Application module - Social psychology and health Flashcards
What is the definition of psychological stress?
Sense that challenges and demands surpass one’s capacities, resources and energies.
Obligations, expectations threatening social identity are particularly likely to contribute to said stress.
What is the name of the axis that produces cortisol?
Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis
What contains the Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis?
Stressfull event -> amygdala -> hypothalamus -> (chemical message) Pituitary glands -> (hormones) adrenal glands in kidneys -> cortisol
What hormone do the pituitary glands produce?
adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
Into where is the cortisol released?
the bloodstream, from the adrenal glands
What are the effects of cortisol?
Short term stress
Increase hear rate + blood pressure
Distribution of blood to appropriate muscle groups
Suppression activity of immune system
What is rumination, and how can you reduce it?
Rumination is repeatedly thinking about a stressful event, which leads to chronic stress, premature aging of cells and cell death in the hippocampus. It can be reduced by self-distancing.
What is the link between socioeconomic status and health?
SES is an important cultural dimension of one’s identity.
Every health problem is more predominant in lower SES, which starts at birth.
This is partially due to differences in the physical environment - there are often more stress-reducing activities in high-SES neighborhoods, less pollution + violence.
Furthermore, the subjective construal of lower rank/status can cause stress-related illnesses.
All of this results in the activation HPA axis + elevated cortisol + more health problems.
Explain the concept of the ladder measure
- Measure of construal of rank
- Ladder representing social class of people
- Top = most money + education + respected jobs
- based on subjective control
- With each jump up ladder, better health
- Experience of relative subordination in social class leads to worse health
What are the benefits of social connections on health?
Meaningful relationships and connections make you healthier and live longer. Having a sympathetic person with you during a stressful experience can lead to the reduction of potentially damaging physiological + psychological effects
Explain the following study: would sense of social connection enable more favorable responses to breast cancer?
C1: weekly session of emotionally supportive group therapy w breast cancer patients
C2: assignment to nonintervention control group
Group therapy = survive 18 months longer than those in C2
What feelings is oxytocin responsible for?
Responsible for feelings of trust, love, devotion
What is one way to reduce stress?
In order to reduce stress, you should remember to stay connected with the people you love
Which basic belief does disease challenge?
Disease challenges the basic belief that we have over control of own bodies and life. Losing that control is stressful.
What are the benefits of perceived control and optimism on health?
+ Study
A perceived sense of control over circumstance => reduce stress + yields health benefits
Experiment in a nursing home
Floor1: explained all ways to have perso control in res + personal respo, given plant to take care off and water
Floor2: explained all possibilities to them, Ø mention of control + told personnel would take care of plant
Floor w increased control => increase in happiness
