Key terms - Stress

?
  • Created by: TEWalker
  • Created on: 08-03-15 10:52
Fight or flight
A term which literally means that an animals is either energised to fight or run away, but has come to mean a general state of energised readiness
1 of 16
Hormones
Any substance produced by a gland or organ of the body and circulated in the blood, only affecting specific target cells in the body
2 of 16
Neurotransmitter
A substance released from the end of a neuron into the synapse (gap between neurons), causing the adjacent neuron to be excited or inhibited
3 of 16
Pituitary-adrenal system
A stress response system involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and adrenal cortex, which helps the body deal with chronic stress
4 of 16
Stress
The subjective experience of a lack of fit between a person and their environment (i.e. where the perceived demands of a situation are greater than a person's perceived ability to cope)
5 of 16
Sympathomedullary pathway
The influence of the SNS and adrenal medulla prepares the body for fight or flight when faced with an acute stressor
6 of 16
Immune system
A system of cells within the body that is concerned with fighting against intruders such as viruses and bacteria. White blood cells (leukocytes) identify and eliminate foreign bodies (antigens)
7 of 16
Cardiovascular disorder
Refers to any disorder of the heart (e.g. coronary heart disease (CHD)) and circulatory system (e.g. hypertension - high blood pressure)
8 of 16
Depression
A common mental disorder characterised by feelings of sadness, lack of interest in everyday activities, and a sense of worthlessness. Depression can be triggered by a stressful life event or by biological changes
9 of 16
Life changes
Events in a person's life (such as divorce or bereavement) that require a significant adjustment in various aspects of a person's life. As such, they are significant sources of stress.
10 of 16
Daily hassles
The 'irritating, frustrating, distressing demands that to some degree characterise everyday transactions with the environment' (Kanner et al, 1981)
11 of 16
Daily uplifts
The opposite of daily hassles - they are the minor positive experiences of everyday life, for example, receiving a compliment at work or feeling good about one's appearance
12 of 16
Workplace stressors
Aspects of our working environment (such as work overload or impending deadlines) that we experience as stressful, and which cause a stress reaction in our body
13 of 16
The hardy personality
Provides defences against the negative effects of stress. These are control over one's life, commitment (i.e. a sense of involvement in the world), and challenge (i.e. life changes are opportunities rather than threats)
14 of 16
Stress inoculation therapy (SIT)
A type of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which trains people to cope with anxiety and stressful situations more effectively by learning skills to 'inoculate' themselves against the damaging effects of future stressors
15 of 16
Hardiness training
The aim of hardiness training is to increase self-confidence and sense of control so that individuals can more successfully navigate change in their lives
16 of 16

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Any substance produced by a gland or organ of the body and circulated in the blood, only affecting specific target cells in the body

Back

Hormones

Card 3

Front

A substance released from the end of a neuron into the synapse (gap between neurons), causing the adjacent neuron to be excited or inhibited

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

A stress response system involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and adrenal cortex, which helps the body deal with chronic stress

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

The subjective experience of a lack of fit between a person and their environment (i.e. where the perceived demands of a situation are greater than a person's perceived ability to cope)

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
View more cards

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Psychology resources:

Stress
See all Psychology resources »See all Stress resources »