Understanding Stress and Health Psychology

These flashcards cover key concepts related to stress, its definitions, types, effects, coping methods, and related psychological theories.

What is stress?

Stress is defined as the demand made on an organism to adapt, cope, or adjust.

Eustress

Positive stress that keeps us alert and engaged.

Distress

Negative stress that can lead to health issues.

Health psychology investigates…

How psychological factors, such as stress and behavior patterns, contribute to illness.

Daily Hassles

Regular experiences that can negatively impact well-being.

Examples of hassles

Household hassles, health hassles, time-pressure hassles, inner concern hassles, environmental hassles, financial responsibility hassles, work hassles, security hassles.

Life Events vs. Hassles

Life Events differ from hassles as most life events are positive, while all hassles are negative.

Stress outcomes

Stress can lead to worry, negative mood changes, and increased risk of health problems.

Common feelings associated with stress

Irritability, anger, fatigue, headaches, indigestion.

Coping methods for stress

Common strategies include listening to music, exercise, watching TV, internet surfing, praying, napping, eating, drinking alcohol, or smoking.

Individual responses to stressors

Not all stressors affect individuals the same way; perception determines stress level.

Factors influencing stress effects

Self-efficacy expectations, psychological hardiness, sense of humor, emotional support.

General Adaptation Syndrome

A model proposed by Hans Selye outlining the body's reaction to stress through alarm, resistance, and exhaustion stages.

Psychoneuroimmunology

A field studying the interplay of psychological factors and physical health.

Effects of stress on the immune system

Stress can suppress the immune system, decrease inflammation, and lower antibody formation.