Neuropsych of Happiness Post-Midterm

Broaden-and-Build Theory of Positive Emotions

A theory proposing that positive emotions expand cognitive processes and build psychological resources.

LTP (Long-Term Potentiation)

A process that strengthens the connection between neurons based on recent patterns of activity.

Oxytocin

A hormone that plays a role in social bonding and is released during positive social interactions.

Memory reconsolidation

The process by which memories are recalled and then encoded again, possibly with alterations.

Emotional arousal

A state of heightened emotional response that can enhance learning and memory.

Hebb's rule

The principle that neurons that fire together wire together, leading to strengthened neural connections.

Supporting positive memories

Utilizing positive experiences to help process and cope with negative emotions.

Neuroscience of memory

The study of how memories are formed, stored, and recalled in the brain.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing negative patterns of thought and behavior.

Cognitive reappraisal

A cognitive strategy that involves changing the way one thinks about a situation to alter its emotional impact.

Negativity bias

The tendency to give more weight to negative experiences than positive ones.

Behavioral Activation

A treatment technique that encourages individuals to engage in activities that provide them with a sense of achievement or pleasure.

Mindfulness

The practice of being aware and present in the moment, accepting thoughts and emotions without judgment.

Flow state

A mental state of complete absorption in an activity, resulting in a feeling of energized focus.

Self-Compassion

Being kind to oneself during times of failure or difficulty.

Resilience

The ability to bounce back from stress and difficult situations.

Grit

Perseverance and passion for long-term goals.

Cognitive flexibility

The mental ability to switch between thinking about two different concepts or to think about multiple concepts simultaneously.

Compassion Training

Practices aimed at developing compassionate responses towards oneself and others.

Gratitude Journaling

A practice of regularly writing down things one is thankful for to improve well-being.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

A program that uses mindfulness meditation to help reduce stress and improve mental health.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

A type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on teaching skills in mindfulness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance.

Emotion regulation

The ability to influence which emotions one has, when one has them, and how one experiences and expresses these emotions.

Psychedelics

Psychoactive substances that can affect consciousness, mood, and perception, often used therapeutically.

Compassion Meditation

A form of meditation focused on developing attitudes of compassion and loving-kindness.

Social Relationships

Connections with others that can significantly impact happiness and well-being.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation

A treatment that involves sending electrical impulses to the vagus nerve to help regulate mood.

Affectionate Love

A deep caring and commitment towards another person, often characterized by emotional closeness and attachment.

Behavioral Therapy

Therapy that focuses on changing maladaptive behaviors to enhance overall functioning.

Positive Psychology

The study of what makes life worth living, focusing on strengths and well-being.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life.

Heart Rate Variability (HRV)

The measure of variation in time between each heartbeat, often associated with resilience and emotional regulation.

Good Stress

Eustress, which is beneficial stress that can enhance performance and well-being.

Bad Stress

Distress, which is harmful stress that can negatively impact mental and physical health.

Phenomenological Awareness

The awareness of one’s subjective experience in the present moment.

Creative Flow

The mental state characterized by complete absorption in creative activities.

Cognitive Distortions

Irrational thoughts that can influence one's emotions and behaviors negatively.

Rumination

The act of focusing excessively on negative thoughts or feelings.

Positive Affect

The experience of positive emotions and mood.

Social Support

The perception and experience that one is cared for by others.

Stress Inoculation Therapy

A form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that trains individuals to cope with stress.

Mindful Awareness Practice

Engaging in practices that promote mindfulness and presence in the moment.

Affective Neuroscience

The study of how brain processes affect emotions.

Self-Efficacy

Belief in one’s ability to succeed in specific situations.

Moods

Long-lasting emotional states that can influence behavior but are less intense than emotions.

Psychoeducation

Education that helps individuals understand and manage their mental health.

Dopamine Release

The release of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is associated with pleasure and reward.

Oxytocin Release

Release of the hormone oxytocin, which is often called the 'love hormone'.

Empowerment

The process of gaining freedom and power to make choices and influence one's life.

Mindfulness Meditation

A form of meditation that emphasizes paying attention to thoughts and feelings without judgment.

Self-Reflection

The process of thinking about one’s own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Epigenetics

The study of changes in organisms caused by modifications of gene expression rather than alteration of the genetic code itself.

Therapeutic Alliance

The collaborative partnership between a therapist and client.

Juvenile Justice

The area of the legal system that deals with minors who have been accused of committing a crime.

Community Psychology

A branch of psychology focused on the relationships of individuals within their communities.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

A type of therapy that encourages individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting against them.

Transpersonal Psychology

A subfield of psychology that integrates spiritual and psychological aspects of the human experience.

Healthy Coping Mechanisms

Strategies used to manage stress and emotional distress in constructive ways.

Mental Health

A person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)

A neuroimaging procedure that measures and maps brain activity.

Cognitive Rehabilitation

Therapy aimed at improving cognitive functions through targeted interventions.

Spiritual Wellness

A personal matter involving values and beliefs that provide a purpose in life.

Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP)

A program developed for helping individuals prevent relapse into substance use.

Non-Verbal Communication

Conveying messages without the use of spoken language.

Therapeutic Techniques

Methods used in therapy to facilitate healing and growth.

Cognitive Flexibility Training

Training aimed at improving the ability to switch between different concepts.

Self-Discovery

The process of gaining insight into one’s own character and values.

Coping Strategies

Techniques that people use to manage stress and anxiety.

Compassion Fatigue

A state of physical and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged exposure to stress and the demands of helping others.

Motivational Interviewing

A counseling approach that helps clients find the motivation to make changes in their behavior.

Therapeutic Outcomes

The results or changes that occur as a result of therapy.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

A modified form of cognitive therapy that incorporates mindfulness practices.

Self-Assessment

The evaluation of one’s own performance, skills, and qualities.

Mind-Body Practices

Activities that integrate mental focus with physical movement or stillness.

Healing Relationships

Connections that provide support and facilitate recovery from emotional or psychological distress.

Life Satisfaction

A measure of how much one enjoys their life as a whole.

Meditation Techniques

Methods used to practice meditation and encourage mindfulness.

Positive Exploration

The pursuit of positive experiences and personal growth.

Well-Being Interventions

Programs or practices designed to enhance psychological health and happiness.

Fear of Failure

An apprehension that one will fail to meet expectations, affecting motivation and performance.

Mindful Eating

The practice of paying full attention to the experience of eating.

Empathic Listening

A listening practice that involves being fully present and understanding the speaker's perspective.

Chronic Pain Management

Strategies and therapies used to reduce chronic pain.

Loving-Kindness Meditation

A practice that involves silently repeating phrases of goodwill towards oneself and others.

Scarcity Mindset

A mental state often characterized by minor focus on limitations and lack.

Achievement Goals

Desirable outcomes that individuals strive to attain.

Emotional Intelligence (EI)

The ability to identify, use, understand, and manage emotions.

Neurofeedback

A type of biofeedback that uses real-time displays of brain activity to teach self-regulation of brain function.

Psychoanalytic Therapy

A therapeutic approach that aims to explore unconscious patterns of behavior.

Somatic Experiencing

A form of therapy aimed at relieving the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Value-Driven Living

Living in accordance with one’s deeply held principles and beliefs.

Holistic Health

An approach to health that considers the whole person, including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects.

Self-Care Practices

Activities individuals engage in to take care of their mental, physical, and emotional health.

Narrative Therapy

A therapeutic approach that encourages individuals to tell their stories in a way that changes their perspective.

Zen Practices

Meditative practices based in Zen Buddhism emphasizing simplicity and mindfulness.

Health Psychology

A field that examines the interplay between psychological factors and physical health.

Community Well-Being

The overall health and functioning of a group or community.

Motivational Benefits

Positive effects that encourage individuals to achieve personal goals.

Crisis Intervention

Emergency support designed to address acute mental health issues.

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

A structured therapy that focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and social functioning.