Chapter 10: Stress, Health, and Coping Stress vs. Stressor * Stressor: Anything that causes stress (an event, situation, or demand). * Example: Exams, losing a job, relationship problems. * Stress: The body’s response to a stressor. * Example: Feeling anxious, increased heart rate. Types of Stressors 1. Catastrophe * Large, unpredictable events affecting many people. * Example: Natural disasters, wars. 2. Significant Life Changes * Major events that require adjustment. * Example: Divorce, moving, starting college. 3. Daily Stressors * Small everyday problems. * Example: Traffic, homework, arguments. Sympathetic Nervous System & Fight-or-Flight * Activates during stressful situations. * Prepares the body to react. * Causes: * Increased heart rate * Faster breathing * More energy released General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) A three-stage response to stress: 1. Alarm: Body reacts to stress. 2. Resistance: Body tries to adapt and continue functioning. 3. Exhaustion: Long-term stress drains resources. Type A vs. Type B Personality Type A: * Competitive * Impatient * Time-urgent * More stress-prone Type B: * Relaxed * Patient * Less stressed Immune System & Stress * Long-term stress weakens the immune system. * Makes the body more vulnerable to illness. Locus of Control Internal locus of control: * Belief that you control your outcomes. External locus of control: * Belief that outside forces control outcomes (luck, fate). Managing Stress * Aerobic exercise * Meditation * Relaxation techniques * Spending time with pets * Social support * Healthy sleep habits ⸻ Chapter 11: Social Psychology Fundamental Attribution Error * Tendency to explain others’ behavior by personality instead of situations. * Example: “He’s lazy” instead of considering he may be exhausted. Attitudes * Feelings and beliefs that influence behavior. * Made of: * Thoughts * Feelings * Actions Cognitive Dissonance * Mental discomfort from having conflicting beliefs or behaviors. * Example: Knowing smoking is unhealthy but continuing to smoke. Social Contagion * Spread of behaviors, emotions, or ideas through groups. * Example: Panic spreading through a crowd. Classic Studies Asch’s Line Study * Showed people may conform to a group even when the group is wrong. Milgram’s Obedience Study * Showed people may obey authority figures even when uncomfortable. Social Facilitation vs. Social Loafing Social Facilitation: * Performance improves when others are watching. Social Loafing: * People put in less effort when working in groups. Deindividuation * Losing self-awareness and responsibility in a group. * Example: Crowds acting differently than individuals. Ingoups vs. Outgroups Ingroup: * Group you belong to. Outgroup: * Group you see as different. Can lead to: * Bias * Stereotypes * Prejudice Passionate vs. Companionate Love Passionate Love: * Intense attraction and excitement. Companionate Love: * Deep affection, trust, and commitment. Altruism & Bystander Effect Altruism: * Helping others without expecting a reward. Bystander Effect: * People are less likely to help when others are present. ⸻ Chapter 12: Personality Personality * Patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that make someone unique. Psychoanalytic Theory (Freud) Id * Wants immediate pleasure. * “I want it now.” Ego * Reality-based decision maker. * Balances id and superego. Superego * Morals and rules. Defense Mechanisms Ways the mind protects itself from anxiety. Examples: * Denial: Refusing to accept reality. * Projection: Blaming feelings on others. * Rationalization: Creating excuses. Humanistic Theory * Focuses on personal growth and reaching full potential. * Carl Rogers developed Person-Centered Therapy. Trait Theory (Big Five) Five major personality traits: OCEAN * Openness * Conscientiousness * Extraversion * Agreeableness * Neuroticism Spotlight Effect vs. Narcissism Spotlight Effect: * Believing others notice you more than they actually do. Narcissism: * Excessive self-focus and feeling superior. Kruger-Dunning Effect * People with low ability may overestimate their skills. Individualistic vs. Collectivistic Cultures Individualistic: * Focus on independence and personal goals. Collectivistic: * Focus on family, groups, and cooperation. ⸻ Chapter 13: Psychological Disorders Psychological Disorder * A pattern of thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that causes distress or problems functioning. Anxiety Disorders * Excessive fear or worry. Examples: * Generalized anxiety disorder * Panic disorder * Phobias OCD * Obsessions (unwanted thoughts) * Compulsions (repetitive behaviors) PTSD * Stress disorder after experiencing or witnessing trauma. Substance Use Disorder * Difficulty controlling substance use despite negative effects. Major Depressive Disorder Symptoms include: * Persistent sadness * Loss of interest * Changes in sleep or energy Bipolar Disorder * Episodes of depression and mania. * Mania involves unusually high energy, mood, or activity. Suicidal Ideation * Thoughts about suicide. (Important: any concerns about safety should be taken seriously and support should be reached out to.) Schizophrenia * Disorder involving: * Hallucinations * Delusions * Disorganized thinking Personality Disorders Antisocial PD * Disregard for others’ rights and social rules. Narcissistic PD * Extreme need for admiration and lack of empathy. Borderline PD * Difficulty with emotions, relationships, and sense of self. ⸻ Chapter 14: Treatment Psychotherapy * Treatment using psychological methods to improve mental health. Types of Psychotherapy Psychoanalysis/Psychodynamic * Focuses on unconscious conflicts and past experiences. Client-Centered/Humanistic * Focuses on acceptance, growth, and self-understanding. Behavioral Therapy * Changes behaviors through learning principles. Cognitive Therapy * Changes unhealthy thought patterns. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) * Combines changing thoughts and behaviors. Family Therapy * Works with family relationships. Group Therapy * Therapy with multiple people. Evidence-Based Practice * Treatments supported by scientific research. Therapeutic Lifestyle Change Improving mental health through: * Exercise * Sleep * Nutrition * Social connection Biomedical Treatments Medication * Treats symptoms through biological processes. ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy) * Uses controlled electrical stimulation to treat severe depression. Psychosurgery * Surgery involving the brain (rare). TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) * Uses magnetic stimulation to affect brain activity. ⸻ Quick Test Tips: * Stress = response, Stressor = cause * Asch = conformity * Milgram = obedience * Big Five = OCEAN * Id = pleasure, Ego = reality, Superego = morals * CBT = thoughts + behaviors * Bystander effect = less helping in groups

What is the definition of a hypothesis in scientific research?

A testable prediction about the relationship between two or more variables.

What does the scientific method entail?

An organized approach to problem-solving that involves observing, forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, and drawing conclusions.

Define independent variable.

The variable that is manipulated or changed in an experiment to test its effects.

What is the dependent variable?

The variable that is measured or observed in an experiment as it responds to changes in the independent variable.

What is meant by control variables?

Variables that are kept constant throughout an experiment to ensure that the results are due to the independent variable.

What is the importance of replication in experiments?

Replication helps to confirm the reliability and validity of experimental findings by repeating the study under the same conditions.

What is a theory in scientific terms?

A well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world that is based on a body of evidence.

What distinguishes a scientific law from a theory?

A scientific law describes a consistent relationship observed in nature, while a theory explains why that relationship occurs.

What constitutes a scientific experiment?

A controlled investigation that tests a hypothesis by manipulating an independent variable and observing the effect on a dependent variable.

What role do peer reviews play in scientific research?

Peer reviews provide an evaluation of research by other experts in the field to ensure quality, validity, and credibility of study results.