AP Psychology Unit 5 - Intro to Health and Positive Psychology

Positive Psychology

A branch of psychology that focuses on the study of strengths, well-being, and factors that contribute to a fulfilling life, rather than just treating mental illness. It aims to promote optimal functioning and happiness through positive experiences, traits, and institutions.

Positive Emotions

Positive feelings that enhance well-being and life satisfaction, such as joy, gratitude, and love.

Psychologists will look at how those types of feelings can broaden a person’s thinking and personal growth

Character Strength

Positive traits that contribute to individual fulfillment and well-being, such as bravery, kindness, and integrity.

They are essential components of a person's personality that can be cultivated and measured to improve overall life satisfaction.

Resilience and Wellbeing

Refers to the ability to bounce back from adversity and maintain a sense of well-being despite challenges. Resilience contributes to overall life satisfaction and helps individuals cope with stress effectively.

Example: Getting hit by a blue shell in mario kart, but still making it to first place

Gratitude

The process of recognizing and appreciating the positive aspects of life.

Practicing gratitude has been linked to increased happiness and fulfillment, fostering stronger relationships and overall well-being.

Signature Strengths (Virtues)

The unique set of character strengths that individuals most naturally use and excel in, significantly contributing to their sense of purpose and identity.

Post Traumatic Growth

Positive psychological changes that occur as a result of struggling with challenging life events or traumatic events. It can give people a renewed sense of appreciation for life

Health Psychology

A field in psychology that focuses on how a person’s physical health and wellness shape their behaviors and mental processes

Prolonged Stress

A state of enduring stress that can have detrimental effects on physical health and mental well-being, often leading to chronic health issues.

It can weaken the body’s ability to fight off different diseases

Eustress

A type of stress that is considered positive. This can motivate in individual to perform better or take on a challenge

Distress

A type of stress that is considered negative. This ends up overwhelming the individual, which leaves them feeling exhausted

Traumatic Events

Experiences that cause significant emotional and psychological stress, potentially leading to lasting mental health issues.

Examples: Accidents, natural disasters, violent experiences, losing loved ones

PTSD

A mental health condition that comes from experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event that leads to severe anxiety, flashbacks, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.

Adverse Childhood Experiences

Events are potentially traumatic events that occur during childhood, such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction, which can have lasting effects on health and well-being.

General Adaptation Syndome

A three-stage response to stress, consisting of alarm, resistance, and exhaustion, which describes how the body reacts to prolonged stressors.

1. Alarm reaction: Stressor is first perceived, and fight-flight-freeze response is experienced

2. Resistance: Body uses up more energy to adapt to the stressor

3. Exhaustion: If stressor continues, the body’s energy depletes → weakened immune system

Tend and Befriend Theory

The theory in which under stress, individuals are more likely to care for themselves or seek social support from others

• Tending: Centered around nurturing care, when an individual takes care of themselves or others

• Befriending: When an individual seeks out the support or others and providing support

Problem-Focused Coping

A coping strategy that involves tackling a stressor by directly addressing the problem to reduce or eliminate its impact.

Most effective when the problem is in your control

Emotion-Focused Coping

A coping strategy that aims to manage emotional responses to stress rather than addressing the stressor itself, often involving reappraisal or seeking emotional support.

Most effective when the problem is out of your control