Chapter 5
allostatic load
"wear and tear" of the body due to prolonged activation of physiological stress response
Epinephrine
chemical manufactured by the adrenal medulla accounting for much of the hormone production of the adrenal glands
Neurotransmitter
chemical released by neurons that affects the activity of other neurons
hormone
chemical substance released into the blood and having effects on other parts of the body
Catecholamines
class of chemicals containing epinephrine and norepinephrine
urban press
collection of environmental stressors that affect city living, including noise, crowding, crime, and pollution
personal control
confidence that people have in their ability to influence the events that shape their lives
Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)
division of the autonomic nervous system that mobilizes the body's resources in stressful and emotional situations
parasympathetic nervous system
division of the autonomic nervous system that promotes relaxation and functions under normal, non-stressful conditions
pituitary gland
endocrine gland that lies within the brain and whose secretions regulate many other glands
adrenal medulla
inner layer of the adrenal glands; secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine
neuron
nerve cell
social network
number of kinds of people with whom one associates; social contacts
secondary appraisal
one's perceived ability to control or cope with harm, threat, or challenge
adrenal cortex
outer layer of the adrenal glands; secretes glucocorticoids
adrenal glands
pair of endocrine glands that secrete hormones and effect metabolism
autonomic nervous system (ANS)
part of the peripheral nervous system that primarily serves internal organs
Optimists
people who have a positive outlook on life and expect good things to happen to them
resistance stage
phase of the general adaptation syndrome (GAS) in which the body adapts to a stressor
exhaustion stage
phase of the general adaptation syndrome (GAS) in which the body's ability to resist a stressor has been depleted
Alarm reaction
phase of the general adaptation syndrome (GAS) in which the body's defenses are mobilized against a stressor
crowding
psychological condition arising from a person's perception of the high-density environment in which that person is confined
central nervous system (CNS)
set of all neurons within the brain and spinal chord
Periphereal Nervous System (PNS)
set of neurons that lie outside the brain and spinal chord
problem-focused coping
set of strategies aimed at changing the source of the stress
coping
set of strategies individuals use to manage the distressing problems and emotions in their lives
emotion-focused coping
set of strategies oriented toward managing the emotions that accompany the perception of stress
synaptic cleft
space between neurons
Catharsis
spoken or written expression of strong negative emotion, which may improve physiological or psychological health
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
substance produced by the pituitary gland that is involved in the stress response
emotional disclosure
technique whereby people express their feelings by talking or writing about the events that precipitated them
social isolation
the absence of specific role relationships
Cortisol
type of glucocorticoid that provides a natural defense against inflammation and regulated carbohydrate metabolism
Allostasis
The concept that different circumstances require different levels of physiological activation