Chapter 12: Stress and Health

Question 1

acquired immune deficiency syndrome

Answer 1

a life-threatening, incurable, yet treatable condition in which the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks and damages the immune system

Question 2

Acupuncture

Answer 2

ancient Chinese practice of inserting thin needles into more than 2000 points in the body to alter energy forces believed to run through the body

Question 3

aerobic exercise

Answer 3

exercise that promotes the use of oxygen in the body

Question 4

Alternative medicine

Answer 4

health care practices and products used in place of conventional medicine

Question 5

Biofeedback

Answer 5

feedback by a device that provides almost an immediate output of a biological function, such as heart rate or skin temperature

Question 6

biopsychosocial perspective

Answer 6

the view that an illness or medical condition is the product of the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors

Question 7

complementary medicine

Answer 7

health care practices and products used together with conventional medicine

Question 8

coronary heart disease (CHD)

Answer 8

damage to the heart from the complete or partial blockage of the arteries that provide oxygen to the heart

Question 9

Corticosteroid

Answer 9

stress hormone that activates the body and prepares us to respond to stressful circumstances

Question 10

emotion-focused coping

Answer 10

coping strategy that features a positive outlook on feelings or situations accompanied by behaviours that reduce painful emotions

Question 11

Fight or flight response

Answer 11

physical and psychological reaction that mobilizes people and animals to either defend themselves (fight) or escape (flee) a threatening situation

Question 12

general adaptation syndrome (GAS)

Answer 12

stress response pattern proposed by Hans Selye that consists of three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion

Question 13

Hardiness

Answer 13

set of attitudes marked by a sense of control over events, commitment to life and work, and courage and motivation to confront stressful circumstances

Question 14

Hassle

Answer 14

minor annoyance or nuisance that strains our ability to cope

Question 15

Health psychology

Answer 15

field of psychology, also called behavioural medicine, that integrates the behavioural sciences with the practice of medicine

Question 16

homeopathic medicine

Answer 16

remedies that feature a small dose of an illness-inducing substance to activate the body’s own natural defenses

Question 17

Immune system

Answer 17

our body’s defense system against invading bacteria, viruses, and other potentially illness-producing organisms and substances

Question 18

Meditation

Answer 18

a variety of practices that train attention and awareness

Question 19

Peptic ulcer

Answer 19

inflamed area in the gastrointestinal tract that can cause pain, nausea, and loss of appetite

Question 20

primary appraisal

Answer 20

initial decision regarding whether an event is harmful

Question 21

problem-focused coping

Answer 21

coping strategy by which we problem solve and tackle life’s challenges head on

Question 22

Psychoneuroimmunology

Answer 22

study of the relationship between the immune system and central nervous system

Question 23

Psychophysiological

Answer 23

illnesses such as asthma and ulcers in which emotions and stress contribute to, maintain, or aggravate the physical condition

Question 24

secondary appraisal

Answer 24

perceptions regarding our ability to cope with an event that follows primary appraisal

Question 25

social support

Answer 25

relationships with people and groups that can provide us with emotional comfort and personal and financial resources

Question 26

spirituality

Answer 26

search for the sacred, which may or may not extend to belief in God

Question 27

stress

Answer 27

the tension, discomfort, or physical symptoms that arise when a situation, called a stressor-a type of stimulus

Question 28

tend and befriend

Answer 28

reaction that mobilizes people to nurture (tend) or seek social support (befriend) under stress

Question 29

Type A personality

Answer 29

personality type that describes people who are competitive, driven, hostile, and ambitious