of people to quickly adjust to a new situation or level of experience and then consider it normal

broaden-and-build theory

theory that suggests that positive emotions like joy and love help people think more openly and creatively

This broader thinking helps people build valuable skills and relationships, making them more resilient and better equipped to handle challenges in the future.

positive psychology

a branch of psychology that focuses on the study of human strengths, virtues, and other factors that contribute to a fulfilling and meaningful life

Positive psychology emphasizes the positive aspects of human experience, such as happiness, well-being, resilience, and personal growth. It aims to help individuals and communities thrive.

relative deprivation

the perception that one is worse off compared to others, leading to feelings of dissatisfaction or resentment

subjective well-being

an individual's self-perceived happiness and overall life satisfaction

Subjective well-being includes emotional responses, domain satisfactions (such as satisfaction with work or relationships), and global judgments of life quality.

mindfulness meditation

a practice in which individuals focus on being fully present in the moment, paying attention to thoughts, feelings, and sensations, without judgment

gratitude

the feeling of appreciation or thankfulness for what one has or experiences

resilience

the ability to recover quickly from difficulties, adapt to challenging situations, and maintain a sense of well-being despite adversity

aerobic exercise

a type of physical activity that involves continuous, rhythmic movements that increase your heart rate and improve the efficiency of your cardiovascular system

epigenetics

the study of changes in gene expression that occur without altering the underlying DNA sequence

DSM-5-TR

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision

This is an updated edition of the DSM-5 (published by the American Psychiatric Association), which provides comprehensive criteria and guidelines for diagnosing mental disorders.

psychological disorder

a mental condition characterized by abnormal patterns of thoughts, emotions, or behaviors that cause significant distress, dysfunction, or impairment in a person’s daily life

medical model

an approach to understanding psychological disorders by viewing them as illnesses that manifest through symptoms, which can be identified and categorized through diagnosis, and then treated through specific treatments such as medication or medical interventions aimed at addressing the biological causes of the disorder

diathesis-stress model

a psychological framework that explains the development of psychological disorders as the result of an interaction between a diathesis (a predisposition or vulnerability, often genetic or biological) and stress (external or environmental triggers)

nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI)

the deliberate, intentional act of inflicting harm on oneself without the intention of causing death

suicide

the intentional act of taking one’s own life