Flashcards: Understanding Psychological and Physiological Stress — 18 cards

Stress — definition?

A response to a demanding stimulus.

Stressor — role?

Triggers the stress response.

Internal stressor — example?

Rumination or low self-esteem.

External stressor — example?

Exams or arguments.

Psychological stress components?

Perceptions, emotions, appraisal.

Physiological stress components?

Heart rate, hormones, nervous system.

Acute stress — duration?

Short-term, minutes to hours.

Chronic stress — effect?

Prolonged cortisol, health impact.

Cortisol — function?

Supports energy, modulates immune.

Internal stressors — origin?

Within the individual.

External stressors — origin?

From outside environment.

Fight-or-flight — response?

Immediate survival reaction.

Freeze response — mechanism?

Immobilization to assess threat.

Acute stress response — features?

Rapid adrenaline, increased heart rate.

Chronic stress — hormonal activity?

Prolonged cortisol secretion.

Eustress — meaning?

Positive, motivating stress.

Distress — meaning?

Negative, overwhelming stress.

Stress perception — influence?

Shapes emotional and physiological reactions.