Stress Basics
This is the process by which we interpret and evaluate a potential stressor.
appraisal
This hormone released by the adrenal glands increases blood sugar and helps the body respond to stress.
Cortisol
Coping strategies that attempt to directly change the stressor are known as this.
Problem-focused coping
Psychologists often refer to happiness as this broader concept involving life satisfaction and positive emotions.
Subjective well-being
This field of psychology studies strengths and factors that help individuals and communities thrive.
Postive Psychology
According to Richard Lazarus, the stage where someone evaluates whether a stressor is a threat, challenge, or harm. (aka which type of appraisal)
primary appraisal
This part of the nervous system activates the fight-or-flight response.
Sympathetic Nervous System
Coping strategies that attempt to deal with the negative emotions that the stressor causes.
Emotion-focused coping
This concept refers to an individual’s belief in their ability to successfully accomplish a task or reach a goal, which can increase motivation and resilience.
Self-efficacy
The ability to recover or bounce back after adversity or stress
Resilience
This stage of appraisal involves evaluating resources and options for coping with a stressor. (aka what type of appraisal)
Secondary Appraisal
This syndrome describes the body’s three-stage physiological response to stress: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.
General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)
Seeking advice, comfort, or assistance from others is an example of this coping resource.
Social Support
Research shows that beyond basic needs, this factor predicts happiness more strongly than income.
Close relationship
This psychological trait refers to perseverance and passion for long-term goals, helping individuals persist through challenges.
Grit
This type of stress is positive and can improve performance
Eustress
This stage of GAS occurs when the body’s resources are depleted and illness becomes more likely.
Exhaustion Stage
A college student dealing with academic pressure regularly goes for runs and attends yoga classes to reduce stress and improve mood. These strategies represent this type of coping resource that helps the body regulate stress.
Physical Exercise
People who perceive they have control over their lives tend to report higher levels of this psychological trait.
Life satisfaction
The state of deep absorption in an activity where time seems to disappear is called this. (this is also a popular term: ___ state)
Psychologists often distinguish between acute stressors and this type of stressor, which involves long-term exposure.
Chronic Stress
This endocrine system structure releases ACTH and helps activate the stress response through the HPA axis.
Pituitary Gland
When someone refuses to acknowledge a stressful situation exists, they are using this defense mechanism.
Denial
A researcher studying happiness finds that individuals who believe they control the outcomes of their lives tend to report greater life satisfaction than those who attribute outcomes to luck or fate. This belief reflects this concept.
Internal Locus of Control
This intervention involves writing down things you are thankful for to increase well-being.
Gratitude practice/journal