PSYC 155 Lecture Notes - Lecture 13: Sympathetic Nervous System, Prefrontal Cortex, Amygdala
Document Summary
In addition to fight or flight, people and animals respond to stress with: Influence of social support on health is on par with influence of smoking. Longevity of life = social membership + close relationships. Fearful faces task: people who have strong social support show down-regulation of amygdala by prefrontal cortex (look like kids form nurturing homes) - can control amygdala response better. Spirituality contributes to well-being: religion and spirituality provide a sense of meaning or purpose in life, on a daily basis, religious beliefs can help people achieve and maintain well-being through the social support of religion. Life expectancy is higher in people who have religious attendance more often: healthy behaviors, social support, positive emotions , unhealthy coping hope/optimism. Focus on the present and accept it: self-affirmation, helps individuals feel better about themselves, undermines defensive reactions to health threats.
