B cell
type of lymphocyte that releases disease-fighting antibodies into the bloodstream to fight infection
catharsis
intense release of pent up negative emotions
corticosteroids
major class of hormones produced by the adrenal cortex
emotion-focused coping
coping strategy focused on regulating emotion or unpleasant physical arousal
explanatory style
how people perceive the causes of events in their lives
fight-or-flight response
physical response to a stressor that readies the body to physically face or flee from that stressor
general adaptation syndrome (GAS)
three-phase response to a stressor that includes alarm, resistance, and exhaustion
hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis
stress-signaling system in the body composed of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands
immune system
body system consisting of a complex network of organs that contain cells used to recognize pathogens in the body
learned helplessness
persistent sense of powerlessness learned by experiencing uncontrollable negative events
locus of control
degree to which people believe they have control over the outcome of events in their lives
lymphocyte
white blood cell that assists in an immune response
problem-focused coping
strategy that addresses the source of the stress
rumination
continued attention to the causes and symptoms of one's distress without considering solutions to it
stress
tension, negative emotions, or physical discomfort experienced when demands strain coping resources
stress appraisal
the way an individual thinks about a stressful event
stress response
physical and emotional reaction to a stressor
stressor
threatening or distressing stimulus that causes stress
T cell
type of lymphocyte that identifies infected cells in the body and destroys them
tend-and-befriend response
stress response in which people seek out or provide social support
type A personality
personality type characterized by competitiveness, self-criticism, urgency, and sometimes hostility
type B personality
personality type characterized by agreeableness, self-reflection, and an easygoing approach to life