Pysch unit 7 pt.1

Motivation

The process that initiates, guides, and sustains goal-oriented behavior.

Instinct

An innate, typically fixed pattern of behavior that is characteristic of a species.

Drive-Reduction Theory

A theory suggesting that physiological needs create an aroused state (a drive) that motivates an organism to satisfy the need.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment despite external changes.

Incentives

Positive or negative stimuli that motivate behavior, such as rewards or punishments.

Yerkes-Dodson Law

A principle that suggests there is an optimal level of arousal for performance.

Esteem

The need for self-esteem, respect, and recognition from others, part of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.

Self-Actualization

The desire to become the most that one can be; realizing one’s full potential.

Self-Transcendence

The pursuit of goals beyond the self, often in service to others or a higher purpose.

Glucose

The primary sugar used by the body for energy, often related to hunger and blood sugar levels.

Set Point

The body’s natural weight range that it attempts to maintain through metabolic processes.

Basal Metabolic Rate

The rate at which the body uses energy while at rest to maintain vital functions.

Insulin

A hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood glucose levels.

Ghrelin

A hormone that stimulates hunger, often referred to as the 'hunger hormone'.

Orexin

A neurotransmitter that regulates wakefulness and appetite, particularly linked to hunger.

Leptin

A hormone produced by fat cells that regulates energy balance by inhibiting hunger.

Sexual Response Cycle

The four stages of physiological responses during sexual activity: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.

Refractory Period

A period following orgasm during which an individual cannot achieve another orgasm.

Estrogens

Hormones that promote the development and maintenance of female characteristics in the body.

Testosterone

A hormone playing a key role in male reproductive development and sexual drive.

Affiliation Need

The need for social connection and belonging, a fundamental human motivation.

Autonomy

The need to feel in control of one's actions and decisions.

Competence

The need to feel capable and effective in one's actions.

Cyber-Ostracism

The experience of being excluded or ignored in online interactions.

Narcissism

A personality trait characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance.

Emotions

Complex psychological states involving physiological arousal, expressive behaviors, and cognitive appraisal.

Schacter-Singer Two-Factor Theory

A theory suggesting that emotion is based on physiological arousal and cognitive interpretation.

Zajonc/LeDoux Theory

A theory suggesting that some emotions can be processed without conscious thought.

Emotional Arousal

A physiological response that occurs in reaction to an emotional stimulus.

Ekman’s Universal Expressions

A theory that certain facial expressions of emotion are universally recognized across cultures.

Duchenne Smile

A genuine smile involving the movement of both the mouth and the eyes.

Facial Feedback Effect

The idea that facial expressions can influence emotional experiences.

Stress

A psychological and physiological response to perceived challenges or threats.

Stressors

Events or conditions that cause stress.

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

A three-phase model of the body’s response to stress: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

Tend-and-Befriend Response

A stress response where people seek social support and nurturing behavior.

Lymphocytes (B & T)

White blood cells that play key roles in the immune system.

Macrophage

A type of white blood cell that engulfs and digests pathogens.

Natural Killer (NK) Cells

Immune cells targeting and destroying abnormal cells.

HIV and AIDS

HIV attacks the immune system, and AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection.

Coronary Heart Disease

A condition where the blood vessels supplying the heart become blocked or narrowed.

Type A

A personality type characterized by high levels of competitiveness and urgency.

Type B

A personality type characterized by a more relaxed and easy-going demeanor.

Explanatory Style

The way individuals explain the causes of events in their lives.

Optimism

A general tendency to expect positive outcomes.

Pessimism

A tendency to expect negative outcomes.

Biofeedback

A technique allowing individuals to monitor and control physiological processes.

Mindfulness

A mental state achieved by focusing on the present moment in a non-judgmental manner.

Faith Factor

The positive effects of religious faith on health.

Feel-Good, Do-Good Phenomenon

The tendency for people in a good mood to be more helpful.

Positive Psychology

A branch of psychology focusing on positive emotions and personal strengths.

Subjective Well-Being

A person’s self-reported assessment of their happiness.

Adaptation-Level Phenomenon

The tendency to judge new experiences based on past experiences.

Relative Deprivation

The perception of being worse off than others.