Biology: Stress and Health Psychology Flashcards
Seeks to answer the question “What is the role of biology in psychology?”
Neuroscience
What is defined as the electrochemical communication system?
Nervous System
What are the nerve cells or basic building blocks found everywhere in the body?
Neurons
What are the chemical messengers that communicate between neurons?
Neurotransmitters
What neurotransmitter is linked to mood disorders like depression, sleeping and eating?
Serotonin
What neurotransmitter is linked to addiction; pleasure part of your brain?
Dopamine
What neurotransmitter is thought to be linked to schizophrenia when its levels are too high?
Dopamine
What neurotransmitter is thought to be linked to Parkinson’s disease when its levels are too low?
Dopamine
What neurotransmitters are defined as natural opiate-like, that are released during times of great pain or pleasure?
Endorphins
Which neurotransmitter can be naturally released through exercise?
Endorphins
What are the 2 major divisions of the nervous system?
The Central (CNS) and Peripheral (PNS) Nervous System
What are the 2 parts that make up your Central Nervous System?
The brain and the spinal cord
Where is the Peripheral Nervous System located in the body?
Everywhere except for the brain and spinal cord.
What is Somatic Division?
Any VOLUNTARY bodily task. (ex: kicking your leg, throwing a ball)
What is Autonomic Division?
Any INVOLUNTARY task.
What is Sympathetic Division?
Fight vs. Flight; comes from a thought like if you’re being followed in an alley and you start to sweat/dilated pupils etc.
What is Parasympathetic Division?
Reverse of Fight vs. Flight. Body calms down, back to normal breathing, heartrate etc.
Which way does the brain develop?
From the bottom to the top.
Which part of the brain is responsible for respiration (breathing/heartrate)?
Medulla
Which part of the brain is activated when experiencing fear/aggression?
Amygdala
Which part of the brain is linked to memories and is larger in females?
Hippocampus
Which part of the brain is a bundle of nerve fibers that connects the 2 hemispheres of the brain?
Corpus Callosum
Which part of the brain is located at the top and rear of your brain and responsible for pain, pressure and temperature?
The Parietal Lobe
Which part of the brain is located right above the ears and is responsible for audition (hearing)?
The Temporal Lobe
Which part of the brain is located at the base of the brain and is responsible for vision?
The Occipital Lobe
Which part of the brain is located at the forehead/front of head and is responsible for judgement and personality?
The Frontal Lobe
Who was the railroad worker that had a metal rod pierced through his frontal lob and later had changes in his personality?
Phineas Gage
What is the definition of good stress?
Eustress
What is stress?
the physical and mental things that happen to a person when encountering a stressor.
What is a stressor?
The cause of stress to a person.
What is voted the number one cause of death in adults?
Stress that leads to heart attacks
What are some sources of stress that are considered major life changes?
Divorce, moving, loss of someone or something.
What type of stress doesn’t ever go away?
Chronic Stress
Hassles lead to….
little annoyances that lead to BURNOUT, emotional exhaustion. *one of the top 4 careers in the world that lead to burnout are teachers.
What source of stress is described as when someone is faced with a decision?
Conflict
What type of conflict is approach - approach?
Either outcome is positive ++
What type of conflict is avoidance - avoidance?
Either outcome is negative - -
What type of conflict is approach - avoidance?
Both outcomes can lead to something good in addition to something bad. + -
What is defined as the psychological effects of stress on the immune system?
Psychoneuroimmunology
Type A or Type B: competitive?
Type A
Type A or Type B: sees things as a challenge rather than an obstacle?
Type B
Type A or Type B: laid back?
Type B
Type A or Type B: Struggles with time urgency?
Type A
Type A or Type B: Always preoccupied with responsibilities?
Type A
Type A or Type B: Suffers with Cynical Hostility (perceives the world as a threat)
Type A
