5.1 & 5.2 - Introduction to Health Psychology & Positive Psychology

American Teenagers

The most stressed-out age group in the U.S., according to APA’s 2013 Stress in America Survey.

Stress

Any type of change/event that causes physical, emotional, or psychological strain (Different than anxiety, which is more generalized, while stress is specific).

Acute Stress

A very short-term type of stress that can either be positive or more distressing.

Chronic Stress

Stress that seems never-ending and inescapable.

Hypertension, Headaches, and Immune Suppression

Stress is a factor in heightened susceptibility to disorders and disease, and has been linked to physiological issues such as…

Stressors-1

Stress-causing events that can be Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), experienced as traumatic, or as daily hassles that can build up over time.

Stressors-2

Situations that are experienced as a perceived threat.

Eustress

Motivating stressors, interpreted positively, needed for optimal arousal and well-being.

Examples of Eustress

Wedding, Having a Baby, Anticipation of a First Day, Giving a Presentation, and Changes in Habits.

Distress

Debilitating and undesirable, interpreted negatively.

Examples of Distress

Catastrophic Events, Dysfunctional Life Changes, and Minor Hassles.

GAS (General Adaptation Syndrome)

Describes the stress process in stages.

Alarm

Shock response (via fight-flight-freeze).

Resistance

Stress is confronted, hormones released, sympathetic nervous system active.

Exhaustion

Stress subsides, or resources are spent, and person is most susceptible to illness.

Tend-and-Befriend Theory

Proposes that some people (seen mostly in women) react to stress by seeking connection and tending to either their own needs, or the needs of others.

Problem-Focused Coping

Involves seeing stress as a problem to be solved and working solutions until one is found.

Examples of Problem-Focused Coping

Time management, being prepared, seeking advice, communicating/negotiating.

Emotion-Focused Coping

Involves managing emotional reactions to stress.

Emotion-Focused Coping Strategies

Deep breathing, meditation, seeking emotional support, and distraction.

Positive Psychology

Seeks to identify factors that lead to well-being (such as expressing gratitude), resilience, positive emotions, and psychological health to help individuals.

Signature Strengths/Virtues

The natural characteristics and qualities that reflect an individual’s authentic self and help one thrive and excel.

Six Categories of Virtues

Wisdom, Courage, Humanity (Caring for others), Justice, Temperance (Self-regulation), and Transcendence (Connection to the greater good).

Posttraumatic Growth

The idea that, although trauma is incredibly difficult and painful, it can also lead to personal development and transformation in ways that enhance one’s life.