Health Psychology
What does health psychology study?
How behavior, biology and social factors influence health and illness.
What are stressors?
Events or situations that trigger stress.
What defines a psychological disorder?
Patterns of thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that are deviant, distressful, dangerous and dysfunctional.
What type of disorder involves intense fear of specific objects or situations?
Phobic disorder (specific phobia)
What is REBT and who created it?
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy; Albert Ellis
Which psychologist developed the General Adaptation Syndrome?
Hans Selye
What is the difference between problem-focused and emotion-focused coping?
Problem-focused tackles the issue and emotion-focused manages the feelings.
What are the main psychological perspectives used to explain disorders?
Biological, behavioral, cognitive, psychodynamic, humanistic and sociocultural.
What are two common symptoms of schizophrenia?
Delusions and hallucinations.
What are two ethical principles psychologists must follow when treating clients?
Nonmaleficence and respect for people’s rights and dignity.
What is eustress?
Positive, motivating stress that can enhance performance.
Who developed the idea of learned helplessness?
Martin Seligman
What is the biopsychosocial model?
A model that explains disorders as a result of biological, psychological and social factors.
What is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?
A disorder with repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions).
What is systematic desensitization?
A therapy technique that gradually exposes individuals to feared stimuli in a safe environment while teaching them relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety.
What happens during the exhaustion phase of GAS?
The body’s resources are depleted and there is an increase in the risk of illness.
What is tend-and-befriend theory?
A stress response where people seek social support and care for others.
What does the diathesis-stress model say about the development of psychological disorders?
It suggests that disorders develop from a combination of genetic vulnerability (diathesis) and environmental stressors.
What is a key feature of trauma and stressor-related disorders like PTSD?
They involve intense emotional and behavioral reactions following exposure to a traumatic event.
What is the main technique used in person-centered therapy from the humanistic perspective?
Active listening and unconditional positive regard.
Give an example of immune suppression caused by stress.
A student gets sick during finals because chronic stress weakens their immune system.
What role does the sympathetic nervous system play in stress?
It activates the body for rapid physical response, like increased heart rate.
What is stigma, and how does it affect people with mental illness?
Negative stereotypes that cause discrimination and may prevent people from seeking help.
What is the difference between generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder?
GAD is constant worrying and panic disorder involves sudden, intense panic attacks.
What is tardive dyskinesia and what type of treatment can cause it?
A movement disorder caused by long-term use of antipsychotic medication that affects dopamine regulation.