Stress and Health Terminology

Front

Fight or Flight Response

Back

A series of physical changes that prepare the body to react.

Front

Psychosomatic Illness

Back

A disorder that results from stress or other emotional causes.

Front

Homeostasis

Back

A steady state or balance; the normal, balanced state of the body’s internal systems.

Front

Adrenaline

Back

A hormone produced by the adrenal glands that is released in response to fear or stress; it causes heartbeat, blood pressure, and breathing rate to increase.

Front

Ulcer

Back

An open sore, especially one in the lining of the stomach or other part of the digestive tract.

Front

Biofeedback

Back

The technique in which a person learns to control a specific physical function by recognizing his or her body’s signals.

Front

Type A Personality

Back

A behavior pattern characterized by competitiveness and a strong desire to succeed.

Front

Distress

Back

Stress that produces negative effects.

Front

Stress

Back

A reaction of the body and mind to threatening or challenging events in one’s life.

Front

Hardiness

Back

A personality trait of people who possess resistance to stress and do not seem to suffer negative effects from it.