AP Psych Unit 5 | Understanding Stress & Coping

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

• physical problems such as high blood pressure (hypertension), headaches, and weakened immune system (immune supression) can occur

Stressors

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

Eustress

positive stress that enhances motivation, performance, and emotional wellbeing

Distress

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

Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale for Non-Adults

Stress level self-assessment in which one checks boxes next to the events one has experienced in the past year

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

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

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

three-stage stress response to stress that progresses from alarm, to resistance, to exhaustion

• describes how the body reacts and adapts to stress over time

Alarm Reaction Phase

the initial stage of general adaptation syndrome, where the body reacts to a stressor with a fight-or-flight response, thus 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 general adaptation syndrome, where the body tries to adapt and cope with a stressor, and maintains heightened alertness and stress hormone levels

Exhaustion Phase

the final stage of general adaptation syndrome, where the body’s resources are depleted after prolonged stress

• leads 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

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