Biological Psychology: Stress

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Cardiovascular disorder

Back 1

Any disorder of the heart and circulatory system (e.g. coronary heart disease).

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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Back 2

Combination of cognitive (changing maladaptive thoughts and beliefs) and behavioural therapy (changing behaviour in response to thoughts and beliefs).

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Daily hassles

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'irritating, frustrating, distressing demands that to some degree characterise everyday transactions with the environment' (Kanner et. al., 1981).

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Daily uplifts

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These are the opposite of daily hassles. Minor positive experiences of everyday life (e.g. receiving a compliment).

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Depression

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Common mental disorder characterised by feelings of sadness, lack of interest in everyday activities and a sense of worthlessness. Can be triggered by a stressful life event or biological changes.

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Emotion-focused coping

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The use of strategies that are designed only to deal with the emotional distress associated with stressful events.

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Fight or Flight

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A general state of energised readiness as a response to stress.

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The hardy personality

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Provides defences against the negative effects of stress, including control over one's life, commitment, and challenge.

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Hardiness training

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The aim of this training is to increase self-confidence and a sense of control, reducing the negative effects of stress.

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Hormones

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

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Immune system

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System of cells within the body which is concerned with fighting against intruders such as viruses and bacteria. White blood cells identify and attack foreign bodies.

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Life changes

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Events in a person's life that require significant readjustments in various aspects of a person's life (e.g. bereavement or divorce). Are significant causes of stress.

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Neurotransmitter

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A substance released from the end of a neuron into the synapse, causing the adjacent neurone to be excited or inhibited.

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Pituitary-adrenal system

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A stress response involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and adrenal cortex. Helps the body deal with chronic stressors.

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Problem-focused coping

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The use of strategies that are designed directly to alleviate the stressful situation itself.

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Stress

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The subjective experience where the perceived demands of the situation are greater than the persons perceived ability to cope.

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Stress inoculation therapy

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This is a type of CBT which trains people to cope with future anxiety and stressful situations more effectively.

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Sympathomedullary pathway

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The influence of the SNS and adrenal medulla prepares the body for 'flight or fight' when faced with an acute stressor.

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Type A personality

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A behaviour pattern characterised by constant time pressure, competitiveness and anger (i.e. being easily frustrated by people).

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Workplace stressors

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Aspects of our working environment that we experience as stressful, causing a stress reaction in our body. For example, work overload and impending deadlines.