Question 1

Which of the following pieces of advice is likely to be most helpful for reducing stress and improving health outcomes?

Accepted Answer

A)  "Your good health is in your hands." 
B)  "Just let go and leave your health up to fate." 
C)  "Think positive." 
D)  Both a and c are likely to be helpful. 
A)  "Your good health is in your hands." 
B)  "Just let go and leave your health up to fate." 
C)  "Think positive." 
D)  Both a and c are likely to be helpful. D

Question 2

What does research suggest about the relationship between close social connections and health outcomes? What factors are believed to explain this relationship?

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that people with stronger social connections tend to live longer than those with few meaningful social ties. In a study of breast cancer patients, for example, David Spiegel and his colleagues found that participants who engaged in weekly sessions of emotionally supportive group therapy with other breast cancer patients lived longer than those assigned to a nonintervention control group. Strong social connections are believed to protect health by reducing psychological and physiological stress. For example, in one study, participants who had a supportive person in the audience during a stressful public speech task, compared to those who did not, had lower blood pressure readings during the speech. According to the tend-and-befriend model developed by Shelley Taylor and her colleagues, the hormone oxytocin may also be an important factor: the presence of supportive social connections increases oxytocin, which in turn reduces cortisol levels.

Question 3

In psychology, the term rumination refers to the

Accepted Answer

A)  tendency to eat food thoroughly to aid digestion. 
B)  tendency to think about a stressful event over and over again. 
C)  digestive system dysfunction associated with exposure to multiple stressors. 
D)  illusion that we are in control of events. 
A)  tendency to eat food thoroughly to aid digestion. 
B)  tendency to think about a stressful event over and over again. 
C)  digestive system dysfunction associated with exposure to multiple stressors. 
D)  illusion that we are in control of events. B

Question 4

Which of the following was NOT among the findings of Shelley Taylor's research on women with breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

A)  Most women passively accepted their condition. 
B)  Older women felt grateful that they had been diagnosed as older rather than younger women. 
C)  Younger women felt grateful that they had more physical robustness to fight the disease. 
D)  Most women felt that they could control the course of the disease through diet and exercise. 
A)  Most women passively accepted their condition. 
B)  Older women felt grateful that they had been diagnosed as older rather than younger women. 
C)  Younger women felt grateful that they had more physical robustness to fight the disease. 
D)  Most women felt that they could control the course of the disease through diet and exercise.

Question 5

Mikell has been thinking over and over again about a conflict she had with a coworker. As a consequence, she has allowed that stressful conflict to pervade her evenings and weekends when she is not at work. Her sister, Tori, also had a conflict with a coworker but seemed to forget about it almost immediately. When their friends are catching the common cold, which of these two will be more vulnerable to catching the cold as well?

Accepted Answer

A)  Mikell, because her elevated stress levels will make her immune system less effective 
B)  Tori, because her elevated stress levels will make her immune system less effective 
C)  Tori, because she is likely to spend more time socializing with her sick friends 
D)  Mikell, because she is likely to spend more time socializing with her sick friends 
A)  Mikell, because her elevated stress levels will make her immune system less effective 
B)  Tori, because her elevated stress levels will make her immune system less effective 
C)  Tori, because she is likely to spend more time socializing with her sick friends 
D)  Mikell, because she is likely to spend more time socializing with her sick friends

Question 6

If we know that Jon left school after the eighth grade and has been working as a janitor for the past twenty years, what research-based predictions could we make about his health status?

Accepted Answer

A)  Jon is more likely to have chronically low levels of cortisol. 
B)  Jon is more likely to die at an earlier age than those in higher-status jobs. 
C)  Jon is less likely to develop heart disease because his job involves less stress. 
D)  If Jon has children, they will be less likely to die in infancy. 
A)  Jon is more likely to have chronically low levels of cortisol. 
B)  Jon is more likely to die at an earlier age than those in higher-status jobs. 
C)  Jon is less likely to develop heart disease because his job involves less stress. 
D)  If Jon has children, they will be less likely to die in infancy.

Question 7

Supporting and connecting with others ________ oxytocin, which in turn ________ cortisol levels.

Accepted Answer

A)  increases; decreases 
B)  decreases; decreases 
C)  increases; increases 
D)  decreases, increases 
A)  increases; decreases 
B)  decreases; decreases 
C)  increases; increases 
D)  decreases, increases

Question 8

Explain how rumination may contribute to chronic stress and then describe one way that rumination can be reduced.

Accepted Answer

Rumination refers to the tendency to thi

Question 9

Which of the following best summarizes the purpose of activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which involves increased cortisol and temporary immune system suppression?

Accepted Answer

A)  to propagate the species through increased drive for reproduction 
B)  to increase survival value by storing up rather than expending energy reserves 
C)  to increase survival value by quickly responding to threats 
D)  to improve psychological health by suppressing memories of threatening events 
A)  to propagate the species through increased drive for reproduction 
B)  to increase survival value by storing up rather than expending energy reserves 
C)  to increase survival value by quickly responding to threats 
D)  to improve psychological health by suppressing memories of threatening events

Question 10

Richard is a fairly wealthy man. As part of a research study, Richard is asked to indicate which rung of a ladder best represents his socioeconomic rank. How is Richard most likely to respond?

Accepted Answer

A)  He will select one of the highest rungs. 
B)  He will select one of the middle rungs. 
C)  He will select one of the lowest rungs. 
D)  His response will depend on his subjective construal of his relative rank. 
A)  He will select one of the highest rungs. 
B)  He will select one of the middle rungs. 
C)  He will select one of the lowest rungs. 
D)  His response will depend on his subjective construal of his relative rank.

Question 11

Which of the following is an immediate effect of increased cortisol levels?

Accepted Answer

A)  reduced blood pressure 
B)  increased immune system activity 
C)  increased heart rate 
D)  blockage of the formation of traumatic memories 
A)  reduced blood pressure 
B)  increased immune system activity 
C)  increased heart rate 
D)  blockage of the formation of traumatic memories

Question 12

Eliot is from a lower socioeconomic status (SES) neighborhood than Carl. Which of the following is a likely reason why Eliot is at greater risk for increased stress and poorer physical health outcomes than Carl?

Accepted Answer

A)  Eliot is more likely to be exposed to violent crime. 
B)  Eliot is less likely to have access to recreational spaces and parks. 
C)  Eliot is less likely to have easy access to health care centers. 
D)  All of the above are correct. 
A)  Eliot is more likely to be exposed to violent crime. 
B)  Eliot is less likely to have access to recreational spaces and parks. 
C)  Eliot is less likely to have easy access to health care centers. 
D)  All of the above are correct.

Question 13

Gabriel is experiencing psychosocial stress during a job interview. Which area of Gabriel's brain is responsible for initially processing information related to this threat?

Accepted Answer

A)  the amygdala 
B)  the basal ganglia 
C)  the fusiform gyrus 
D)  the pineal gland 
A)  the amygdala 
B)  the basal ganglia 
C)  the fusiform gyrus 
D)  the pineal gland

Question 14

Which of the following does the textbook NOT recommend as a means of reducing stress?

Accepted Answer

A)  seeking out stressful situations to stimulate resilience 
B)  practicing meditation 
C)  exercising regularly 
D)  cultivating positive emotions 
A)  seeking out stressful situations to stimulate resilience 
B)  practicing meditation 
C)  exercising regularly 
D)  cultivating positive emotions

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT likely a mechanism by which optimism is associated with better physical health?

Accepted Answer

A)  Optimists are more likely to engage in good health practices. 
B)  Optimists are more likely to respond to stress with less HPA axis activity. 
C)  Optimists are less likely to need to rely on others for support. 
D)  Optimists are more likely to develop good social support networks. 
A)  Optimists are more likely to engage in good health practices. 
B)  Optimists are more likely to respond to stress with less HPA axis activity. 
C)  Optimists are less likely to need to rely on others for support. 
D)  Optimists are more likely to develop good social support networks.

Question 16

Diana and Julie are asked to give presentations at work with only ten minutes to prepare. Diana has a good friend in the audience, whereas Julie does not. Who is likely to become the most stressed during the presentation?

Accepted Answer

A)  Julie 
B)  Diana 
C)  They are likely to feel equally stressed. 
D)  Neither is likely to feel stressed. 
A)  Julie 
B)  Diana 
C)  They are likely to feel equally stressed. 
D)  Neither is likely to feel stressed.

Question 17

Glenda was recently placed in a nursing home, and her physical health has been gradually deteriorating. Accordingly to the textbook, which of the following would be most likely to improve her health?

Accepted Answer

A)  having the staff ensure that she is pampered 
B)  encouraging her to conserve her strength by resting 
C)  allowing her a greater sense of control 
D)  reducing stress by minimizing the amount of time visitors can stay 
A)  having the staff ensure that she is pampered 
B)  encouraging her to conserve her strength by resting 
C)  allowing her a greater sense of control 
D)  reducing stress by minimizing the amount of time visitors can stay

Question 18

Which of the following was found in breast cancer patients who were evaluated by their physicians as having better responses to the disease?

Accepted Answer

A)  They relinquished control of their treatment to their doctors. 
B)  They reported having a sense of control over the course of the disease. 
C)  They were more likely to deny that they had cancer. 
D)  They were more likely to report intense anger at the cancer. 
A)  They relinquished control of their treatment to their doctors. 
B)  They reported having a sense of control over the course of the disease. 
C)  They were more likely to deny that they had cancer. 
D)  They were more likely to report intense anger at the cancer.

Question 19

Psychologist Shelley Taylor proposed that we can reduce stress and improve our own health by connecting with and providing support to others. The term she used for this approach is

Accepted Answer

A)  tend-and-befriend. 
B)  seek-and-assist. 
C)  self-distancing. 
D)  tit-for-tat. 
A)  tend-and-befriend. 
B)  seek-and-assist. 
C)  self-distancing. 
D)  tit-for-tat.

Question 20

Describe research that supports the role of perceived control in promoting good physical health.

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that a sense of contro

Which of the following pieces of advice is likely to be most helpful for reducing stress and improving health outcomes?

What does research suggest about the relationship between close social connections and health outcomes? What factors are believed to explain this relationship?

In psychology, the term rumination refers to the

Which of the following was NOT among the findings of Shelley Taylor's research on women with breast cancer?

If we know that Jon left school after the eighth grade and has been working as a janitor for the past twenty years, what research-based predictions could we make about his health status?

Supporting and connecting with others oxytocin, which in turn cortisol levels.

Explain how rumination may contribute to chronic stress and then describe one way that rumination can be reduced.

Which of the following best summarizes the purpose of activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which involves increased cortisol and temporary immune system suppression?

Richard is a fairly wealthy man. As part of a research study, Richard is asked to indicate which rung of a ladder best represents his socioeconomic rank. How is Richard most likely to respond?

Which of the following is an immediate effect of increased cortisol levels?

Eliot is from a lower socioeconomic status (SES) neighborhood than Carl. Which of the following is a likely reason why Eliot is at greater risk for increased stress and poorer physical health outcomes than Carl?

Gabriel is experiencing psychosocial stress during a job interview. Which area of Gabriel's brain is responsible for initially processing information related to this threat?

Which of the following does the textbook NOT recommend as a means of reducing stress?

Which of the following is NOT likely a mechanism by which optimism is associated with better physical health?

Diana and Julie are asked to give presentations at work with only ten minutes to prepare. Diana has a good friend in the audience, whereas Julie does not. Who is likely to become the most stressed during the presentation?

Glenda was recently placed in a nursing home, and her physical health has been gradually deteriorating. Accordingly to the textbook, which of the following would be most likely to improve her health?

Which of the following was found in breast cancer patients who were evaluated by their physicians as having better responses to the disease?

Psychologist Shelley Taylor proposed that we can reduce stress and improve our own health by connecting with and providing support to others. The term she used for this approach is

Describe research that supports the role of perceived control in promoting good physical health.

An Invitation to Social Psychology

The Methods of Social Psychology

The Social Self

Social Cognition: Thinking About People and Situations

Social Attribution: Explaining Behavior

Emotion

Attitudes, Behavior, and Rationalization

Persuasion

Social Influence

Relationships and Attraction

Stereotyping, Prejudice, and Discrimination

Groups

Aggression

Altruism and Cooperation

Application Module- Social Psychology and Personal Finance

Application Module- Social Psychology and Education

Application Module- Social Psychology and the Law

Filters

Exam 15: Application Module-Social Psychology and Health

Which of the following pieces of advice is likely to be most helpful for reducing stress and improving health outcomes?

What does research suggest about the relationship between close social connections and health outcomes? What factors are believed to explain this relationship?

In psychology, the term rumination refers to the

Which of the following was NOT among the findings of Shelley Taylor's research on women with breast cancer?

If we know that Jon left school after the eighth grade and has been working as a janitor for the past twenty years, what research-based predictions could we make about his health status?

Supporting and connecting with others ________ oxytocin, which in turn ________ cortisol levels.

Explain how rumination may contribute to chronic stress and then describe one way that rumination can be reduced.

Which of the following best summarizes the purpose of activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which involves increased cortisol and temporary immune system suppression?

Richard is a fairly wealthy man. As part of a research study, Richard is asked to indicate which rung of a ladder best represents his socioeconomic rank. How is Richard most likely to respond?

Which of the following is an immediate effect of increased cortisol levels?

Eliot is from a lower socioeconomic status (SES) neighborhood than Carl. Which of the following is a likely reason why Eliot is at greater risk for increased stress and poorer physical health outcomes than Carl?

Gabriel is experiencing psychosocial stress during a job interview. Which area of Gabriel's brain is responsible for initially processing information related to this threat?

Which of the following does the textbook NOT recommend as a means of reducing stress?

Which of the following is NOT likely a mechanism by which optimism is associated with better physical health?

Diana and Julie are asked to give presentations at work with only ten minutes to prepare. Diana has a good friend in the audience, whereas Julie does not. Who is likely to become the most stressed during the presentation?

Glenda was recently placed in a nursing home, and her physical health has been gradually deteriorating. Accordingly to the textbook, which of the following would be most likely to improve her health?

Which of the following was found in breast cancer patients who were evaluated by their physicians as having better responses to the disease?

Psychologist Shelley Taylor proposed that we can reduce stress and improve our own health by connecting with and providing support to others. The term she used for this approach is

Describe research that supports the role of perceived control in promoting good physical health.

An Invitation to Social Psychology

The Methods of Social Psychology

The Social Self

Social Cognition: Thinking About People and Situations

Social Attribution: Explaining Behavior

Emotion

Attitudes, Behavior, and Rationalization

Persuasion

Social Influence

Relationships and Attraction

Stereotyping, Prejudice, and Discrimination

Groups

Aggression

Altruism and Cooperation

Application Module- Social Psychology and Personal Finance

Application Module- Social Psychology and Education

Application Module- Social Psychology and the Law

Filters

Supporting and connecting with others oxytocin, which in turn cortisol levels.