Psychology

Well-being

A positive state characterized by striving for optimal health and life satisfaction.

Stress

The process of perceiving and responding to events (stressors) that are seen as challenging or exceeding one’s ability to cope.

Primary Appraisal

Evaluating whether an event is a threat and determining its severity (low, moderate, or high).

Secondary Appraisal

Assessing what coping strategies or resources are available to handle the stressor.

Yerkes-Dodson Optimal Arousal Curve

Performance is best with moderate stress; too little stress leads to boredom, while too much stress results in anxiety or reduced performance.

Negative Events (Stressors)

Events that cause stress, including catastrophes, life changes, and daily hassles.

Eustress

Positive stress that motivates growth and success, such as job promotions and marriage.

Stress Reaction

Physical, emotional, and behavioral responses triggered by stress.

Fight or Flight Response

Walter Cannon’s response involving the release of stress hormones to prepare the body for action.

Adrenaline (Epinephrine)

A stress hormone that increases heart rate and boosts energy.

Cortisol

A stress hormone that maintains energy supply but can suppress the immune system if activated long-term.

Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) Activation

Prepares the body for action in response to stress, leading to symptoms like increased heart rate and sweating.

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

Hans Selye’s three-stage model of the body’s response to chronic stress, including alarm, resistance, and exhaustion stages.

Alarm Stage

Initial biological preparation to respond to a stressor, marked by activation of the SNS.

Resistance Stage

Continuous hormone release to sustain the fight or flight response, where coping strategies are deployed.