Stress and Happiness Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key concepts related to stress and happiness as discussed in the lecture notes.

Stress

The event/situation or response to events that an individual perceives as overwhelming or threatening.

Eustress

Positive stress that motivates individuals.

Distress

Negative stress that can lead to feelings of burnout.

Primary Appraisal

Judgement about the degree of a stressor's potential outcome, identifying if it is a threat or challenge.

Secondary Appraisal

Evaluation of coping options available and their effectiveness in response to a stressor.

Fight or Flight Response

Physiological changes that occur in the body due to the release of epinephrine and norepinephrine in response to a threatening stressor.

General Adaptation Syndrome

A three-stage process (alarm, resistance, exhaustion) that the body goes through in response to prolonged stress.

Cortisol

A stress hormone that provides energy during stress but can weaken the immune system when levels are continuously elevated.

Psychoneuroimmunology

The study of how psychological factors influence the immune system.

Type A Personality

A personality type characterized by competitiveness, impatience, and hostility.

Type B Personality

A personality type characterized by relaxation and a laid-back approach.

Problem-Focused Coping

Coping strategy involving identifying the problem, considering solutions, and proactively addressing it.

Emotion-Focused Coping

Coping strategy that involves avoiding, minimizing, or distancing oneself from the problem and addressing symptoms rather than causes.

Perceived Control

Beliefs about our ability to influence outcomes, impacting health and happiness.

Social Support

Emotional and tangible assistance from others that can reduce stress and improve well-being.

Positive Affect

A state of happiness, joy, enthusiasm, alertness, and excitement.

Flow

A mental state characterized by complete concentration, intrinsic reward, and a balance between challenge and skills.

Autoimmune disease

When the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's healthy cells as invaders.

Immune System Suppression

A decrease in the effectiveness of the immune system due to stress and other factors.

Health Psychology

Study of psychological influences on health, illness, and responses to illness.

Chronic Stress

Sustained physiological reactions over time that lead to wear and tear on the body.

Daily Hassles

Routine challenges that can be more predictive of physical and psychological health than significant life changes.