Chapter 14 (Unit 7)

acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)

a disorder in which the immune system is gradually weakened and eventually disabled by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

aggression

any behavior that's intended to hurt someone, physically or verbally

approach-avoidance conflict

a choice must be made about whether to pursue a single goal that has both attractive and unattractive aspects (produces vacillation- going back and forth in indecision)

avoidance-avoidance conflict

a choice must be made between two unattractive goals

biopsychosocial model

believes that physical illness is caused by a complex interaction of biological, psychological and sociocultural factors

burnout

involves physical and emotional exhaustion, cynicism and a lowered sense of self-efficacy that can be brought on gradually by chronic work-related stress

catastrophic thinking

the tendency to become highly self-critical in response to stress

catharsis

refers to the release of emotional tension

chronic stressors

threatening events that have a relatively long duration and no readily available time limit, ex: persistent financial strain, demands for caring for a sick family member, a boss at work, etc

conflict

when a person has two or more incompatible motivations or behavioural impulses competing for expression

constructive coping

refer to relatively healthful efforts that people make to deal with stressful events

coping

refers to efforts to master, reduce or tolerate the demands created by stress

defence mechanisms

largely unconscious reactions that protect a person from unpleasant emotions such as anxiety and guilt

flight-or-fight response

a physiological reaction to threat in which the autonomic nervous system mobilizes the organism for attacking or fleeing an enemy

frustration

experienced whenever the pursuit of some goal is thwarted

general adaptation syndrome

a model of the body's stress response consists of three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion

health psychology

concerned how psychosocial factors relate to promotion and maintenance of health and with the causation, prevention and treatment of illness

immune response

the body's defensive reaction to invasion by bacteria, viral agents or other foreign substances

learned helplessness

passive behaviour produced by exposure to unavoidable aversive events

life changes

any substantial alteration in one's living circumstances that require readjustment

optimism

a general tendency to expect positive outcomes

post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

involves enduring psychological disturbance attributed to the experience of a major traumatic event

pressure

involves expectations or demands that one behave a certain way

primary appraisal

an initial evaluation of whether an event is (1) irrelevant to you, (2) relevant but not threatening, or (3) stressful

rational-emotive therapy

an approach that focuses on altering clients' patterns of irrational thinking to reduce maladaptive emotions and behaviour

resilience

the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness

secondary appraisal

an evaluation of one's coping resources and options for dealing with stress

social support

refers to various types of aid and emotional sustenance provided by members of one's social networks

stress

any circumstances that threaten or are perceived to threaten one's well-being and that thereby tax one's coping abilities

Type A personality

includes three elements (1) a strong competitive orientation, (2) impatience and time urgency, and (3) anger and hostility

Type B personality

marked by relatively relaxed, patient, easygoing, amicable behaviour

acute stressors

threatening events that have a relatively short duration and a clear endpoint, ex: a car accident, an exam, etc

approach-approach conflict

a choice must be made between two attractive goals

What is the approximate occurrence of noncompliance with medical advice?

30 to 60%

What has been linked to suppression of anger of a other emotions?

Increase in health problems

Approximately what percentage of Canadians will experience a depressive disorder at some point in their lives?

Up to 10%

What is likely cause of reduced hippocampal volume associated with depression?

Failure of neurogenesis (caused by stress)

What personality traits are associated with bulimia nervosa?

Impulsive, overly sensitive, low in self-esteem

Name the four primary types of stress

frustration, internal conflict (3 types), change and pressure

What is the inverted-U hypothesis?

Emotional arousal enhances task performance up to a point then becomes disruptive and task performance decreases. the resulting plotted graph approximate an upside-down U.

Describe internet addiction and its three subtypes

Excessive gaming, preoccupation with sexual content or obsessive socializing. All three subtype exhibit excessive time online, anger and depression when thwarted from being online, an escalating need for better equipment and connections and adverse consequences such as arguments about internet use, social isolation and reductions in academic or work performance.