Glossary
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Stressful or traumatic events experienced during childhood that can have lasting negative impacts on health and development.
Example:
Growing up in a household with chronic parental substance abuse is an Adverse Childhood Experience that can affect an individual's health later in life.
Alarm Reaction
The first stage of GAS, where the body initially responds to a stressor with increased physiological arousal, preparing for fight or flight.
Example:
Upon hearing a sudden loud noise, your heart races and muscles tense, demonstrating the immediate alarm reaction.
Burnout and exhaustion
A state of physical, emotional, and mental depletion caused by prolonged or excessive stress.
Example:
After months of intense studying and little sleep, a student might feel completely drained and unable to focus, experiencing burnout and exhaustion.
Chronic stress
Prolonged and persistent stress that takes a continuous toll on an individual's physical and mental well-being.
Example:
A person working a demanding job with constant deadlines for years might experience chronic stress, leading to exhaustion and health issues.
Deep breathing exercises
A relaxation technique involving slow, controlled breaths to calm the body and mind, often used in emotion-focused coping.
Example:
Before a big presentation, taking several slow, deliberate deep breathing exercises can help calm nerves and reduce anxiety.
Distress
A negative, overwhelming type of stress that hinders performance and negatively impacts well-being.
Example:
Constantly worrying about failing a class to the point of being unable to study is a clear sign of distress.
Emotion-Focused Coping
A coping strategy that aims to manage the emotional reactions to stress when the stressor itself cannot be directly changed.
Example:
When stuck in unavoidable traffic, listening to calming music or practicing deep breathing to reduce frustration is an example of emotion-focused coping.
Eustress
A positive, motivating form of stress that can energize and help individuals achieve goals.
Example:
The excitement and focus a musician feels before a big performance is an example of eustress, pushing them to excel.
Exhaustion Phase
The third and final stage of GAS, where the body's stress resources are depleted, leading to increased vulnerability to illness and fatigue.
Example:
After weeks of intense pressure and little rest, a person might fall ill, indicating their body has entered the exhaustion phase of stress response.
General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)
Hans Selye's three-stage model describing the body's physiological response to stress: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.
Example:
When faced with a major exam, your body goes through the stages of the General Adaptation Syndrome, from initial shock to eventual fatigue if stress persists.
Hassles
Minor, everyday annoyances and frustrations that can accumulate and contribute to overall stress levels.
Example:
Getting stuck in traffic, spilling coffee, and forgetting your keys all in one morning are daily hassles that can add up.
Health Psychology
A field that explores how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence physical health and overall well-being.
Example:
A professional in health psychology might research how stress management techniques can improve cardiovascular health.
Mindfulness practices
Techniques that involve focusing on the present moment without judgment, helping to reduce stress and improve emotional regulation.
Example:
Meditating for ten minutes each day, paying attention to your breath and bodily sensations, is a form of mindfulness practice that can reduce daily stress.
Problem-Focused Coping
A coping strategy that involves directly addressing the source of stress by identifying the problem and finding solutions.
Example:
If you're stressed about a low grade, creating a study plan and seeking tutoring is an example of problem-focused coping.
Resistance Phase
The second stage of GAS, where the body attempts to cope with the stressor, maintaining a high level of arousal while trying to adapt.
Example:
During a long, stressful work project, you might feel tired but continue to push through, operating in the resistance phase as your body tries to maintain balance.
Stress
A physiological and psychological response to demands or threats, which can impact physical and mental health.
Example:
Feeling overwhelmed by a looming deadline and experiencing a racing heart is a common reaction to stress.
Tend-and-Befriend Theory
A stress response theory suggesting that some individuals, particularly women, react to stress by nurturing themselves and their offspring and seeking social support.
Example:
Instead of fighting or fleeing a stressful situation, a person might call a friend for support and comfort, illustrating the tend-and-befriend theory.