Modules 4–6: Study-Life Balance, Connectedness, Wellbeing & Resiliency

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing key terms and definitions from Modules 4–6 on study-life balance, connectedness, wellbeing, and resiliency.

Study-Life Balance

The deliberate allocation of time to study (≈30–35 hrs/wk) while preserving rest, exercise, relationships, hobbies, and other obligations to sustain health and academic success.

Overstudying

Excessive time spent on academics that negatively affects relationships, obligations, health behaviours, and increases loneliness, anxiety, or unhealthy coping.

Wheel of Life

Visual tool for assessing balance across domains such as physical environment, work, relationships, recreation, and health.

Social Connectedness

The subjective feeling of being understood, supported, and belonging to a network of relationships.

Loneliness

An unpleasant feeling arising when social needs are unmet, accompanied by a desire for connection; distinct from objective isolation.

Social Isolation

An objective lack of social interaction or contact, which may or may not result in loneliness.

UCLA Loneliness Scale

A standardized questionnaire used to measure perceived levels of loneliness.

Social Prescribing

A holistic, non-clinical approach that links people to community activities (clubs, volunteering, arts) to reduce loneliness and enhance wellbeing.

Directed Attention

Effortful focus that blocks distractions (e.g., studying, driving in traffic); mentally fatiguing.

Involuntary Attention (Fascination)

Effortless focus drawn by inherently interesting stimuli (e.g., nature, music) that does not cause mental fatigue.

Directed Attention Fatigue (DAF)

Cognitive exhaustion from prolonged use of directed attention, leading to restlessness, poor concentration, and irritability.

Attention Restoration Theory

Kaplan & Kaplan’s idea that natural, calming environments restore depleted directed attention and reduce stress.

Endorphins

‘Feel-good’ neurochemicals released during cardiovascular exercise that elevate mood and reduce pain perception.

Flow State

Csikszentmihalyi’s concept of deep, enjoyable focus in an activity where time and self-awareness fade, promoting wellbeing.

GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Arts, Museums)

Cultural settings whose engagement supports longevity, resilience, and mental health through non-clinical programs.

Prescribe Culture

University of Edinburgh’s heritage-based social-prescribing initiative connecting students to GLAM resources to improve mental health.

Resiliency

The capacity to adapt to or recover from stress, threat, or adversity.

Tipping Point (Stress)

Threshold where beneficial stress becomes excessive, causing decline in performance and wellbeing.

Stress–Diathesis Model

Theory that mental disorders result from interaction of a vulnerability (diathesis) and environmental stress.

Diathesis

An individual’s predisposition—genetic, psychological, or environmental—that influences response to stress.

Allostasis

The body’s process of achieving stability through physiological change in response to stress.

Allostatic Load

The cumulative ‘wear and tear’ on the body and brain from chronic stress exposure.

Neuroplasticity

The brain’s ability to structurally and functionally adapt in response to experiences, including stress.

Steeling Effect

Increased resilience that develops after successfully coping with moderate stress.

Genotype × Environment (GxE) Interaction

The way genetic makeup and environmental factors combine to influence stress responses and mental-health risk.

Anxiety Disorders

Group of conditions (GAD, social anxiety, phobias, panic) marked by persistent, distressing fear and avoidance.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Depressive disorder featuring persistent sadness, loss of pleasure, and functional impairment.

Emotional Symptoms of Anxiety

Feelings of being on edge, irritability, and diminished enjoyment.

Physical Symptoms of Anxiety

Restlessness, muscle tension, chest tightness, GI issues, sweating, headaches, fatigue.

Behavioral Symptoms of Anxiety

Avoidance of feared situations, short temper, sleep disturbances, concentration problems.

Cognitive Symptoms of Anxiety

Excessive worry, apprehension, mental distraction, racing thoughts.

Emotional Symptoms of Depression

Persistent sadness, despair, and loss of pleasure not improved by positive events.

Behavioral Symptoms of Depression

Social withdrawal, missed obligations, staying at home, reduced activity.

Cognitive Symptoms of Depression

Guilt, hopelessness, rumination, poor concentration, suicidal thoughts.

Indicators Differentiating Stress from Disorder

Disproportionate reaction, persistence beyond stressor, functional impairment, and out-of-character behaviour.

Primary Care Provider

First-line clinician who assesses mental health concerns and coordinates further care.

Peer Support

Help from individuals with lived experience offering empathy, validation, and guidance.

Counseling

Short-term, problem-focused support to build coping and emotional regulation skills.

Psychological Therapy

Structured talk therapies (e.g., CBT, IPT) for moderate mental health issues.

Psychiatry

Medical specialty diagnosing and treating mental illness with medication and therapeutic approaches.

Stepped Care Model

Framework matching level of intervention to individual need, allowing flexible movement between steps.

Occupational Therapist

Professional who helps individuals resume daily roles and create balanced routines supporting wellbeing.

Campus Counselor

University-based professional providing brief therapy, stress management, and habit-building strategies.

Psychotherapist

Licensed practitioner trained in evidence-based talk therapies such as CBT or psychodynamic therapy.

Clinical Psychologist

Regulated specialist in assessment and therapy for mild-to-moderate mental health conditions.

Psychiatrist

Medical doctor who diagnoses mental disorders and prescribes medication alongside psychological or social interventions.

Barriers to Care – Stigma

Negative stereotypes and fear of judgment that deter disclosure and help-seeking for mental illness.

Barriers – Attitudinal

Beliefs that minimize mental health issues (e.g., ‘just get over it’), lack of visible tests, or invalidation.

Barriers – Practical

Long wait times, cost, and difficulty navigating services that hinder access to support.

Health Promotion (No Symptoms)

Preventive actions—education, lifestyle programs—aimed at maintaining wellbeing before problems arise.

Mild Symptoms Intervention

Self-help resources or social supports used when symptoms are present but not severe.

Wellbeing

A state of comfort, health, and happiness encompassing physical, mental, and social domains.

Mental Health

Psychological, emotional, and social wellbeing enabling coping with stress, productivity, and realizing potential.

Biopsychosocial Model

View that biological, psychological, and social factors dynamically interact to shape health and illness.

Distal Risk Factors

Early-life influences (trauma, insecure attachment, family mental illness) that raise later mental-health risk.

Proximal Risk Factors

Recent or current factors (isolation, substance misuse, sleep problems) that precipitate mental illness near university age.

Protective Factors – Distal

Secure early attachments, safe nurturing homes, and compassionate caregiving that build resilience.

Protective Factors – Proximal

Healthy coping, social support, stable lifestyle, good sleep, and low substance use that buffer stress.

Behavioral Activation

Therapeutic approach encouraging engagement in enjoyable activities to lift mood and counter depression.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

Program teaching present-moment awareness and meditation to reduce stress and improve wellbeing.

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)

Time-limited therapy focusing on improving relationships to alleviate depressive and anxiety symptoms.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Evidence-based therapy that restructures maladaptive thoughts and behaviours; effective for anxiety, depression, trauma.

Allostatic Load Reduction Strategies

Healthy eating, exercise, sleep, and social support that lower cumulative stress burden.

Cardiovascular Exercise

Aerobic activity that releases endorphins, enhances heart health, sleep, cognition, and mood.

Attention Types

Directed attention (effortful) vs involuntary attention (effortless fascination) influencing cognitive fatigue and restoration.

Meaningful Work

Jobs, hobbies, or volunteer roles providing purpose and enhancing connectedness.

Meaningful Values

Faith-based or personal values-oriented activities that foster belonging and wellbeing.

The Natural World

Nature exposure (gardens, hiking) that reduces stress, improves concentration, and supports physical health.

Active Leisure

Engagements like exercise that boost wellbeing more than passive activities.

Passive Leisure

Sedentary pastimes (e.g., TV) that offer less benefit to health and mood.

Holistic Care

Approach considering mind-body connections, lifestyle, and social context in treatment planning.

Compassionate Campuses

Inclusive, kind learning communities with flexible assessment and stigma-free support for wellbeing.

Connectedness

Personal sense of belonging derived from culture, relationships, environment, work, and interests.

Heritage for Health

UK initiative highlighting cultural heritage engagement as a path to shared identity and improved wellbeing.

Social Approaches

Workshops, clubs, and group activities used as low-intensity interventions for mild mental-health concerns.