Toward a Healthy Personality

Control – stress decreases if the event can be predicted or partially controlledLocus Control Scale (p. 478-479)

Immune system – antibodiesStress slows down immune systemStress illness

Ulcers wound in intestine or stomach, acid in stomach

Asthma – tissue in bronchial tubes swell (stress/asthma or asthma/stress)

HeadachesContraction headache – muscle spasm, pressure on

nervesMigraine headache – lack of serotonin

Cognitive Strategies – convince our brain to feel somethingDistraction Redefinition

Bio-feedbackMachine measures stress (muscle tension,

sweat, blood pressure)

Defense Mechanisms – stable/balancedRepression – pushing painful thought out of consciousDenial – refusing to admit problemDisplacement – venting our feelings on something/someone

rather than the actual targetReaction Formation – expressing opposite of what we feelIntellectualization - removing our feelings, unemotional,

rationalRegression - regress our behavior, act like children (pouting,

sulking, name-callingRationalization - explain a problem so we don’t accept blameProjection - attributing our thoughts with someone elseIdentification 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

SexualityGender roleRacial IdentityPhysicalSocial

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

AcceptingRealisticFlexibleProblem-centeredResponsibleHumor

Importance of Regular Exercise

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