Positive health

Question 1

Define positive health.

Answer 1

Positive health is defined by excellence in three measures. Biological, Functional and subjective well-being.
Positive health is focused on the following targets:
extending the lifespan, decreasing morbidity and decreasing health care expenditure.

Question 2

Name the benefits of exercise on physical and psychological well-being.

Answer 2

1. Reduces stress, depression and anxiety.
2. Increase verbal memory and reaction time.
3. Increase mindfulness and self-acceptance.
4. Prevents illness.
5. Increase sleep quality.
6. Increased self-efficacy and sense of accomplishment.
7. Improved cognitive processes and slower ageing.
8. Improved immune functioning.

Question 3

Explain the function of the vagus nerve and heart rate variability.

Answer 3

The vagus nerve is part of the ANS. It is involved in the regulation of the heart rate. High heart rate variability indicates that the vagus nerve works well.

• linked to self-regulatory abilities.
• positive feelings and connectedness.
• can be increased by exercise.

Question 4

Explain the relation between positive emotionality and well-being.

Answer 4

Coping skills, health behaviours, enjoyable activities, prevents illness, increase in energy, influence ANS, influence immune functioning, perceived health.

Question 5

Explain the relation between social support and well-being.

Answer 5

• decrease in pregnancy complications
• inclusion in social groups reduces health risks
• increases compliance with medical treatment
• increase cancer survival rates
• resistance to diseases
• lower coronary artery disease rates
• faster recovery from heart disease
• lower mortality.

Question 6

Explain the relation between physical touch and well-being.

Answer 6

Release of oxytocin, lowers blood pressure and stress hormones, protects against infectious diseases, can predict performance (basketball)

Question 7

Explain the forms of emotional expression: writing, regret and crying.

Answer 7

Writing about traumatic experiences can work as therapy > meta-analysis.
Regret: long-term vs short-term.
Crying: effect of crying depends on the social environment.

Question 8

Explain hardiness.

Answer 8

Hardy personality style is involved in better physical and mental health. Transformational coping.

• control
• commitment
• challenge

Question 9

Explain mindfulness meditation.

Answer 9

• reduce anxiety, stress and worry.
• increase in immune functioning.
• effective adjunctive therapy.
• benefits brain plasticity.
• preventing diseases.
• overall increase in well-being.