Psych Chapter 14

Health psychology

Study of how psychological, behavioral, and social factors affect health.

Stages of Change: Precontemplation

Not considering change.

Stages of Change: Contemplation

Thinking about changing.

Stages of Change: Preparation

Planning to change.

Stages of Change: Action

Actively making the change.

Stages of Change: Maintenance

Continuing the change and preventing relapse.

GAS: Alarm stage

Body reacts to a stressor.

GAS: Resistance stage

Body stays activated while trying to cope.

GAS: Exhaustion stage

Resources become depleted after prolonged stress.

Stress and immune system

Chronic stress weakens immune function, increasing vulnerability to illness.

Psychoneuroimmunology

Study of how psychological processes, nervous system, and immune system interact.

Stress and cardiovascular disease

Chronic stress increases blood pressure, heart rate, and disease risk.

Type A personality

Competitive, impatient, ambitious, and time-urgent.

Type B personality

More relaxed, patient, and less competitive.

Stress and prejudice

Stress increases negative emotions and hostility, raising prejudice.

Health disparities

Differences in health outcomes or healthcare access between groups.

Cognitive appraisal

Evaluating a situation to determine whether it is stressful.

Primary appraisal

Determining if a situation is a threat, challenge, or harm.

Secondary appraisal

Evaluating whether one has resources to cope with a situation.

Coping

Efforts used to manage stress and deal with difficult situations.

Problem-focused coping

Coping that addresses the source of stress directly.

Emotion-focused coping

Coping that manages feelings caused by stress.

Optimism

Expecting positive outcomes in the future.

Hardiness

Personality trait involving commitment, control, and viewing challenges as opportunities.