Chapter 14 Flashcards
What Do Health Psychologists Study?
- Study both positive and negative impacts that humans’ behaviour and decisions have on
their health, survival, and well-being
Genetic contribution to weight
- 50-90%
Set Point Theory
The set point theory suggests that every individual has a biologically predetermined weight range, known as their “set point,” which their body actively works to maintain. This is regulated by physiological mechanisms involving the brain, hormones, and metabolism. 10-20% range in weight:
Theory challenged: Critics argue that environmental factors, lifestyle changes, and sustained behaviors can override or significantly alter this “set point,” questioning its rigidity.
What is the body mass index?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on weight relative to height. It is calculated as:
BMI= weight(kg) divided by height(m)^2
What is social contagion? Describe one example of social contagion as it pertains to health-related behaviors.
Social contagion refers to the spread of behaviors, attitudes, or emotions through social networks.
Example: If a person’s close friends adopt healthier habits, such as exercising regularly or quitting smoking, the individual is more likely to do the same.
Appraisal Process:
Stress arises from how individuals appraise (evaluate) a situation or stimulus.
Primary Appraisal:
The initial evaluation of whether a situation or stimulus poses a threat or is irrelevant/harmless.
Example: “Is this exam a threat to my success?”
Secondary Appraisal:
The subsequent evaluation of whether the individual has the resources to cope with the perceived threat.
Example: “Do I have enough time to study and prepare for this exam?”
Cognitive Appraisal Theory of Stress
Stress is determined through two steps:
- Evaluation of Threat: Is the situation a challenge, threat, or neutral?
- Coping Resources: Do I have the tools (skills, support, time) to manage this challenge?
- If resources are perceived as insufficient, stress levels increase.
Relationship between Stress, Arousal, and Performance: Performance is influenced by task difficulty and arousal/stress levels:
Easy tasks: ↑ High arousal levels can enhance focus and performance.
Difficult tasks: ↓Low arousal levels are optimal to avoid overwhelming stress and maintain concentration.
The relationship follows the Yerkes-Dodson law, suggesting an inverted U-shaped curve where moderate arousal is ideal for peak performance.
General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS):
Proposed by Hans Selye, GAS explains the body’s response to prolonged stress in three stages:
- Alarm Reaction: Immediate response to a stressor, activating the fight-or-flight response.
- Resistance: The body adapts to the stressor, maintaining heightened alertness while trying to restore balance.
- Exhaustion: Prolonged stress depletes resources, leading to physical and mental fatigue or illness.
Individual Zone of Optimal Functioning (IZOF):
The IZOF refers to the range of emotional intensity in which a person performs best.
- If you study best with moderate stress, preparing early can maintain optimal focus. Avoiding last-minute cramming can help if high stress impairs your performance.
- Performance declines when the individual moves outside their optimal zone, either due to excessive or insufficient emotional intensity.
Practical implication: Understanding and identifying one’s IZOF can help individuals manage stress and enhance performance under varying conditions.
Physiological responses to stressors that occur in three stages of GAS
- Alarm phase
- Body mobilizes the sympathetic nervous system to deal with immediate threat
- Release of adrenal hormones
General Adaptation Syndrome
- Alarm phase corresponds to fight or flight response
- Stress hormones elevated: Blood flow increases, heart rate speeds up, digestion slows,
muscles tense
- Resistance phase
- Body attempts to resist or cope with stressor that cannot be avoided
- Increase vulnerability to other stressors - Exhaustion Phase
- Persistent stress depletes the body of energy
- Increased vulnerability to physical problems and illness
Oxytocin and the Tend-and-Befriend Response
An alternative to the fight-or-flight response, observed more in women, involving nurturing behaviors (tending) and seeking social support (befriending).
Oxytocin: Plays a key role in this response by promoting bonding and reducing stress.
Stress Pathways: stimulates and releases?
- Autonomic Nervous System (ANS):
2.HPA Axis (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis):
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS):
The sympathetic nervous system stimulates the adrenal medulla, releasing epinephrine and norepinephrine.
- Triggers the fight-or-flight response, preparing the body for immediate action by increasing heart rate, respiration, and energy mobilization.
HPA Axis (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis):
The hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland, which stimulates the adrenal cortex to release cortisol.
- Cortisol helps manage prolonged stress by regulating metabolism, immune response, and energy levels.
Hormones linked to relationship quality and physical health
What are higher levels associated with
Social interactions can be sources of both joy and stress.
- Hormones like oxytocin and vasopressin are linked to relationship quality and physical health.
- Higher levels are associated with positive social interactions and physiological benefits, such as faster wound healing and lower stress.
How is the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis related to stress responses?
What is cortisol?
- The HPA axis regulates the release of cortisol during prolonged stress. Hypothalamus signals pituitary gland, which stimulates the adrenal cortex to release cortisol.
- A hormone released during stress that regulates metabolism, immune response, and energy. It helps the body manage prolonged stress but can be harmful if levels remain elevated.
