AP Psychology Flashcards: Introduction to Health Psychology
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 16 cards to help you master important concepts.
What occurs during the 'exhaustion' stage of GAS?
The exhaustion stage is the final phase of the stress process where the body's resources are depleted from prolonged stress.
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What occurs during the 'exhaustion' stage of GAS?
The exhaustion stage is the final phase of the stress process where the body's resources are depleted from prolonged stress.
A student is failing a class and develops a new study plan and schedule to improve their grade. What type of coping is being used?
This is an example of problem-focused coping, as the student is treating the stressor as a problem to be solved.
What is the tend-and-befriend theory?
The tend-and-befriend theory proposes that some people, in reaction to stress, respond by caring for others' needs and seeking social connection.
What is eustress?
Eustress is a type of stressor that is viewed as motivating and positive.
Someone feeling anxious about an upcoming presentation decides to meditate to calm their nerves. What type of coping is this?
This is an example of emotion-focused coping because the person is managing their emotional reaction to the stress.
What is problem-focused coping?
Problem-focused coping is a strategy that involves viewing stress as a problem to be solved and taking direct action.
What is distress?
Distress is a type of stressor that is viewed as debilitating and negative.
What is emotion-focused coping?
Emotion-focused coping is a strategy that involves managing the emotional reactions to stress rather than addressing the problem itself.
An athlete feels a surge of energy and focus before a championship game. Is this an example of eustress or distress?
This is an example of eustress, as the stress is viewed as motivating.
How does stress contribute to physical illness?
Stress is a factor in heightened susceptibility to disorders and diseases, such as hypertension.
How do reactions to stress apply to behavior and mental processes?
Reactions to stress, such as those described by GAS or the tend-and-befriend theory, directly influence an individual's behaviors and mental state.
What is the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)?
The General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) is a model that describes the three-stage process of reacting to stress: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.
How does health psychology relate to physical well-being?
Health psychology addresses issues of physical health and wellness by examining the psychological factors that influence them.
After a stressful work meeting, a manager checks in on their team members and then calls a friend for support. What theory of stress reaction does this illustrate?
This illustrates the tend-and-befriend theory, as the person reacted to stress by caring for others and seeking social connection.
What occurs during the 'resistance' stage of GAS?
The resistance stage is the second phase of the stress process where the body attempts to cope with the stressor.
What occurs during the 'alarm' stage of GAS?
The alarm stage is the initial phase of the stress process as described by the General Adaptation Syndrome.