Mental & Physical Health (Health Psychology Edition)

AP Psych

Health Psychology

the study of how psychological, behavioral, and cultural factors contribute to physical health and illness

Stress

the response of the body and mind to challenges or demands, characterized by physical, emotional, and mental reactions

Hypertension

consistently high blood pressure that can damage heart/blood vessels

Immune Suppression

the decreased effectiveness of the immune system to fight infections and disease, often caused by chronic stress

Stressors

events or conditions that trigger stress by challenging an individual’s ability to cope or adjust

Daily Hassles

Minor irritations that occur regularly

Significant Life Changes

Major events that require adaptation

Catastrophes

Unpredictable, large-scale events that cause widespread stress

Eustress (motivating)

positive stress that enhance motivation, performance, and emotional well-being

Distress (debilitating)

negative stress that decreased motivation, impairs performance, and leads to emotional and physical problems

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)

stressful or traumatic events in childhood that can have long-lasting effects on health and well-being throughout a person’s life

General adaptation syndrome (GAS)

three-stage response to stress that includes alarm, resistance, and exhaustion, describing how the body reacts and adapts to stress over time

Alarm reaction phase

the initial stage of the GAS, where the body reacts to a stressor with a “fight-or-flight” response, activating stress hormones and physiological changes

Fight-flight-freeze response

a physiological reaction to perceived threats that prepares the body to fight, flee, or freeze to enhance survival

Resistance phase

the second stage of the GAS, where the body tries to adapt and cope with a stressor, maintaining heightened alertness and stress hormone levels

Exhaustion phase

the final stage of the GAS, where the body’s resources are depleted after prolong stress, leading to decreased stress tolerance and potential health issues

Tend-and-befriend theory

behavioral reaction to stress that involves nurturing activities to protect oneself and one’s offspring, and seeking social support to reduce stress

Problem-focused coping

involves directly managing or solving the source of stress to reduce its impact

Emotion-focused coping

managing the emotional response to stress rather than changing the stressful situation itself

Positive Psychology

the scientific study of human flourishing to help individuals and communities to thrive

Subjective Well-being

self-perceived happiness or satisfaction with life

Resilience

the abilities to adapt and recover quickly from difficulties or change, maintaining psychological well-being in the face of adversity

Posttraumatic Growth

positive psychological changes experienced as a result of struggling with highly challenging life circumstances, leading to a higher level of personal or interpersonal functioning

Positive Emotions

feelings that foster enjoyment, interest, and contentment, and contribute to overall well-being and happiness

Gratitude

the appreciation of what is valuable and meaningful to oneself, enhancing overall well-being by fostering positive feelings and relationship

Signature Strengths & Virtues

core characteristics that a person naturally possess and expresses, which contribute to fulfilling, authentic, and engaged living

Categories of virtues (wisdom, courage, humanity, Justice, temperance, transcendence)

these traits promote flourishing, well-being, and resilience, aiming to understand and foster what is best in humans