Chapter 3: Key Terms (MEDA 100)

Acute stress

The most common form of stress; occurs with rapid onset. Comes from demands and pressures of the recent and past and anticipated demands of the future

Burnout

State of fatigue or frustration brought about by a devotion to a cause, a way of life, or a relationship that failed to produce the expected reward

Chronic stress

The response to emotional pressure for a prolonged period over which an individual perceives he or she has no control. It can have a serious impact on physical and psychological health

Episodic stress

Occurs when individuals take on too many tasks, becoming overwhelmed by all of the demands, and are unable to satisfy all of the demands

Goal

Result or achievement toward which effort is directed

Inner-Directed People

People who decide for themselves what they want to do with their lives

Long-Range Goals

Achievements that may take three or five years to accomplish

Outer-Directed People

People who let events, other people or environmental factors dictate their behaviors

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system that returns the body to its normal state after stress has subsided

Self-Actualization

Being all that you can be; developing your full potential and experiencing fulfillment

Short-Range Goals

Created when long-range goals are dissected and reassembled into smaller, more manageable time segments

Stressors

Demands to change that cause stress

Sympathetic Nervous System

Large part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for fight or flight