AP Psychology Unit Review: Stress, Health, and Coping

Stress

A process by which we perceive and respond to certain events (stressors) that we appraise as threatening or challenging.

Cognitive Appraisal

A theory by Richard Lazarus indicating that stress arises more from our evaluation of an event than from the event itself.

Primary Appraisal

The initial evaluation of whether an event is a threat (e.g., assessing if a test will ruin one’s GPA).

Secondary Appraisal

The evaluation of one’s resources to cope with a stressor (e.g., assessing study preparation for a test).

Catastrophes

Unpredictable, large-scale stressors such as earthquakes or wars that cause significant damage.

Significant Life Changes

Major personal events, either positive or negative, such as marriage, divorce, or moving away for college.

Daily Hassles

Frequent, minor annoyances that accumulate over time and can significantly impact health.

Fight-or-Flight Response

The body’s rapid reaction to stress, activating the sympathetic nervous system to respond to threats.

Epinephrine

Also known as adrenaline, it is released during the fight-or-flight response, increasing heart rate and blood flow.

Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter released during stress that helps prepare the body for action.

Glucocorticoids

Hormones released by the adrenal cortex during prolonged stress, including cortisol.

Cortisol

A type of glucocorticoid released during stress that helps manage energy but can impair immune function over time.

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

A three-phase model of the body's reaction to stress, identified by Hans Selye.

Phase 1: Alarm Reaction

Initial response to stress where the body's sympathetic nervous system is activated.

Phase 2: Resistance

The body's state during prolonged stress where it attempts to stabilize and cope.

Phase 3: Exhaustion

The stage where the body's resources are depleted, increasing vulnerability to illness.

Psychoneuroimmunology

The study of the interaction between psychological processes, the nervous system, and the immune system.

Type A Personality

An aggressive, competitive individual known to have higher levels of stress and risk for heart disease.

Type B Personality

A relaxed and easygoing individual who typically experiences less stress.

Learned Helplessness

A state of passive resignation developed when an individual feels unable to escape adverse situations.

Internal Locus of Control

The belief that one can control their own fate and is correlated with better health outcomes.

External Locus of Control

The belief that outside forces dictate control over life events.

Problem-Focused Coping

Coping strategy that aims to change the stressor or the way we interact with the stressor.

Emotion-Focused Coping

Coping strategy that involves avoiding a stressor and addressing one's emotional needs.

Aerobic Exercise

Physical activity that improves heart and lung function and can alleviate depression and anxiety.

Relaxation & Meditation

Techniques that reduce tension and anxiety, modifying the body's stress response.

Eustress

Positive stress that can motivate and energize individuals.

Distress

Negative stress that can lead to anxiety and health problems.