Chapter 14: Stress and Health Flashcards
Stressors
an event, experience, or environmental stimulus that causes stress in an individual. physical/psychological, threats/challenges. eg. Money, job pressure
Stress
a natural response to a challenge or threat that can be physiological or psychological
Health Psychology
branch of psychology that studies how biological, psychological, and social factors impact health
Chronic Stressors
ongoing, everyday issues that can affect a person’s body, mind, family, or community. eg
Disease/disorders, abuse
Fight-or-Flight Response
automatic physiological reaction to an event that is perceived as stressful or frightening
General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)
describes the process your body goes through when you are exposed to any kind of stress, positive or negative; alarm, resistance and exhaustion
Alarm
The body’s initial response to stress, which involves a burst of energy. The hypothalamus sends a distress signal, which triggers the release of adrenaline and cortisol
Resistance
The body attempts to resist or adapt to the stressor. The body uses deep energy reserves, which can compromise the immune system. Signs of the resistance stage include irritability, frustration, and poor concentration
Exhaustion
The body’s energy reserves are depleted, and the body shuts down and cannot respond. This can increase the chance of illness.
Telomeres
a protective casing at the end of a strand of DNA and chronic stress and cortisol exposure decreases your supply of telomeres
Telomerase
a special enzyme that maintains the length of telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes
Immune System
network of cells, tissues, organs, and the substances they make that helps the body fight infections and other disease, over-stress causes weak IS
Lymphocytes
white blood cells that travel in the blood stream and defend the body from abnormal cells, disease-causing bacteria and viruses
Type A Behaviour Pattern
personality trait that describes people who are highly competitive, ambitious, and have a sense of time urgency
Burnout
a state of emotional, mental, and often physical exhaustion brought on by prolonged or repeated stress
Repressive Coping
Defence mechanism that involves inhibiting negative feelings or thoughts to avoid threatening one’s self-image
Rational Coping
a way to question negative thoughts and recognize that you have the ability to handle a situation
Reframing
technique that involves replacing negative thoughts with more helpful ones. It’s a skill taught in cognitive behavioural therapy
Stress-Inoculation Training (SIT)
Helps people understand stress, its effects, and how to develop strategies to reduce those effects
Meditation
a practice that involves using mental and physical techniques to focus or clear the mind
Relaxation Therapy
helps reduce stress and muscle tension, lower blood pressure, and control pain. It can involve a variety of techniques
Relaxation Response
physical state of deep relaxation that occurs when the body releases chemicals to slow down the heart rate and breathing
Biofeedback
mind-body technique that teaches people to control some of their body’s functions, such as heart rate, breathing, and muscle tension
Aerobic Exercise
physical activity that uses oxygen to produce energy and doesn’t require more oxygen than the body can take in
Social Support
care and belonging people receive from others, which can help them cope with stress, manage health problems, and improve their self-esteem
Religious/Spiritual Practice
engaging in Religious/Spiritual practice is a body management coping strategy for stress
Humour
reduces sensitivity to pain/stress and reduces time needed to calm down after stressful events
Sickness Response
behavioural reaction to threats to the body, such as infection or injury, that helps increase the chances of survival
Sick Role
states that someone suffering from sickness has their own set of rights and responsibilities
Malingering
the intentional production of false or exaggerated physical or psychological symptoms for a secondary gain
Patient-Practitioner Interaction
The patient trusts the provider with his or her healthcare and the practitioner is expected to fulfill certain duties toward the patient
Opitimism
mental attitude that involves expecting good things to happen in the future and having a positive outlook
Hardiness
personality style that helps people cope with stress and adapt to change. It’s characterized by three interrelated attitudes; control, commitment, acceptance of challage
Health Promoting Behaviours
- Eating a balanced diet
- Getting enough sleep
- Exercising regularly
- Avoiding excessive alcohol
Self-Regulation
the ability to manage and control one’s thoughts, emotions, behaviour, and attention
