Chapter 4.1 Flashcards
What is a stressor?
A stressor is any external or internal event, condition, or stimulus that disrupts an individual’s balance and demands a physiological or psychological response.
What are the two types of stressors?
- Acute stressors, such as sudden danger
- Chronic stressors, such as ongoing work pressure
Define stress.
Stress is the body’s response to perceived threats or challenges, activating physiological and psychological changes to cope with demands.
True or False: Chronic stress can contribute to health problems.
True
What is affective neuroscience?
Affective neuroscience is the study of the neural mechanisms underlying emotions, exploring how brain structures and neurotransmitters influence mood, decision-making, and social behavior.
What characterizes burnout?
Burnout is characterized by feelings of cynicism, reduced effectiveness, and emotional detachment.
What is stereotype threat?
Stereotype threat occurs when individuals underperform or experience anxiety due to awareness of negative stereotypes about their social group.
What does the Sympatho-Adreno-Medullary (SAM) Axis do?
The SAM axis rapidly activates the sympathetic nervous system, releasing adrenaline and noradrenaline to prepare the body for ‘fight or flight.’
Define the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis.
The HPA axis is a central stress-regulation system that controls the release of cortisol, a hormone involved in long-term stress responses.
What is homeostasis?
Homeostasis is the body’s ability to maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes.
What are corticosteroids?
Corticosteroids are hormones produced by the adrenal glands that help regulate stress, immune function, and metabolism.
Fill in the blank: The tend and befriend response is primarily observed in _______.
females
What is Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA)?
EMA is a research method that collects real-time data on emotions, behaviors, and physiological responses in natural settings.
What does Cardiovascular Reactivity (CVR) refer to?
CVR refers to the temporary increase in heart rate and blood pressure in response to stress.
What is the reactivity hypothesis?
The reactivity hypothesis suggests that exaggerated cardiovascular responses to stress can contribute to the development of heart disease.
Define Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia (RSA).
RSA is the natural fluctuation of heart rate during breathing, reflecting parasympathetic nervous system activity and emotional regulation.
What does Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) study?
PNI studies how psychological factors influence the nervous and immune systems.
What is allostatic load?
Allostatic load refers to the cumulative wear and tear on the body due to repeated exposure to stress.
What does the Glucocorticoid Receptor (GCR) Resistance Model propose?
The GCR resistance model proposes that chronic stress leads to reduced sensitivity of immune cells to glucocorticoids like cortisol.
What is General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)?
GAS is a three-stage model of the body’s response to stress, including alarm, resistance, and exhaustion stages.
What does the transactional model of stress and coping emphasize?
It emphasizes personal coping strategies in determining stress outcomes.
What is primary appraisal?
Primary appraisal is the initial evaluation of a situation to determine whether it is threatening, challenging, or irrelevant.
What is secondary appraisal?
Secondary appraisal is the assessment of one’s ability to cope with a stressor after its initial evaluation.
Fill in the blank: The diathesis-stress model suggests that individuals with a genetic predisposition (_______) are more likely to develop psychological disorders when exposed to significant stressors.
diathesis
What does reactivity refer to in the context of stress?
Reactivity refers to an individual’s physiological or emotional response to stressors.
What is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
PTSD is a mental health condition that occurs after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, characterized by flashbacks and hypervigilance.
What are microaggressions?
Microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional, discriminatory comments or behaviors that reinforce stereotypes.
What does Minority Stress Theory posit?
Minority stress theory posits that individuals from marginalized groups experience chronic stress due to discrimination and stigma.
