Untitled Flashcards Set

Introduction to Health Psychology

Overview of Health Psychology

• Health psychology is a subfield that integrates psychological principles into behavioral medicine, focusing on how psychological factors influence health and illness.

• It emphasizes the role of psychological processes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of physical health issues.

• The field aims to understand how stress and coping mechanisms affect overall health outcomes.

Psychoneuroimmunology

• Psychoneuroimmunology studies the interaction between psychological processes, the nervous system, and the immune system.

• Stress diverts energy from the immune system, inhibiting the function of B and T lymphocytes, macrophages, and NK cells, which are crucial for fighting infections and diseases.

• Chronic stress can lead to increased vulnerability to illnesses by altering immune functioning.

Understanding Stress and Stressors

Definition and Types of Stressors

• Stress is defined as the process of appraising and responding to perceived threats or challenges.

• Types of stressors include:

• Catastrophes: Large-scale unpredictable events (e.g., natural disasters).

  • Eustress: Positive stress that can lead to growth and is manageable.

  • Significant Life Changes: Major life events (e.g., divorce, death).

  • Daily Hassles: Minor irritations (e.g., traffic, deadlines).

  • Distress: Negative stress that has harmful effects.

The Stress Response Process

• Stress is not just a stimulus or response; it involves appraisal and coping mechanisms.

• The stress response can be categorized into two reactions:

• Threat: Feeling overwhelmed (e.g., during a tough math test).

  • Challenge: Feeling motivated to tackle the issue (e.g., preparing for work).

Health Consequences of Stress

Impact on Health

• Chronic stress can lead to unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as increased caffeine intake, smoking, and poor sleep.

• Long-term stress can result in serious health issues, including heart disease, immune suppression, and hypertension.

• Stress hormones can lead to persistent inflammation, which is linked to various health problems, including depression.

Type A vs. Type B Personalities

• Type A personalities are characterized by competitiveness, impatience, and hostility, which are linked to a higher risk of coronary heart disease.

• In contrast, Type B personalities are more relaxed and less prone to stress-related health issues.

• Catharsis (expressing emotions) is not effective for Type A individuals; alternative coping strategies like distraction and distancing are more beneficial.

Theories of Stress Response

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

• Proposed by Hans Selye, GAS describes the body's three-phase response to stress:

• Phase 1: Alarm Reaction: Activation of the sympathetic nervous system, leading to increased heart rate and blood flow to muscles.

  • Phase 2: Resistance: Body remains on high alert, with sustained hormone release to cope with stress.

  • Phase 3: Exhaustion: Prolonged stress leads to depletion of resources, increasing vulnerability to illness.

Long-term Effects of Stress

• Prolonged stress can lead to physical and mental health deterioration, including cognitive decline and increased disease risk.

• Severe childhood stress can have lasting effects on adult stress responses and overall health.

• Stress can lead to premature aging, as evidenced by shortened telomeres in individuals with a history of severe stress.

Coping with Stress

Coping Strategies

• Coping with stress can be approached through two main strategies:

• Problem-Focused Coping: Directly addressing the stressor (e.g., resolving family conflicts).

  • Emotion-Focused Coping: Managing emotional responses when the situation cannot be changed (e.g., seeking support from friends).

• Effective coping is influenced by personal control, explanatory style, and social support.