Chapter 12 Flashcards
Stress
The tension, discomfort, or physical symptoms that arise when a situation, called a stressor-a type of stimulus- strains our ability to cope effectively
corticosteroid
stress hormone that activates the body and prepares us to respond to stressful circumstances
Posttraumatic growth
the perception of beneficial change or personal transformation in the struggle to overcome adversity
primary appraisal
initial decision regarding whether an event is harmful
secondary appraisal
perceptions regarding our ability to cope with an event that follows primary appraisal
problem-focused coping
coping strategy by which we problem solve and tackle life’s challenges head on
emotion-focused coping
coping strategy that features a positive outlook on feelings of situation accompanied by behaviors that reduce painful emotions
hassle
minor annoyance or nuisance that strains our ability to cope
general adaptation syndrome
stress-response pattern proposed by Hans Selye that consists of three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion
fight-or-flight response
physical and psychological reaction that mobilizes people and animals to either defend themselves or escape a threatening situation
tend and befriend
reaction that mobilizes people to nurture or to seek social support under stress
social support
relationships with people, groups, and the larger community that can provide us with emotional comfort t and personal financial resources
proactive coping
anticipation of problems and stressful situation that promotes effective coping
hardiness
set of attitudes marked by a sense of control over events, commitment to life and work, and courage and motivation to confront stressful events
Spirituality
search for the sacred, which may or may not extend to belief in God
Immune System
our body’s defense system against invading bacteria, viruses, and other potentially illness-producing organisms and substances
acquired immune deficiency syndrome
a life-threatening, incurable, and yet treatable condition in which the human immunodeficiency virus attacks and damages the immune system
psychoneuroimmunology
study of the relationship between the immune system and central nervous system
psychophysiological
a category of illnesses such as asthma and ulcers in which emotions and stress contribute to, maintain, or aggravate the physical condition
biopsychosocial perspective
the view that an illness or a medical condition is the product of the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors
coronary heart disease
damage to the heart from the complete or partial blockage of the arteries that provide oxygen to the heart
Type A personality
personality type that describes people who are competitive, driven, hostile, and ambitious
health psychology
field of psychology, also called behavioral medicine, that integrates the behavioral sciences with practice of medicine
aerobic exercise
exercise that promotes the use of oxygen in the body
