MODULE 3: STRESS, COPING, & CONSCIOUSNESS

According to the psychological model of stress, what determines whether something is stressful?

The result of a person’s appraisal of a stressor, not necessarily the stressor itself

What is primary appraisal?

A person determines & evaluates how an event will affect them. Is it relevant and is it stressful?

What is secondary appraisal?

An evaluation of coping resources and options for dealing with stress

How does stress affect the immune system?

Ongoing stress suppresses immune functioning and increases the risk of illness.

What factors influence stress tolerance?

Social support, hardiness, and optimism.

How does social support affect stress tolerance?

Strong social support improves health and helps people cope with stress. People who maintain positive, supportive relationships have better overall health

What is hardiness?

The ability to stay resilient and optimistic during stressful situations.

What is optimism?

Expecting positive outcomes and coping more effectively with stress.

What are defense mechanisms?

Unconscious ways of protecting ourselves from anxiety, guilt, or embarrassment.

What is projection?

Attributing your own negative attributes onto someone else

What is justification (rationalization)?

Making excuses to avoid admitting the real reason for a behavior.

What is displacement?

Transferring one’s emotional burden from one entity to another

What is a fixed mindset?

The belief that abilities cannot significantly change.

What is a growth mindset?

The belief that abilities can improve through effort and learning.

How does exercise affect anxiety and depression?

It releases endorphins, regulates cortisol, and reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression.

How do mental health and nutrition influence each other?

The relationship is bidirectional—mental health affects eating habits, and diet affects mood, stress, anxiety, and depression.

How is consciousness defined in psychology?

Awareness of ourselves and our environment.

How does human consciousness differ from animal consciousness?

Humans have more advanced self-awareness, language, abstract thinking, and symbolic thought.

What is the mirror self-recognition test?

A test of self-awareness that measures whether an animal recognizes itself in a mirror.

What is the conclusion of the mirror self-recognition test?

Establishes recognition of self

What is automatic processing?

Performing tasks without conscious awareness or effort.

What does automatic processing tell us about consciousness?

Many mental processes happen automatically outside conscious awareness.

What is the cocktail party effect?

The ability to focus on one conversation while still noticing important information, such as your name, in the background.

What is inattentional blindness?

Failing to notice something visible because attention is focused elsewhere.

How many times do Americans check their phones on average?

About 150-200 times per day (every 4-5 minutes while awake)

What is physical dependence?

The body adapts to a drug and experiences withdrawal when use stops.

What is psychological dependence?

Emotional or mental craving for a drug or behavior.

Why is combining alcohol and benzodiazepines (Xanax) dangerous?

Both increase GABA (neurotransmitter that slows brain activity), which can slow breathing and cause fatal overdose

Why is combining alcohol and cocaine dangerous?

It creates cocaethylene, which raises risk of heart attack, stroke, and sudden death.

What is the risk of dependence with marijuana?

Low risk of physical dependence but a higher risk of psychological dependence.

Which neurotransmitters are affected by MDMA/Ecstasy/Molly?

Serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.