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Stress

A complex interaction among environmental, cognitive, physiological, and behavioral processes, often perceived as a stimulus, a response, or a person-situation interaction.

Stressors

Events or stimuli that impose significant demands on individuals, potentially endangering their well-being.

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

A three-phase physiological response to stress, consisting of alarm reaction, resistance, and exhaustion.

Primary Appraisal

The initial evaluation of the demands of a situation in terms of its threat level.

Secondary Appraisal

The assessment of the resources available to cope with a stressor.

Transactional Model of Stress

Views stress as a transaction between the organism and the environment, focusing on individual appraisals and their effects on stress responses.

Cognitive Appraisal

The process by which individuals evaluate the significance of a stressor and their capacity to cope with it.

Emotion-Focused Coping

Strategies that minimize emotional distress rather than directly address the stressful situation.

Problem-Focused Coping

Strategies aimed at directly confronting and managing the stressful situation.

Self-Efficacy

The belief in one's capabilities to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific performance attainments.

Hardiness

A personality trait characterized by commitment, control, and the perception of challenges as opportunities.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

A severe anxiety disorder resulting from traumatic life events, characterized by flashbacks, emotional numbing, and high anxiety.

Neuroimaging

Research technique used to visualize brain activity, particularly in understanding PTSD and its associated symptoms.

Social Support

The perception and reality that one is cared for and has assistance available from a social network.

Optimism

A general expectation that good things will happen, which can play a significant role in stress responses and health.

Stress and Illness

The relationship between long-term stress and the development of chronic health problems.

Mindfulness

The practice of being fully aware and present in the moment, which can alleviate stress and improve coping.

Relapse Prevention

Strategies aimed at preventing the reoccurrence of substance abuse after periods of abstinence.

Harm Reduction

An approach to substance use that focuses on reducing the negative consequences of the behavior rather than eliminating it.

Transtheoretical Model

A framework for understanding the stages individuals go through to change behavior, including precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, and termination.

Coping Strategies

Methods employed to manage stress, including problem-focused, emotion-focused, and seeking social support.