Defining, Measuring, and Managing Stress

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the physiological, psychological, and coping aspects of stress management.

Physiological response to stress

The body's automatic reactions to stress, such as increased heart rate and hormone release.

Psychological response to stress

The mental or cognitive ways individuals react to stressors, including anxiety and worry.

Types of stress

Categories of stressors, such as acute, chronic, and episodic stress.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system that mobilizes the body's resources during stress.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system that promotes relaxation and recovery.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

Hormone released by the pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal glands during stress.

Allostasis

The process of achieving stability through change in response to stress.

Allostatic load

The cumulative burden of chronic stress and life events on the body.

Oxytocin

A hormone involved in social bonding and nurturing, released during stress.

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

A model by Hans Selye describing the body's response to stress in three stages: Alarm, Resistance, Exhaustion.

Problem-focused coping

Coping strategy that focuses on solving the problem causing stress.

Emotion-focused coping

Coping strategy that aims to manage emotional responses to stress.

Perceived Stress Scale

A self-report instrument for measuring the perception of stress.

Daily Hassles Scale

A tool for measuring the frequency and significance of daily hassles.

Progressive muscle relaxation

A relaxation technique that involves tensing and relaxing muscle groups.

Mindfulness-based stress reduction

Therapeutic intervention that teaches mindfulness to reduce stress and improve well-being.

Biofeedback

A technique that teaches control over physiological functions through feedback from monitoring devices.

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Psychotherapy that aims to change negative thinking patterns and behaviors associated with stress.

Emotional Disclosure

Therapeutic practice of expressing emotions related to negative experiences to improve mental health.