Unit 5 - Part 1 - Health, Stress, Coping, and Positive Psychology

Vocabulary practice flashcards based on the Health Psychology and Well-Being lecture notes including stress, coping, and positive psychology factors.

Health Psychology (638)

Studies how biological, psychological, and social factors influence health, illness, and treatment.

Psychoneuroimmunology (638)

The study of how stress/emotions affect the immune system and overall health.

Stress (639)

The body's response to perceived threats or challenges, which can be physical, emotional, or psychological.

Eustress

A positive form of stress that can motivate individuals/ enhance performance (e.g., preparing for a test).

Distress

Negative stress that can cause anxiety, decrease performance, and lead to health problems.

Stress Primary Appraisal

The initial evaluation of whether an event is irrelevant, positive, or stressful.

Stress Secondary Appraisal

The assessment of one’s ability to cope with or manage a stressful event

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Potentially traumatic events in childhood.

Inflammation

Chronic stress can trigger persistent low-grade inflammation, increasing risk for physical diseases (e.g., heart disease) and mental health disorders (e.g., depression).

Approach Motives (643)

Motivation to move toward a desired goal (e.g., studying to get a good grade).

Avoidance Motives (643)

Motivation to avoid negative outcomes (e.g., studying to avoid failing).

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) (644)

Hans Selye's three-stage model of the body's response to stress:

Alarm (GAS)

Initial reaction to stress (fight-or-flight).

Resistance (GAS)

Body adapts and copes.

Exhaustion (GAS)

Prolonged stress depletes energy, leading to health risks.

Tend-and-Befriend Response (644)

A stress response (women) where individuals seek social support and nurture others.

Coronary Heart Disease (648)

A disease caused by clogged arteries, often linked to stress, diet, and lifestyle.

Type A Personality (648)

Competitive, impatient, aggressive, and high-achieving individuals,prone to illnesses.

Type B Personality (648)

Relaxed, easygoing individuals, less susceptible to stress-related illnesses.

Catharsis (650)

The release of emotions through activities like venting or aggression, does not always reduce stress.

Coping (654)

Efforts to manage stress, including problem-solving and emotional regulation.

Problem-Focused Coping (654)

Dealing with stress by addressing the root cause of the problem (e.g., studying for a test).

Emotion-Focused Coping (654)

Managing emotional responses to stress (e.g., meditation).

Personal Control (654)

The belief that one has control over their environment rather than being helpless.

Learned Helplessness (655)

Repeated exposure to uncontrollable events leads to passive resignation and failure to act.

Tyranny of Choice (656)

Having too many options can lead to anxiety, decision paralysis, and decreased satisfaction.

External Locus of Control (656)

Belief that outcomes are determined by external forces (e.g., fate, luck).

Internal Locus of Control (656)

Belief that one’s own actions determine outcomes.

Self-Control (654)

The ability to regulate impulses and delay gratification.

Positive Psychology (663)

The study of human strengths, well-being, and the factors that contribute to a fulfilling life.

Subject Well-Being (663)

A person’s perceived level of happiness and life satisfaction.

Hedonic Adaptation

The tendency to return to a baseline level of happiness after positive or negative life events.

Eudaimonic Happiness

A deep sense of fulfillment that comes from living in accordance with one's values and purpose.

Feel-good, do-good Phenomenon (664)

The tendency for people to be more helpful when they are in a good mood.

Adaptation-Level Phenomenon (664)

The tendency to judge new experiences relative to previous ones (e.g., a raise in salary feels great at first, but soon becomes the new normal).

Relative Deprivation (667)

The perception that one is worse off compared to others, leading to dissatisfaction.

Broaden-and-Build Theory (669)

Positive emotions expand thinking and help build lasting psychological resources.

Character Strengths and Virtues (670)

Positive traits such (courage, wisdom, kindness) that contribute to a better life.

Resilience (673)

The ability to recover from adversity.

Aerobic Exercise (673)

Sustained physical activity that improves cardiovascular health and reduces stress.

Mindfulness Meditation (677)

A practice of focused attention and awareness that reduces stress and improves well-being.

Gratitude (678)

A positive emotional response to recognizing and appreciating benefits received.