Stress Basics
What is fight-or-flight?
Cannon’s theory of the body’s physiological reaction to perceived threat
What is the immune system?
protects body from harmful microorganisms
What is an acute stressor?
short-term exposure (ex: college exam)
What is emotion-focused coping?
reduces emotional distress, includes avoidance, positive comparisons, and reappraisal (ex: watching a movie to distract from academic stress)
What is positive psychology?
the scientific study of strengths, virtues, and factors that help individuals and communities thrive, emphasizes life satisfaction, optimism, positive emotions, and resilience over dysfunction or mental illness
What is eustress?
positive stress that enhances motivation and performance (eu=good)
What are telomeres?
chronic stress shortens telomeres (DNA segments protecting chromosomes)
What is PTSD?
intrusive memories, avoidance, emotional detachment
What is problem-focused coping?
addresses the source directly (ex: failing a class = get tutoring, study more, speak to professor)
What is positive affect?
the experience of joy, enthusiasm, and other uplifting emotions
What is General Adaptation Syndrome?
model of bodily response to prolonged stress (consists of three stages: alarm, resistance, exhaustion)
What is psychophysiological disorder?
physical illnesses worsened or triggered by stress and emotional factors (ex: asthma)
What is one common criticism of the Social Readjustment Rating Scale?
failure to consider individual appraisal/context
What is perceived control?
belief in personal ability to influence outcomes
greater control = better health outcomes and lower stress response
(ex: nursing home resident with more control = more happy = more likely to be alive 18 months later)
What is the meaningful life?
purpose through serving others or contributing to society
What is primary appraisal?
judging the potential harm or challenge posed by a stressor
What is heart disease?
emotional stress increases risk by raising blood pressure and circulating stress hormones like cortisol
What is job strain?
high demand + low control
What is learned helplessness?
response to repeated uncontrollable stress, dogs exposed to unavoidable shocks stopped trying to escape (ex: a student who feels like they won’t do well stops trying)
What is affective forecasting?
people often misjudge how events will affect their future emotions
What is health psychology?
subfield exploring how stress and psychology impact health and illness
What is the type b personality type?
described as more relaxed, less driven, and less competitive, at lower risk for heart disease
What is cynicism?
part of job burnout's depersonalization phase (question if something is worthwhile)
What is social support?
emotional, practical, and informational help from others, strong relationships = increased survival and reduced stress
Happiness increases with income up to this dollar amount
$75,000