Stress and Health Psychology Overview

A compilation of flashcards focused on key concepts from the lecture on stress and health psychology.

Health Psychology

A field that links psychology to the prevention and treatment of illnesses.

Biopsychosocial View

An approach that emphasizes the interaction of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors in illness.

Stress

The process by which environmental events threaten or challenge us.

Sympathetic Nervous System

The part of the nervous system that activates during stressful situations, preparing the body for fight or flight.

Types of Stress

Different classifications of stressors discussed in class.

Biofeedback

A technique that teaches individuals to control physiological functions by providing real-time feedback.

Control and Prediction in Stress

The ability to predict and exert control over stressful situations, impacting stress levels.

Types of Conflict

Categorized conflicts that include Approach-Approach, Avoidance-Avoidance, and Approach-Avoidance.

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

A three-stage response to stress discovered by Hans Selye, consisting of alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

Coping with Stress

Strategies employed to manage stress, such as forgiveness and problem-solving.

Type A Personality

A competitive, high-stress personality type often associated with a higher risk of heart disease.

Type B Personality

A more relaxed, non-competitive personality type that experiences lower levels of stress.

Social Psychology

The study of how individuals think, influence, and relate to one another.

Attribution

The process of explaining the causes of behavior and events.

Fundamental Attribution Error

The tendency to overemphasize personal characteristics and underestimate situational factors when evaluating others' behavior.

Conformity

The adjustment of thoughts or behavior to align with perceived group norms.

Milgram's Study on Obedience

An experiment that demonstrated the extent to which individuals will obey authority figures even against their own moral judgment.

Attitudes

Beliefs and feelings that influence how we respond to objects, people, and events.

Group Influences

The effects of a group on an individual’s behavior, including norms, culture, and social pressures.

Social Facilitation

The improved performance on tasks in the presence of others.

De-individuation

A psychological state characterized by diminished self-awareness and reduced social restraints.

Group Polarization

The tendency for group discussion to enhance the group's prevailing attitudes.

Prejudice

A preconceived negative judgment or attitude toward a group and its members.

Aggression

Behavior intended to harm another individual physically or psychologically.

Conflict

A perceived incompatibility of actions or goals between individuals or groups.

Attraction

The desire to form a relationship with someone based on various factors, including proximity and similarity.

Forgiveness

A conscious decision to let go of resentment and thoughts of revenge.

Health and Gratitude

The positive impact of practicing gratitude on mental and physical health.

Reading on Love and Friendship

Study of emotional relationships and their significance in life.