Personal Health Ch 2

stress

the mental states or events that trigger physical and psychological reactions, and the reactions themselves

stressor

a physical or psychological event that triggers physical and emotional reactions

stress response

reaction to stressors

nervous system

the body's speedy, electrochemical communication network, consisting of all the nerve cells of the peripheral and central nervous systems

Parasympathetic Division

is in control when you are relaxed. It aids in digesting food, storing energy, and promoting growth. Part of the nervous system

Sympathetic Division

activated when you are stimulated. Part of the nervous system

noradrenaline

a neurotransmitter that affects nearly every organ

endocrine system

the body's "slow" chemical communication system; a set of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream to influence metabolism and other processes. During stress, the sympathetic nervous system triggers the ______

hormone

a chemical messenger produced in the body that transported in the bloodstream to target cells or organs for specific regulation of their activities

cortisol

A steroid hormone secreted by the cortex (outer layer) of the adrenal gland that triggers an energy source for your large muscles; also called hydrocortisone.

epinephrine

A hormone secreted by the medulla (inner core) of the adrenal gland that affects the functioning of organs involved in responding to a stressor; also called adrenaline.

fight, flight, or freeze reaction

A defense reaction that prepares a person for conflict or escape by triggering hormonal, cardiovascular, metabolic, and behavioral changes.

homeostasis

A state of stability and consistency in an individual's physiological functioning.

cognitive appraisal

thinking through the consequences of certain thoughts or behaviors, the processing of information

personality

The sum of behavioral, cognitive, and emotional tendencies.

stressed power motivation

Associated with people who are aggressive and argumentative and who need to have power over others

unstressed affiliation motivation

drawn to others and want to be liked as friends

resilience

A personality trait associated with the ability to face adversity and recover quickly from difficulties.

gender role

the activities, abilities, and behaviors your culture expects of you based on your sex

general adaptation syndrome (GAS)

A pattern of stress responses consisting of three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

eustress

Stress resulting from a stressor perceived to be pleasant.

distress

Stress resulting from a stressor perceived to be unpleasant.

Alarm Stage

The first stage of the general adaptation syndrome, in which the person experiences a burst of energy that aids in dealing with the stressful situation.

Resistance Stage

The second stage of the general adaptation syndrome, when there are intense physiological efforts to either resist or adapt to the stressor.

Exhaustion

A harmful third phase of the stress response, in which stress exceeds the body's ability to recover.

allostatic load

The "wear and tear" on the body that results from long-term exposure to repeated or chronic stress.

psychoneuroimmunology (PNI)

The study of the interactions among the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems.

lymphocytes

A type of white blood cell that make antibodies to fight off infections

neuropeptides

Brain chemicals, such as enkephalins and endorphins, that regulate the activity of neurons. translate stressful emotions into biochemical events

acute stress

Stress immediately following a stressor; may last only minutes or may turn into chronic stress.

chronic stress

Stress that continues for days, weeks, or longer.

atherosclerosis

a disease in which blood vessels become damaged and caked with fatty deposits

Tension headaches

Usually occur at times of stress; dull band of pain around the entire head

Migraine headaches

Prolonged, intense headaches brought on by changes in blood flow in blood vessels in the brain

Cluster headaches

severe headaches that cause intense pain in and around one eye. They usually occur in clusters of one to three headaches each day over a period of weeks or months, altering with periods of remission in which no headaches occur

academic stress

exams, grades, and an endless work-load await every college student but can be especially troublesome for young students just out of high school

Interpersonal stress

stress that results from a lack of, or more often issues within or because of relationships with other individuals, groups, or other living beings

Time pressure

a strong sense that the amount of time you have to do a task is not enough

financial concern

the majority of college students need financial aid

Worries about anything buy especially about the future

as college comes to an end, students face the next set of decisions: thinking about a career, choosing a place to live, and leaving the friends and routines of school behind

One of the highest reported sources of stress for Americans

work

burnout

a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion created by long-term involvement in an emotionally demanding situation and accompanied by lowered performance and motivation

mindfulness

The intentional cultivation of attention in a way that is nonjudging and nonstriving.

autonomic nervous system

the part of the peripheral nervous system that controls the glands and the muscles of the internal organs (such as the heart). Its sympathetic division arouses; its parasympathetic division calms. Unconscious body functions

daily hassel

relatively minor inconveniences that can build up stress