Module 5: Stress and Health Flashcards
first stage of general adaptatation syndrome; characterized as the bodys immediate physiological reaction to a threatening situation or some other emergency; analogous to the fight-or-flight response
alarm reaction
psychophysiological disorder in which the airways of the respiratory system become obstructed, leading to great difficulty expelling air from the lungs.
asthma
stress-reduction technique using electronic equipment to measure a persons involuntary (neuromuscular and autonomic) activity and provide feedback to help the person gain a level of voluntary control over these processes
biofeedback
disorders that involve the heart and blood circulation system
cardiovascular disorders
mental or behavioural efforts used to manage problems relating to stress, including its cause and the unpleasant feelings and emotions it produces
coping
stress hormone released by the adrenal glands when encountering a stressor; helps provide a boost of energy, therby preparing the indivdual to take action
cortisol
minor irritation and annoyances that are part of our everyday lives and are capable of producing stress
daily hassles
bad form of stress; usually high in intensity; often leads to exhaustion, fatigue, feeling burnt out; associated with erosions in performance and health
distress
good form of stress; low to moderate in intensity; associated with positive feelings, as well as optimal health and performance
eustress
set of physiological reactions (increase in blood pressure, heart rate, respiration rate, and sweat) that occur when an indivdual enocunters a percieved threat; these reactions are produced by activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the endocrine system
fight-or-flight response
state involving intense engagement in an activity; usually is experienced when participating in creative, work, and leisure endeavours
flow
Hans Selye’s three-stage model of the bodys physiological reactions to stress and the process of stress adaptation: alarm reaction, stage of resistance, and stage of exhaustion
general adaptation syndrome
enduring state of mind consisting of joy, contentment, and other positive emotions; the sense that ones life has meaning and value
happiness
subfield of psychology devoted to studying psychological influences on health, illness, and how people respond when they become ill
health psychology
several types of adverse heart conditions, including those that involve the hearts arteries or valves or those involving the inability of the heart to pump enough blood to meet the bodys needs; can include heart attack and stroke
heart disease
high blood pressure
hypertension