5.1-5.2: Introduction to Health Psychology & Positive Psychology

ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences)

• Potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood and can have negative, lasting effects on health and well-being.

• Positive experiences that enhance childhood development.

• Events that only affect children in low-income families.

• Experiences that have no impact on adult health.

Hypertension, headaches

• Common physical symptoms associated with stress.

• Symptoms of a cold or flu.

• Signs of dehydration.

• Indicators of high cholesterol.

Strengths (Positive Psychology)

• Personal attributes or skills that are beneficial and contribute to well-being.

• Weaknesses that hinder personal growth.

• External factors that influence happiness.

• Random traits that have no impact on life.

Problem focused coping

• A strategy to deal with stress by avoiding the problem causing the stress.

• A strategy to deal with stress by tackling the problem causing the stress.

• A method of coping that involves seeking social support.

• A technique that focuses on changing one's emotional response to stress.

Immune suppression

• A potential effect of chronic stress on the body's immune system.

• An increase in the body's ability to fight infections.

• A condition that enhances the immune response.

• A temporary state caused by acute stress.

Well-being (Subjective Well-being)

• An individual's self-assessment of their own life satisfaction and emotional experiences.

• A measure of economic stability and growth.

• The ability to maintain physical health and fitness.

• A psychological state characterized by the absence of stress.

Emotion Focused coping

• A strategy to deal with stress by managing emotions rather than changing the stressor.

• A method to eliminate stressors from one's life completely.

• A technique that involves ignoring emotions to focus on practical solutions.

• A way to confront stressors head-on without emotional consideration.

Virtues: Wisdom, Courage, Humanity, Justice, Temperance, Transcendence

• Core characteristics valued across cultures that contribute to a good life.

• Common traits found in successful individuals.

• Personal qualities that lead to financial success.

• Attributes that enhance physical health.

Distress

• Positive stress that can enhance performance.

• Negative stress that can be harmful to health.

• Stress that has no effect on health.

• Stress that is beneficial for mental clarity.

Gratitude (Positive Psychology)

• A feeling of thankfulness and appreciation, which is a key component of positive psychology.

• A state of mind characterized by negativity and pessimism.

• An emotional response to receiving a gift or favor.

• A psychological condition that leads to chronic dissatisfaction.