Psychology

Stress

A phenomenon caused by environmental factors that makes a person feel threatened or challenged.

Stress Response

The reaction to a stressor, involving internal and external adaptation by an individual.

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

Describes the body's three-stage response to stress: alarm reaction, resistance stage, and exhaustion stage.

Alarm Stage

The initial reaction when first encountering a stressor.

Resistance Stage

When the body attempts to adapt to the stressor through coping mechanisms.

Exhaustion Stage

When the body's resources become depleted due to prolonged stress.

Lymphocytes

Specialized white blood cells that are part of the immune system.

Natural Killer Cells

Type of lymphocyte that plays a role in the immune response.

Bartrop et al. (1977)

First study to show decreased immune function in response to grief.

Stone et al. (1994)

Study demonstrating a relation between daily life events and antibody levels.

Visintainer et al. (1982)

Study showing that stress increases the spread of cancer.

Kiecolt-Glaser et al. (1995)

Study indicating that the stress of caregiving delays wound recovery.

Type A Personality

Characterized by competitiveness, time urgency, and hostility.

Type B Personality

Characterized by low levels of competitiveness, time urgency, and hostility.

Phony Type B's

Individuals appearing to be Type B but are actually tense and hostile.

Environmental Factors in Stress: Overload

Situations where one feels overwhelmed with demands.

Coping Strategies

Methods used to manage stress, including problem-focused and emotion-focused coping.

Primary Appraisal

The evaluation of whether a situation is important to oneself.

Secondary Appraisal

The evaluation of what strategies can be used to deal with a situation.

Heart Attack Recovery and Social Support

Victims with non-supportive spouses have slower recoveries.

Kraut et al. (1998)

Study showing that increased Internet usage can lead to loneliness and depression.

Loneliness and Risk of Premature Death

Increased risk of premature death by 45% as a result of loneliness.

Mediation

A coping strategy that has been shown to be effective.

Aerobic Exercise

Physical activity proven to function as an antidepressant when done regularly.