Module 39: Health & Coping Flashcards
problem-focused coping
solution to problem
emotion-focused coping
solution to how we feel
Why does perceived loss of control predict health problems?
▪ Losing control increases stress hormones → blood pressure increases → immune responses decrease.
▪ Increasing control has noticeably improved health and morale in prison and nursing home studies.
▪ Tyranny of choice can create information overload.
What triggers the strongest stress response?
Uncontrollable threats (death, natural disasters)
Learned helplessness
uncontrollable bad events -> perceived lack of control -> generalized helpless behavior
external locus of control
people who believe that change or outside forces control their fate
internal locus of control
people who believe they control their destiny
self-control
our ability to control impulses and delay short-term gratification for greater long-term rewards
exercising willpower temporarily depletes the mental energy needed for self-control on other tasks
self-control requires attention and energy, but it predicts good adjustment, better grades, and social success
pessimists
expect things to go badly and blame others
optimists
expect to have control, work well under stress, and enjoy good health
run in families; genetic marker/oxytocin
how does social support help fight illness?
calms cardiovascular system, which lowers blood pressure and stress hormone levels
fights illness by fostering stronger immune functioning
close relationships give us an opportunity for “open heart therapy”, a change to confide painful feelings
Aerobic exercise
▪ Sustained activity increases heart and lung fitness and reduces stress, depression, and anxiety.
▪ Can weaken the influence of genetic risk for obesity
▪ Increases the quality and “quantity” of life (~2 years)
Relaxation/Meditation
Relaxation: More than 60 studies found that relaxation procedures can provide relief from headaches, high blood pressure, anxiety, and insomnia.
▪ Relaxation training: Has been used to help
Type A heart attack survivors reduce their risk of future heart attacks
▪ Mindfulness meditation: A reflective practice in which people attend to current experiences in a nonjudgmental and accepting manner
faith factor
▪ Religiously active people tend to live longer than those who are not religiously active.
▪ Possible explanations include the effect of intervening variables, such as healthy behaviors, social support, or positive emotions often found among people who regularly attend religious services.
