Toward a Healthy Personality

Control – stress decreases if the event can be predicted or partially controlled Locus Control Scale (p )

Immune system – antibodies Stress slows down immune system Stress  illness Ulcers wound in intestine or stomach, acid in stomach Asthma – tissue in bronchial tubes swell (stress/asthma or asthma/stress) Headaches Contraction headache – muscle spasm, pressure on nerves Migraine headache – lack of serotonin

Cognitive Strategies – convince our brain to feel something Distraction Redefinition Bio-feedback Machine measures stress (muscle tension, sweat, blood pressure)

Defense Mechanisms – stable/balanced Repression – pushing painful thought out of conscious Denial – refusing to admit problem Displacement – venting our feelings on something/someone rather than the actual target Reaction Formation – expressing opposite of what we feel Intellectualization - removing our feelings, unemotional, rational Regression - regress our behavior, act like children (pouting, sulking, name-calling Rationalization - explain a problem so we don’t accept blame Projection - attributing our thoughts with someone else Identification with Aggressor – taking on characteristics of someone who has mistreated us in order to psychologically avoid abuse Sublimation (healthy) – channeling emotional energy into constructive or creative activities

Self Concept – Image of ourselves, traits, permanent traits Sexuality Gender role Racial Identity Physical Social Self Esteem – Evaluation of self worth – Do you value yourself? "It took me a long time not to judge myself through someone else's eyes." Sally Field “Self-worth comes from one thing - thinking that you are worthy.” Wayne Dyer

Accepting Realistic Flexible Problem-centered Responsible Humor Importance of Regular Exercise

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