Lecture 4 - 8 Heath Psychology

Psychophysiology

The study of the links between psychological and physiological processes.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a constant or balanced internal environment in living organisms.

Allostasis

The active process of adaptation to maintain homeostasis in response to changes and in anticipation of changes.

Allostatic Load

The cumulative physiological cost resulting from repeated allostasis, often due to chronic stressors.

Autonomic Nervous System

Part of the peripheral nervous system that manages internal organs without conscious control, including sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

Sympathetic Nervous System

The part of the autonomic nervous system that mobilizes the body to react to stressors, often triggering 'fight-or-flight' responses.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

The part of the autonomic nervous system that restores the body to a normal state after arousal, promoting relaxation.

Endocrine System

A regulatory system that secretes hormones and includes glands such as the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands.

Stress

A response to events that are perceived as challenging or threatening, which can have physiological and psychological effects.

Cognitive Appraisal

The process of interpreting and evaluating a potentially stressful situation to determine its significance and implications.

Direct Effect Model

The model that suggests a direct link between stress and physiological changes that can lead to disease.

Illness Behavior Model

A model that describes how individuals respond to stressful events by adopting a sick role.

Matching Hypothesis

The theory that the effectiveness of social support depends on the match between the support provided and the needs of the recipient.

Hardiness

A personality characteristic that includes commitment, control, and challenge; associated with resilience to stress.

Perceived Stress Scale

A tool used to measure the perception of stress and the degree to which situations in one's life are appraised as stressful.

Mindfulness

The practice of being aware of and focused on the present moment, which is associated with various health benefits.

Gratitude

A positive emotional state resulting from recognizing and appreciating the goodwill of others, linked to better health outcomes.

Type A Behavior Pattern

A personality type characterized by competitiveness, urgency, and hostility, which is linked to increased risk of heart disease.

Social Support

The emotional, informational, or tangible assistance provided by others, which can influence health and coping mechanisms.