general adaptation syndrom
a 3-stage process (alarm, resistance, and exhaustion) by which the body responds to stress
hardiness
a personality style that is characterized by commitment, challenge, and control. Hardiness acts as a buffer against stress
health psychology
the study of the link between psychological factors and physical health and illness
immune system
a biological surveillance system that detects and destroys "nonself" substances that invade the body
lymphocytes
specialized white blood cells that secrete chemical antibodies and facilitate the immune response
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
an anxiety disorder triggered by an extremely stressful event, such as combat
psychoneuroimmunology (PNI)
a new subfield of psychology that examines the interactions among psychological factors, the nervous system, and the immune system
self-awareness theory
the theory that self-focues attention leads people to notice their shortcomings, thus motivating a change in behavior or an escape from self-awareness
self-esteem
a positive or negative evaluation of the self
social support
the healthful coping resources provided by friends and other people
stress
an aversive state of arousal triggered by the perception that an event threatens are ability to cope effectively
Type A personality
a personality characterized by an impatient, hard-driving, and hostile pattern of behavior
Type B personality
a personality characterized by an easygoing, relaxed pattern of behavior