Chapter 14 Flashcards
Stress
A process where an individual perceives and responds to events classified as overwhelming or threatening to their well-being
Stressors
Threatening or demanding events
Primary appraisal
Does the stressor entail a threat (harm, negative consequences) or a challenge (potential for gain or growth)
Secondary appraisal
Judgement of the options to cope with a stressor and perceptions of how effective such options will be
Eustress
A kind of stress associated with positive feelings, optimal health, and performance
Distress
Stress that exceeds the optimal level and becomes excessive and debilitating
Health psychology
A subfield of psychology devoted to understanding the importance of psychological influences on health, illness, and how people respond when they become ill
Fight-or-flight response
Occurs when a person experiences strong emotions associated with a perceived threat; activates the sympathetic NS and endocrine system
General adaptation syndrome
The body’s nonspecific physiological response to stress
Three stages of the general adaptation syndrome
(1) Alarm reaction
(2) Stage of resistance
(3) Stage of exhaustion
Alarm reaction
The body’s immediate reaction upon facing a threatening situation or emergency
Stage of resistance
Initial shock of the alarm reaction has worn off and the body has adapted to the stressor, but is alert and prepared to respond
Stage of exhaustion
The person is no longer able to adapt to the stressor; the body’s ability to resist becomes depleted due to physical wear
Social readjustment rating scale
43 life events that require varying degrees of personal readjustment that link life stressors to physical illness
Daily hassles
Minor irritations and annoyances that are part of everyday life
Job strain
A work situation combining excessive job demands and workload with little discretion in decision making or job control
Job burnout
A general sense of emotional exhaustion and cynicism in relation to one’s job
Types of stressors (4)
Traumatic events, significant life changes, daily hassles, and unpleasant or challenging events
Psychophysiological disorders
Physical disorders or diseases with symptoms brought about or worsened by stress and emotional factors
Immune system
Protect the body from harmful and damaging microorganisms
Immunosuppression
The immune system breaks down and is unable to do its job
Psychoneuroimmunology
A field that studies how psychological factors (ie, stress) influence the immune system and functioning
Lymphocytes
White blood cells that circulate in the body and are involved in the immune response
Type A behavior
Workaholics, competitive drive, sense of time urgency, impatience, sometimes hostile
