HS 1100 Lecture 3: Psychological Health

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key terms from HS 1100 Lecture 3: Psychological Health, including theories, coping strategies, mental health disorders, and help resources.

Psychological health

The extent to which a person can function optimally across emotional, mental, and social domains; poor psychological health is linked to mental illness and affects all dimensions of wellness.

Mental illness

A condition in which thoughts, feelings, or behaviors are severely disrupted and impair daily functioning.

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

A theory proposing five levels of human needs (physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, self-actualization) arranged in a hierarchical order.

Physiological needs

Basic bodily requirements for survival (e.g., food, water, shelter, sleep).

Safety and security needs

Level in Maslow’s hierarchy concerning personal safety, stability, and protection from harm.

Love and belongingness needs

Need for intimate relationships, friendships, and social connections.

Self-esteem needs

Desire for respect, self-worth, and a sense of competence.

Self-actualization

A state of realizing one’s potential and being authentic, creative, and meaningful in life.

Positive psychology

A branch of psychology focused on defining goals, strengths, and ways to achieve well-being and fulfillment.

Self-concept

One’s overall perception and understanding of oneself.

Unified sense of self

A coherent, integrated adult identity across thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Coping strategies

Cognitive and behavioral methods used to manage stress and maintain psychological health.

Optimism

A tendency to expect positive outcomes and view situations in a hopeful light.

Assertiveness

Communicating needs and boundaries in a direct, respectful, and nonhostile way.

Social media balance

Managing online time and content to support well-being rather than harm it.

Loneliness

A subjective feeling of social isolation or lack of meaningful connections.

Anger management

Strategies to understand, regulate, and express anger in healthy ways.

Reframing thoughts

Changing the way one interprets a situation to improve emotional responses.

Distraction

Engaging in activities to shift attention away from distressing emotions or thoughts.

Defense mechanisms

Unconscious psychological strategies used to cope with reality and maintain self-image.

Projection

Attributing one’s own unacceptable thoughts or impulses to others.

Repression

Keeping distressing thoughts or memories out of conscious awareness.

Denial

Refusing to acknowledge uncomfortable real facts.

Displacement

Shifting emotions from the original source to a safer substitute.

Dissociation

Detaching from a painful experience to avoid emotional distress.

Rationalization

Justifying unacceptable thoughts or behaviors with seemingly logical reasons.

Reaction formation

Concealing true feelings by exhibiting the opposite emotion.

Substitution

Replacing an unattainable goal with a more attainable one.

Acting out

Expressing impulses through actions rather than thoughts or feelings.

Humor

Using comedy to cope with difficult or painful situations.

Altruism

Caring for others and acting selflessly to help relieve emotional distress.

Box breathing

A mindfulness technique involving slow, equal-duration inhales, holds, and exhales to reduce stress.

Mindfulness

Nonjudgmental awareness of the present moment and one’s thoughts and feelings.

Biological model

Model of change that emphasizes brain biology and pharmacological treatment (e.g., antidepressants, mood stabilizers).

Behavioral model

Model of change focusing on observable actions, stimulus–response, and reinforcement.

Cognitive model

Model of change that centers on thoughts and beliefs; aims to identify and modify distorted or false ideas.

Psychodynamic model

Model of change asserting symptoms arise from unconscious emotions and defenses; emphasizes insight and resolution of internal conflicts.

Anxiety disorders

A group of disorders characterized by excessive fear, worry, and related physiological symptoms.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

Chronic, excessive worry about multiple domains that is difficult to control.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

A disorder featuring recurrent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce distress.

Specific phobia

Irrational, persistent fear of a specific object or situation.

Social anxiety disorder

Intense fear of social situations and scrutiny by others.

Panic disorder

Recurrent unexpected panic attacks and ongoing concern about having more attacks.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

A disorder following exposure to a traumatic event, with reliving, avoidance, and hyperarousal symptoms.

Acute stress disorder

Trauma-related symptoms that occur shortly after a traumatic event and last from 3 days to 1 month.

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

A neurodevelopmental disorder marked by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Mood disorders

A group of disorders characterized by disturbances in mood or prolonged emotional states.

Major depressive disorder

Severe, persistent low mood and loss of interest that impairs daily functioning.

Bipolar disorder

A mood disorder with alternating periods of depression and mania.

Depression (mood symptom)

A primary symptom of mood disorders involving persistent sadness, anhedonia, and other physical/psychological symptoms.

Manic episode

A period of abnormally elevated or irritable mood, increased energy, and impaired judgment.

Schizophrenia

A disorder affecting thinking, perception, and functioning, often with delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thoughts.

Delusions

Firmly held false beliefs not grounded in reality.

Auditory hallucinations

Hearing sounds or voices that are not present.

Suicide

The act of intentionally ending one’s own life; a major public health concern with preventable risk factors.

Risk factors for suicide

History of attempts, substance use disorders, access to weapons, family history, social isolation, and abuse history.

Protective factors for suicide

Protective connections, treatment engagement, religious or cultural prohibitions, and access controls to lethal means.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

A national helpline (9-8-8 in the U.S.) providing 24/7 confidential support for people in distress.

Your Life Iowa

State crisis resources including helplines, text lines, and online chat for mental health support.

Getting help on campus resources

Campus services such as Student Wellness, Counseling Center, and online therapy tools to support psychological health.