Psychology of Body Health - Health Psychology

Flashcards covering key concepts in Health Psychology and Positive Psychology.

Health Psychology

The study of how psychological and behavioral factors contribute to physical health and illness.

Stress

The response of the body and mind to challenges or demands, characterized by physical, emotional, and mental reactions.

Stressors

Events or conditions that trigger stress by challenging an individual's ability to cope or adjust.

Eustress

Positive stress that enhances motivation, performance, and emotional well-being.

Distress

Negative stress that decreases motivation, impairs performance, and leads to emotional and physical problems.

Daily Hassles

Minor irritations that occur regularly.

Significant Life Changes

Major events that require adaptation.

Catastrophes

Unpredictable large-scale events that cause widespread stress.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES)

Stressful or traumatic events in childhood that can have long-lasting effects on health and well-being throughout a person's life.

General Adaptation Syndrome

A three-stage response to stress that includes alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

Alarm Reaction Phase

The initial response to a stressor, characterized by the 'fight or flight' response.

Resistance Phase

The stage where the body tries to adapt and cope with a stressor, maintaining heightened alertness.

Exhaustion Phase

The stage where the body's resources are depleted after prolonged stress, leading to potential health issues.

Tend and Befriend Theory

A behavioral reaction to stress that involves nurturing oneself and one's offspring, and seeking social support.

Problem Focused Coping

Directly managing or solving the source of stress to reduce its impact.

Emotion Focused Coping

Managing the emotional response to stress rather than changing the stressful situation itself.

Positive Psychology

The scientific study of human flourishing to help individuals and communities thrive.

Subjective Well Being

Self-perceived happiness or satisfaction with life.

Resilience

The ability to adapt and recover quickly from difficulties or change, maintaining psychological well-being.

Positive Emotions

Feelings that foster enjoyment, interest, and contentment, contributing to overall well-being.

Gratitude

The appreciation of what is valuable and meaningful, enhancing well-being by fostering positive feelings and relationships.

Signature Strengths & Virtues

Core characteristics that a person naturally possesses and expresses, which contribute to fulfilling and engaged living.

Wisdom & Knowledge

A virtue encompassing strengths like creativity, curiosity, and open-mindedness.

Courage

A virtue associated with strengths such as bravery, persistence, and integrity.

Humanity

A virtue that includes strengths like love, kindness, and social intelligence.

Justice

A virtue relating to citizenship, fairness, and leadership.

Temperance

A virtue that includes traits like forgiveness, modesty, and self-regulation.

Transcendence

A virtue that includes appreciation of beauty, gratitude, hope, and spirituality.