psc 001 - stress & coping

biological causes of stress

hypothalamus, pituitary gland, adrenal glands

autonomic nervous system

self-regulating and controls glands and internal organ muscles; maintains homeostasis

parasympathetic nervous system

rest and digest; the division of the autonomic nervous system that calms the body, conserving its energy

sympathetic nervous system

fight or flight; the division of the autonomic nervous system that arouses the body (flushed skin, trembling, rapid heartbeat)

stress response

event occurs, appraisal (threat or challenge), response (distracted or aroused/focused)

primary appraisal

initial decision regarding whether an event is harmful

secondary appraisal

judgement of options available to cope with a stressor

types of stressors

traumatic events, life changes, daily hassles

optimum arousal theory

excited = high arousal (anxious)

bored = low arousal (lethargic)

best performance = moderate arousal

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

body's response to stress in three phases—alarm, resistance, exhaustion; effects of prolonged exposure to stressors

emotion focused coping

makes you feel better (meditation, pep talk)

problem-focused coping

directly addressing the stressor or the way we interact with that stressor (create to do list)

positive affect

Pleasant emotions such as joy, happiness, and interest.

negative affect

negative emotions such as anger, guilt, and sadness. predicted by poor social support and perceptions or corruption

Cantril Ladder

Status of your life on a ladder from 0-10. predicted by social support and freedom to make life choices

Influences on happiness

50% genetics, 40% activity & practice, 10% circumstances