Life Orientation Stress and Related Topics - Vocabulary Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from Life Orientation stress and related topics.

Stress

The feelings and body response in difficult, challenging, or frightening situations when you feel you can’t cope.

Good stress (Eustress)

Positive stress that motivates action and provides energy for a task.

Bad stress (Distress)

Unhealthy stress that overwhelms coping and can lead to illness or sleep problems.

Stressor

Anything, an event or person, that triggers stress.

Short-term symptoms of stress

Faster breathing and heart rate, dry mouth, sweaty palms, butterflies in the stomach.

Long-term symptoms of stress

Chronic effects such as high blood pressure, headaches, ulcers, allergies.

Cortisol

A stress hormone produced in response to fear; high levels can cause anxiety and health problems.

Adrenaline

A hormone that prepares the body to react to threats by increasing energy and alertness.

Stress management

Techniques and strategies to reduce or cope with stress to protect health.

Types of stressors

Categories of stress triggers: Physical, Environmental, Personality-based, Social, and Emotional.

Physical stressor

Stress caused by physical harm or danger (e.g., violence, abuse).

Environmental stressor

Stress caused by environmental factors (extreme weather, pollution).

Personality-based stressor

Stress stemming from personality traits or predisposition to stress.

Social stressor

Stress arising from interactions with others (peer pressure, relationships).

Emotional stressor

Stress caused by emotional issues (relationships, feelings).

Positive stress

Beneficial stress that energizes and motivates action.

Negative stress

Harmful stress when level of stress is excessive and exceeds coping capacity.

Stress hormones

Cortisol and adrenaline released during stress; help prepare body for threat.

Stress journal

A daily log to identify stressors, feelings, actions, and coping strategies.

Personal mission statement

A statement about your values, dreams and goals and how you plan to achieve them.

Values

Personal beliefs that guide behavior and choices; shaped by experiences.

Belief system

The set of beliefs about what is right and wrong; may be religious or secular.

Religion

A system of beliefs, rituals and moral codes guiding conduct and worship.

Ideologies

Organized beliefs about how society should operate (e.g., democracy, nationalism).

Lifestyle

Daily living patterns, including health habits, exercise, safety, and diet.

Environmental responsibility

Taking care of the environment, recycling, reducing pollution, and supporting sustainability.

Goals for studies and career

Plans and steps toward future studies and work; provides direction.

Vision

A mental image of the future; a dream of what life could be; often ambitious.

SQ3R

Study method: Survey, Read, Recall, Review to embed material in memory.

Mind map

A diagram that connects ideas and shows relationships to aid memory and understanding.

Formative assessment

Ongoing checks during learning to guide teaching and learning.

Summative assessment

End-of-term or end-of-unit assessment measuring achievement.

Self-assessment

Learner’s own evaluation of their learning and progress.

Unemployment

The condition of being willing to work but unable to find a job.

Causes of unemployment

Job losses, retrenchment, automation, lack of skills, corruption, economic downturn.

Youth unemployment

Unemployment among young people due to lack of experience, skills, or opportunity.

Impact of unemployment

Financial, personal and social consequences such as loss of self-esteem, debt, family conflict.

Environmental factors

Environmental elements that affect health (pollution, hazards, disasters).

Natural disasters

Sudden events like fires, floods and earthquakes causing damage and trauma.

Environmental hazard

Human-made or natural hazards that threaten health or safety (pollution, waste).

Lifestyle diseases

Chronic diseases linked to lifestyle choices (heart disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer).

Domestic violence

Abuse within a relationship; can be physical, emotional, sexual, or economic.

Sexual harassment

Unwelcome sexual conduct in the workplace that interferes with performance or creates a hostile environment.

Rape

Forced sex; includes gang rape, date rape, statutory rape, acquaintance rape, and sexual abuse.

Bill of Rights

Constitutional rights for all people; e.g., equality, privacy, freedom of expression.

SAHRC

South African Human Rights Commission; protects rights and addresses violations.

ICD

Independent Complaints Directorate; handles police rights violations.

CCMA

Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration; deals with labour disputes.

CGE

Commission for Gender Equality; addresses gender equality issues.

Labour Relations Act (LRA)

Legislation governing employer–employee relations, unions, and dispute resolution.