5.1 ApPsychology

Health Psychology

Study of how biological, social, and psychological factors impact health and illness.

Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI)

Study of how stress affects the nervous and immune systems

Stress

Physical and psychological response to perceived threats or challenges

Hypertension

High blood pressure, often linked to stress

Immune Suppression

Weakened immune system, often due to chronic stress

Eustress

Positive stress that motivates and enhances performance

Distress

Negative, overwhelming stress that can harm health

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Traumatic childhood events that affect later health

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

The body’s response to stress in three stages: alarm, resistance, exhaustion

Alarm

Initial stress response, preparing for fight or flight

Resistance

The body’s attempt to cope with stress over time

Fight-flight-freeze Response

The body's reaction to threats, preparing to fight, flee, or freeze

Exhaustion

Depletion of resources after prolonged stress

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)

Heart disease often linked to stress and unhealthy behaviors

Tend-and-Befriend Theory

Theory suggesting women respond to stress by nurturing and seeking support

Catharsis Coping

Releasing pent-up emotions to reduce stress

Problem-Focused Coping

Tackling the problem causing stress directly

Emotion-Focused Coping

Managing the emotional response to stress

Meditation

Relaxation practice to reduce stress and improve well-being

Personal Control

Belief in one’s ability to influence outcomes, reducing stress

Learned Helplessness

Resignation from repeated failure, believing no control over situations

External Locus of Control

Belief that external factors control life events

Internal Locus of Control

Belief that one controls their own outcomes

Self-Control

Ability to regulate emotions and behaviors in the face of temptation

Positive Psychology

Study of strengths and factors that contribute to happiness and well-being

Well-Being

A state of health and happiness

Resilience

Ability to recover from stress or adversity

Subjective Well-Being (SWB)

Personal assessment of happiness and life satisfaction

Feel-Good-Do-Good Phenomenon

The tendency to help others when feeling good

Adaptation-Level Phenomenon

Judging experiences based on past ones, leading to shifting expectations