Coping Mechanisms and Socioeconomic Factors

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to coping mechanisms, socioeconomic status, and social support, which are relevant for understanding health outcomes and stress management.

Socioeconomic Status (SES)

A measure that influences health outcomes and coping strategies.

Problem-Focused Coping

A strategy that directly addresses stressors by reducing demands or increasing resources.

Emotion-Focused Coping

A strategy aimed at managing emotional responses to stressors rather than the stressors themselves.

Social Support

Emotional concern, material assistance, or constructive feedback from others that can enhance recovery.

Buffering Hypothesis

The idea that social support mitigates stress through the use of effective coping strategies.

Direct Effect Hypothesis

The concept that social support improves physical responses to stress and enhances immune function.

Resilience

The ability to bounce back from stressors that could harm well-being.

Positive Affectivity (PA)

A characteristic linked with cheerfulness and energy, associated with better health.

Negative Affectivity (NA)

Feelings of anxiety and hostility, associated with chronic disorders and poorer health outcomes.

Learned Optimism

The concept that individuals can learn to be more optimistic by changing their mindset.

Vagus Nerve

A nerve involved in physical and mental health, impacting various body systems.

Coping Intelligence

The ability to use emotional knowledge effectively to manage stress.

Excessive Support

An overwhelming amount of support that may inadvertently heighten stress levels.

Coping Style

The cognitive, behavioral, and emotional approaches used to manage stress.

Dispositional Affect

A general approach to life influencing predictable responses to situations.

Emotional-Approach Coping (EAC)

Involves actively managing emotions, including emotional processing and expression.

Matching Hypothesis

The concept that misalignment in the type of support needed versus what is offered can lead to negative outcomes.