AP Psychology Unit 5: Health Psychology and Stress

Introduction

• Welcome to the first video of Unit 5 in AP Psychology.
• Previous unit covered brain structures and research methods.
• Current focus: Health Psychology.

Health Psychology Overview

• Examines how physical health and wellness influence behaviors and mental processes.
• Takes a holistic view: considers coping strategies, stressors, psychological influences, and community engagement.
• Aims to identify factors impacting individual and community health.
• Shapes public health policy and designs interventions to improve quality of life.

Stress in Health Psychology

• Chronic stress impacts health: hypertension, headaches, migraines, compromised immune system.
• Two types of stress:
  • Eustress: Positive stress that motivates.
  • Distress: Negative stress that overwhelms.

Stressors and Responses

• Daily Hassles: Frequent annoyances that can build up (e.g., multiple assignments).
• Traumatic Events: Accidents, disasters, or loss leading to severe responses (e.g., PTSD).
• Adverse Childhood Experiences: Traumatic events in childhood affecting adult health.

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

• Describes body's reaction to prolonged stress:
  1. Alarm Reaction: Perception of stressor; fight-flight-freeze response.
  2. Resistance: Body attempts to adapt, using more energy.
  3. Exhaustion: Prolonged stress depletes energy, weakens immune system.

Tend and Befriend Theory

• Highlights behavioral responses to stress: tending and befriending.
• Tending: Nurturing care for self/others.
• Befriending: Seeking social support, increasing cooperation.
• May be more prevalent in women.

Coping Strategies

• Problem-focused coping: Solving the stressor (e.g., study plans for exams).
• Emotion-focused coping: Managing emotional reactions (e.g., relaxation techniques, meditation).
• Both strategies are valuable and may be combined.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to practice and engage actively in learning.
• Reminder to use the ultimate review packet and practice quizzes.

• Note: Practice quizzes and review packets are recommended for better understanding and exam preparation.
• End of video summary by Mr. Sin.