Chapter 16 Vocab

Alarm Reaction- The first stage of the general adaptation syndrome, char-acterized by
sympathetic arousal and mental clarity
Biopsychosocial Model- A model that sees health as the result of biological, psychological, and
social factors
Cortisol- A hormone released into the bloodstream from the adrenal glands
Emotion- Focused Coping- A response to stress that targets the negative emotions arising from
the situation
Exhaustion- The third and last stage of the general adaptation syndrome, characterized by
depletion of physical and psychological resources
Flow- A state characterized by complete absorption in a current activity, such as work, problem
solving, or creativity
General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)- Hans Selye’s three-stage model for an organism’s
response to stressors
Health Psychology- A branch of psychology that investigates the relationships between
psychological variables and health
Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal (HPA) Axis- A circuit that responds to perceived stressors by
initiating the release of cortisol into the bloodstream
Immune System- The body system that defends against infection and cancer
Lymphocyte- White blood cells that are products of the immune system
Optimism- Thinking positively about the future
Positive Psychology- An approach to psychology that emphasizes normal behavior and human
strengths
Problem-Focused Coping- A response to stress designed to address specific problems by finding
solutions
Relationship-Focused Coping- A response to stress designed to maintain and protect social
relationships
Resilience- The ability to adapt to life’s challenges in positive ways
Resistance- The second stage of the general adaptation syndrome, characterized by coping with
ongoing stress
Stress- An unpleasant emotional state that results from the perception of danger
Stressor- A stimulus that serves as a source of stress
Sympathetic Adrenal–Medullary (SAM) System- A circuit that responds to perceived stressors
by initiating the release of epinephrine and norepinephrine into the bloodstream
Tend and Befriend- An alternative to fight or flight as a response to stressors that is possibly
more characteristic of females
Type A Personality- A competitive, workaholic, and in some cases hostile personality type
Type B Personality- A mellow, laid-back personality type