PSYC 1315 1st Edition Lecture 27Outline of Last LectureHealth Psychology Outline of Current Lecture Health Psychology Current LectureGender Differences Physiological reactions are similar Behaviorally speaking: not so much ◦ MenFight or flight response ◦ WomenTend and befriend Cognitive Appraisal Experience of stress depends on how we perceive/appraise the situation Must: ◦ see the stimulus as a threat ◦ acknowledge you may not have the resources to deal with it Significant Life Events Some events are a virtual guarantee to cause stress Social Readjustment Rating Scale ◦ To predict the likelihood of stress Daily Hassles May be more influential in predicting stress than big life events Environmental Factors Stressors can come from the environment as well ◦ Ex. Noise, crowding Perceived Control The amount of influence you have over a situation and your reaction to it ◦ Less likely to feel stressed if you think you have some control ◦ Internal vs. External Locus of Control Explanatory Style How do you explain the given situation/stressor? ◦ Blame self or others? Physical Consequences Psychoneuroimmunology:◦ The field that explores connections among psychological factors (such as attitudes and emotions), the NS, and the immune system Stress has been linked to: ◦ Heart disease◦ Ulcers◦ Even cancer Difficult to study The Immune Response Why does stress increase likelihood of illness? Stress can lower the immune response ◦ Lymphocytes-specialized white blood cells that attack/destroy foreign invaders Psychological Consequences Role in the onset of psychological disorders Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◦ Flashbacks, Stimuli avoidance, Chronic arousal Burnout◦ State of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion Stress Management Programs Teach individual how to appraise stressful events, how to develop skills for coping with stress, and how to put these skills into use in everyday life It’s all about the interpretation ◦ Death: positive or negative We tend to ‘catastrophize’ the situation ◦ “Final exam week is going to KILL me!” Research example Coping Relaxation techniques ◦ Ex. Meditation, progressive muscle relaxation Social Support Resources from others, typically in the form of comfort, caring, or help Research evidence Pet Support Has been found to be an effective form of social support Living A Healthy Lifestyle Become physically active Eat right Don’t smoke Practice safe
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