Psychology of Body Health

Psychology of Body Health

5.1 Introduction to Health Psychology

  • Definition: Health Psychology is the study of how psychological, behavioral, and cultural factors contribute to physical health and illness.

Stress

  • Definition of Stress: A response of the body and mind to challenges or demands, characterized by physical, emotional, and mental reactions.
  • Physical Problems Associated with Stress: Stress can lead to various health issues including:
    • High blood pressure (hypertension)
    • Headaches
    • Weakened immune system (immune suppression)

Stressors

  • Definition of Stressors: Events or conditions that trigger stress challenges, impacting an individual's ability to cope or adjust.
  • Characteristics of Stressors:
    • Situations perceived as threats.
    • Vary in impact on different individuals; not every potential stressor causes stress for everyone.

Types of Stress

  • 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

  • Definition: Minor irritations that occur regularly and may accumulate over time, potentially affecting mental health.

Significant Life Changes

  • Definition: Major events requiring adaptation, impacting stress levels significantly.

Catastrophes

  • Definition: Unpredictable, large-scale events causing widespread stress and mental health issues.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

  • Definition: Stressful or traumatic events in childhood that can have long-lasting effects on health and well-being throughout an individual's life.

How Does the Body React to Stress?

  • General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS): A model describing the body’s physiological response to stress in three stages: Alarm, Resistance, and Exhaustion.
    1. Alarm Reaction Phase (#1): The body's initial response where it reacts to stressors by activating the 'fight or flight' response, leading to physiological changes such as:
    • Increased heart rate
    • Increased blood pressure
    • Increased blood sugar supply, resulting in a burst of energy.
    • Common reactions include fever, nausea, and headaches.
    1. Resistance Phase (#2): The body attempts to adapt to the stressor, maintaining increased alertness and stress hormone levels. This phase can affect the brain's processing of pain due to noradrenaline, leading to heightened sensitivity to pain.
    2. Exhaustion Phase (#3): Prolonged stress depletes the body's resources, increasing susceptibility to illnesses and health issues. When the stressor ends, the parasympathetic division is activated to help replenish resources.

Coping with Stress

  • Tend and Befriend Theory: A behavioral reaction to stress focusing on nurturing oneself and others, fostering social support.
  • Problem-Focused Coping: Involves directly managing or solving the source of stress.
    • Example: Breaking up with a partner to alleviate stress.
  • Emotion-Focused Coping: Involves managing emotional responses to stress instead of altering the stressor itself.
    • Example: Addressing one's feelings before attempting problem-solving.

5.2 Positive Psychology

Psychology of Positivity

Positive Psychology

  • Definition: The scientific study of human flourishing, aimed at aiding individuals and communities to thrive.

Key Concepts

  • 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 despite adversity.
  • Positive Emotions: Feelings that foster enjoyment, interest, and contentment, contributing to overall well-being and happiness. Examples include:
    • Joy
    • Gratitude
    • Serenity
    • Interest
    • Hope
    • Pride
    • Amusement
    • Inspiration
    • Awe
    • Love

Gratitude

  • Definition: The appreciation of what is valuable and meaningful to oneself, promoting well-being by encouraging positive emotions and relationships.

Signature Strengths & Virtues

  • Definition: Core characteristics that individuals naturally possess, contributing to fulfilling, authentic, and engaged living.

Virtue Categories

  1. Wisdom & Knowledge:
    • Strengths: Creativity, Curiosity, Open-mindedness, Love of Learning, Perspective.
  2. Courage:
    • Strengths: Bravery, Persistence, Integrity, Vitality.
  3. Humanity:
    • Strengths: Love, Kindness, Social Intelligence.
  4. Justice:
    • Strengths: Citizenship, Fairness, Leadership.
  5. Temperance:
    • Strengths: Forgiveness and Mercy, Humility/Modesty, Prudence, Self-Regulation.
  6. Transcendence:
    • Strengths: Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence, Gratitude, Hope, Spirituality.