CHAPTER 10

Question 1

what is health psychology

Answer 1

subfield of psychology
- how behavior, cognition, and physical health are interrelated

Question 2

the biopsychosocial model

Answer 2

biology: sex, illness, genetic background, immune functioning, neurochemistry

psychology: personality, history, behavior, beliefs, memories, coping strategies

social context: family, friends, culture, socioeconomic status, education

Question 3

stress

Answer 3

physical and psychological response

Question 4

types of stressors

Answer 4

catastrophic events, major life events, daily hassles

Question 5

primary appraisal vs. secondary appraisal

Answer 5

primary is interpretation of stimulus as stressful or not, while secondary is can a stressor be handled or not

negative = threat
positive = challenge

Question 6

general adaptation syndrome - 3 stages

Answer 6

stage 1 = alarm reaction (mobilize resources)

stage 2 = resistance (cope with stressor)

stage 3 = exhaustion (reserves depleted)

Question 7

sympathetic-adreno medullary (SAM) axis

Answer 7

a psychological system that governs the body’s immediate response to a stressful event
- mobilizes the sympathetic nervous system

Question 8

hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis

Answer 8

a physiological system that governs the body’s prolonged response to a stressful event

Question 9

acute vs. chronic stressors

Answer 9

acute stress is short term, while chronic stress is prolonged leading “allostatic load”

Question 10

immune response-cytokines

Answer 10

proteins that act as chemical messengers in the immune system and can signal the brain to alter behavior

Question 11

effects of stress on behavior

Answer 11

drug and alcohol abuse, stress eating

Question 12

type A vs. type B personalities

Answer 12

type A is competitive, time-urgent, and easily angered, often experiencing higher stress. type B is relaxed, easygoing, and less likely to experience high levels of stress

Question 13

G x E interactions

Answer 13

interactions where genetic predispositions interact with environmental factors to influence stress response

Question 14

differential sensitivity hypothesis

Answer 14

the theory that individuals with short or long alleles in certain genes may differ in their sensitivity to stress

Question 15

epigenetics

Answer 15

the study of changes in gene expression cause by environmental factors, such as stress

Question 16

illness induced stress

Answer 16

stress resulting from the experience of being ill, which can affect the immune system and over health

Question 17

how does perceived control help with stress

Answer 17

believing you have control over a situation can reduce stress and improve coping outcomes

Question 18

problem focused and emotion focused coping strategies

Answer 18

problem focused = approaching stressful situations with a belief that one can proactively solve the problem

emotion focused = managing the emotional reaction to stress

Question 19

other factors (that can reduce stress)

Answer 19

humor, finding meaning in pursuits, social support

Question 20

what is mindfulness-based stress reduction

Answer 20

a technique that involves focused attention and awareness to reduce stress and promote mental well-being

Question 21

how do diet, exercise, and sleep hygiene help with stress

Answer 21

healthy habits like proper nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate sleep can reduce stress and improve overall health

Question 22

how can diet exercise and sleep be affected by stress

Answer 22

makes everything hard