Health Module 2: Mental and Emotional Health and Well-Being

Cognitive Distortions

Irrational/exaggerated thought patterns that cause inaccurate perception of reality.

Genetic Predisposition

Increased likelihood to develop a specific condition based on genetic makeup

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Human Needs

Model organizing human needs into a ranked structure.

Mental Distress

Internal state of emotional pain, worry, or overwhelm that alters your behavior, thoughts, and daily relationships (Short-term).

Mental Health Conditions

Conditions affecting thoughts, emotions, mood, and behavior, causing problems in daily life.

Body Image

Subjective mental image of one’s own body; established based in self-observation and reactions of others. Can be positive or negative.

Weight Stigma

Flawed belief that a thinner body or lower weight is always better.

Muscle Dysmorphia

Disorder characterized by extreme concern with becoming muscular.

Airbrushing

Digitally altering an image to remove physical imperfections (wrinkles, blemishes, etc.)

Body Neutrality

Focusing on your body’s function rather than its appearance.

Body Positivity/Compassion

Acceptance and care of one’s body and understanding that it will change

Emotions

Complex physical mental states triggered by environmental stimuli.

Mental Illness

Mental health condition that causes significant changes in a person's thinking, emotion, behavior, or mood, leading to distress or trouble functioning in daily life (long-term).

Self-Esteem

Overall opinion of one’s self

Self-Talk

Continuous stream of conscious thoughts, mental commentary, and unconscious beliefs you use to process daily experiences.

Risk Factor

Any variable that increases one’s chance of developing a negative health condition

Mindset

How you see yourself.

Empathy

Ability to understand or perceive another person’s emotions.

Mindfulness

Act of paying attention to current thoughts and emotions in order to better understand them.

Stress

Natural response to demands, changes, and pressures in life.