Health Psychology: Stress

Health Psychology

The study of how psychological factors influence health and well-being.

Stress

A pattern of physiological, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral responses to real or imagined stimuli that are perceived as preventing a goal or endangering well-being.

Stressors

Events or circumstances that cause stress, which can be perceived as challenging or threatening.

Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale

A scale used to measure stress levels by assessing the occurrence of various life events in the past year.

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

A three-stage model proposed by Hans Selye to explain the body's response to stress, including the alarm, resistance, and exhaustion stages.

Cognitive Appraisal

The process of evaluating and interpreting a stressor, which can influence the individual's stress response.

Social Support

The help and assistance received from others, which can be beneficial in coping with stress.

Coping

The strategies and responses individuals use to manage and adapt to stress.

Problem-Focused Coping

Coping strategies directed towards addressing the source of stress and finding a solution.

Emotion-Focused Coping

Coping strategies directed towards managing one's own emotional reactions to the stressor.

Cognitive Reappraisal

The process of re-evaluating a stressor as less threatening, which can help reduce stress.