Stress, Coping, & Health

Flashcards focusing on key concepts related to stress, coping, and health psychology.

Health Psychology

The study of psychological, social, and cultural factors affecting physical health.

Stress

A perceived challenge that may be positive or negative; distress is a negative form of stress.

Distress

A negative form of stress that is perceived as uncontrollable.

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

A series of physiological responses to stressors that occur in three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

Alarm Phase

The initial response to a stressor where the body mobilizes its systems for immediate threat response.

Resistance Phase

When the body attempts to cope with a stressor that cannot be avoided, leading to ongoing physiological responses.

Exhaustion Phase

The stage where persistent stress depletes the body's energy, increasing vulnerability to illness.

Locus of Control

A psychological concept referring to the extent to which individuals believe they can control events affecting them.

Internal Locus of Control

The belief that one’s actions significantly influence outcomes and can lead to proactive health behaviors.

Psychological Hardiness

A personality trait characterized by commitment, control, and viewing challenges as opportunities.

Coping

Efforts to manage stress through various strategies such as problem solving and emotion management.

Emotion-focused Coping

Coping strategy that focuses on managing the emotional responses to a problem.

Problem-focused Coping

Coping strategy that aims to directly address and resolve the source of stress.

Reappraisal

The process of reinterpreting the meaning of a stressor to change its perceived significance.

Social Comparison

The act of comparing oneself to others, often used as a coping mechanism to mitigate feelings of stress.

Longevity

The length of time that a person lives; influenced by lifestyle, community, and social support.