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General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

• Definition: The body’s three-stage response to stress: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

• Example: Feeling panicked before a big test (alarm), studying hard (resistance), then feeling exhausted afterward (exhaustion).

Nun Study

• Definition: A longitudinal study showing that positive emotions in early life are linked to longer lifespan and cognitive health.

• Key Finding: Nuns with positive outlooks lived longer and had lower rates of Alzheimer’s.

Broaden-and-Build Theory

• Definition: Positive emotions expand our thinking and build personal resources.

• Example: Happiness makes you more creative and socially connected.

External vs. Internal Locus of Control

• Internal: Belief that you control your own destiny.

• External: Belief that outside forces (luck, fate) control your life.

Cortisol and Adrenal Glands

• Cortisol: Stress hormone that helps the body respond to stress.

• Adrenal Glands: Release cortisol and adrenaline during stress.

Self-Esteem

• Definition: A person’s overall sense of self-worth or personal value.

• High vs. Low: High self-esteem leads to confidence, while low self-esteem can cause insecurity.

Meta-Analysis

• Definition: A study that combines the results of multiple studies to find overall trends.

• Example: Reviewing 50 studies on therapy effectiveness.

Learned Helplessness

• Definition: When repeated failure leads to a belief that effort won’t help.

• Example: A student stops trying after failing multiple tests.

Behavioral Medicine

• Definition: A field that combines medicine and psychology to improve health.

• Example: Using therapy to help manage chronic pain.

Cannon-Bard Theory

• Definition: The idea that emotions and bodily responses occur simultaneously.

• Example: Seeing a bear → Heart races and you feel fear at the same time.

Type A vs. Type B Personality

• Type A: Competitive, impatient, high-stress risk.

• Type B: Relaxed, less competitive, lower stress levels.

Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research

• Quantitative: Uses numbers, statistics (e.g., surveys, experiments).

• Qualitative: Uses observations, interviews (e.g., case studies).

Biofeedback

• Definition: Using technology to monitor and control body functions like heart rate.

• Example: Using a device to lower stress through breathing exercises.

Immune System & Health

• Stress Effect: Chronic stress weakens the immune system.

• Positive Health Habits: Exercise, sleep, and social connections boost immunity.

Positive Traits & Health

• Examples: Optimism, resilience, gratitude.

• Benefit: Linked to better mental and physical health.

Walter Cannon & Hans Selye

• Walter Cannon: Studied stress responses (fight-or-flight).

• Hans Selye: Developed General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS).

Symptoms of Depression

• Common Signs: Sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, sleep changes, difficulty concentrating.

• Causes: Genetics, stress, chemical imbalances.

Endorphins, Epinephrine, Norepinephrine

• Endorphins: Natural painkillers, create feelings of euphoria.

• Epinephrine (Adrenaline): Increases heart rate, boosts energy.

• Norepinephrine: Helps with alertness and focus.

Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic Nervous System

• Sympathetic: “Fight or flight” (increases heart rate, prepares for action).

• Parasympathetic: “Rest and digest” (slows heart rate, promotes relaxation).

Double-Blind Study

• Definition: Neither the participants nor researchers know who is receiving the treatment or placebo.

• Why?: Prevents bias in experiments.

Hindsight Bias

• Definition: The tendency to believe, after an event, that we “knew it all along.”

• Example: Saying “I knew they’d break up” after a couple splits.

Confirmation Bias

• Definition: Seeking out information that confirms our beliefs and ignoring opposing evidence.

• Example: Only watching news that supports your political views.

Placebo Effect

• Definition: When people experience real changes because they believe they are receiving treatment.

• Example: Feeling better after taking a sugar pill.

Elements of an Experiment

1. Independent Variable: What is changed.

2. Dependent Variable: What is measured.

3. Control Group: No treatment, used for comparison.

4. Experimental Group: Receives the treatment.

Self-Regulation

• Definition: Controlling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors to achieve goals.

• Example: Resisting the urge to eat junk food while dieting.

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