Mental & Physical Health

health psychology

The study of how psychological, behavioral, and cultural factors contribute to physical health and illness

Stress

The response of the body and mind to challenges or demands, characterized by physical, emotional, and mental

Stressors

Events, conditions, triggers that cause stress by challenging an individual’s ability to cope or adjust

Eustress (motivating)

Positive stress that enhances motivation, performances, and emotional well-being

Debilitating

Negative stress that decreases motivation, impairs performance

Leads to emotional and physical problems

Daily Hassles

Minor irritations that occur regularly

Ex. Traffic

Significant Life Changes

Major events that require adaptation

Catastrophes

Unpredictable large-scale events that cause widespread stress

(war, pandemic)

ACEs

Stressful or traumatic events in childhood that can have long lasting effects on health and well-being throughout a person’s life

GAS

Three-stage response to stress that includes alarm, resistance, and exhaustion, describing how the body reacts and adapts to stress over time

Alarm Reaction Phase

The initial stage of GAS, where the body reacts to a stressor, with a “flight or fight” response

Activates stress hormones and physiological changes

Fight-Flight-Freeze Response

A physiological reaction to perceived threats that prepares the body to fight, flee, or freeze to enhance survival.

Resistance Phase

The second stage of GAS, where the body tries to adapt and cope with a stressor, maintaining heightened alertness and stress hormone levels

Exhaustion Phase

The final stage of GAS, where the body’s resources are depleted after prolonged stress, leading to decreased stress tolerance and potential health issues.

Tend-and-Befriend Theory

Behavioral reaction to stress that involves nurturing activities to protect oneself and one’s offspring, and seeking social support to reduce stress (mainly occurs mostly in women)

Emotion-Focused Coping

Managing the emotional response to stress rather than changing the stressful situation itself

Problem-Focused Coping

Involves DIRECTLY managing or solving the source of stress to reduce its impact

Positive Psychology

The scientific study of human flourishing to help individuals and communities to thrive

Subjective Well-Being

Self-perceived happiness or satisfaction with life

Resilience

The ability to adapt and recover quickly from difficulties or change, maintaining psychological well-being in the face of adversity

Posttraumatic Growth

Positive psychological changes experienced as a result of struggling with highly challenging life circumstances, leading to a higher level of personal or interpersonal functioning