Deck 4: Stress

Question 1

____________ is defined as a response made by individuals to threatening events that tax their ability to cope?

A) A stressor
B) Stress
C) Adaptation
D) Resistance

Answer 1

Stress

Question 2

Helga's heavy class load, her difficult boss, and her unpaid bills are examples of:

A) poor planning.
B) hardiness.
C) conflicts.
D) stressors.

Answer 2

stressors.

Question 3

__________ refers to stressors that are sudden events, such as a car accident, while stressors that are long-lasting are referred to as ___________.

A) Acute; chronic
B) Hassles; acute
C) Chronic; acute
D) Chronic; hassles

Answer 3

Acute; chronic

Question 4

The general adaptation syndrome was developed by ___________ to describe the common effects on the body when stressors persist.

A) Hans Selye
B) Robert Plutchik
C) Albert Bandura
D) Erik Erikson

Question 5

What are the stages of the general adaptation syndrome?

A) reaction, coping, and depletion
B) coping, resistance, and fatigue
C) alarm, resistance, and exhaustion
D) interpretation, reaction, and appraisal

Question 6

During the ________ stage of the general adaptation syndrome, the body quickly mobilizes resources in order to deal with whatever is threatening. This stage is essentially the fight-or-flight response.

A) resistance
B) alarm
C) coping
D) appraisal

Question 7

Allan is jogging when he is confronted by a large, snarling dog. Allan's heart beats faster, his muscles tense, and he gasps for air. Allan is in the _________ stage of the general adaptation syndrome.

A) resistance
B) appraisal
C) exhaustion
D) alarm

Question 8

The biological changes that take place during the alarm stage involve which two pathways?

A) sympathetic pathway and the peripheral pathway
B) somatic pathway and the neuroendocrine-immune pathway
C) sympathetic pathway and the neuroendocrine-immune pathway
D) somatic pathway and the peripheral pathway

Question 9

The biological changes during the alarm stage involve the neuroendocrine-immune pathway, which goes through the ___________ and the __________ in the brain to the adrenal glands.

A) hypothalamus; pituitary gland
B) medulla; pituitary gland
C) hippocampus; reticular formation
D) hypothalamus; pituitary gland.

Question 10

Released from the adrenal glands, __________ is a steroid that causes glucose to move to the muscles; but, at high levels, this steroid will slow the immune system.

A) epinephrine
B) norepinephrine
C) cortisol
D) acetylcholine

Question 11

During the alarm stage, the sympathetic nervous system sends a message to the adrenal glands, which release the hormones _______ and _________, which increase blood pressure, heart rate, and attention.

A) melatonin; gluten
B) epinephrine; norepinephrine
C) serotonin; dopamine
D) endorphin; acetylcholine

Question 12

Spence learns that he is going to be laid off from his job at the factory. Which of the following is MOST likely to happen when he first hears the bad news?

A) His parasympathetic nervous system will be immediately activated.
B) There will be reduced activity in his sympathetic nervous system.
C) Epinephrine will be released from his adrenal glands.
D) There will be an increased production of dopamine in his brain.

Question 13

In the _______ stage of the general adaptation syndrome, the body is able to adapt to the continued presence of the stressor, the hormones that reduce inflammation circulate at high levels, and the immune system fights off infection.

A) resolution
B) resistance
C) coping
D) deflection

Question 14

When Kathy first found out that she had three term papers due in three weeks, she felt queasy. However, she soon started doing her research, and she began to feel better. Although the stressors were still present, Kathy had begun to adapt to this situation. Kathy is in which stage of the general adaptation syndrome?

A) resistance
B) resolution
C) coping
D) exhaustion

Question 15

In the _________ stage of the general adaptation syndrome, continued stress raises the cortisol levels to the point that the immune system is suppressed and the brain's cellular functioning is strained.

A) alarm
B) resistance
C) exhaustion
D) elevation

Question 16

Timothy is a full-time student, working two part-time jobs and getting very little sleep. Timothy is always taking aspirin for his frequent headaches and muscle aches; and it seems that Timothy has caught every cold and stomach virus that has gone around the college this semester. According to the general adaptation syndrome, Timothy is most likely in the ________ stage.

A) alarm
B) elevation
C) resistance
D) exhaustion

Question 17

_____________ is Lazarus' term for individuals' interpretation of the events in their lives as harmful, threatening, or challenging and their determination of whether they have the resources to effectively cope with events.

A) Stress evaluation
B) Threat analysis
C) Cognitive appraisal
D) Conflict resolution

Question 18

Kristi has a final exam tomorrow. Which of the following will MOST likely influence the level of stress she will experience?

A) the extent she internalizes her anger
B) how she appraises the situation
C) her overall grade point average
D) her level of self-esteem

Question 19

In _________, individuals interpret whether an event involves harm or loss that has already occurred, a threat of some future danger, or a challenge to be overcome.

A) primary appraisal
B) secondary appraisal
C) the resistance stage
D) conflict resolution

Question 20

Philip is walking through a forest when he hears and sees a rustling in the leaves to his left. Philip initially believes that the rustling might be a snake, so he interprets this situation as being possibly threatening. Philip's interpretation would be considered by Lazarus as a:

A) conflict resolution.
B) primary appraisal.
C) secondary appraisal.
D) resistance stance.

Question 21

Lana and Julie's psychology professor has just assigned a term paper. Lana dreads this assignment, while Julie sees this assignment as a challenge but not overwhelming. According to Lazarus, these two students have a different:

A) resistance stance.
B) resolution phase.
C) primary appraisal.
D) secondary appraisal.

Question 22

After Danny realizes that the approaching hurricane will likely be striking his town within the next three days, Danny begins making a list of all the materials he will need to "hurricane-proof" his house as well as deciding on which household articles to take with him when he evacuates the area. According to Lazarus, Danny is in:

A) primary appraisal.
B) secondary appraisal.
C) the adaptation stage.
D) the resistance phase.

Question 23

After Latonya finds out about the service learning assignment, she immediately makes out a schedule listing her class times, her work, and her study times. Then, she determines the best times to volunteer at the nursing home. According to Lazarus, Latonya's time management scheduling is a part of her:

A) adaptation stage.
B) primary appraisal.
C) secondary appraisal.
D) conflict resolution.

Question 24

According to research, stress has been identified as a factor in all of the following EXCEPT:

A) weakened immune systems.
B) cardiovascular disease.
C) cancer.
D) neuromuscular disorders.

Question 25

_________________ is the scientific field that explores connections among psychological factors, the nervous system, and the immune system.

A) Psychoneuroimmunology
B) Neuropsychosis
C) Immunoneurosis
D) Neuroimmunopsychology

Question 26

Paula is conducting research on the effects of depression on individuals' susceptibility to the cold and flu viruses. Paula's research would be a part of which scientific field?

A) Parapsychology
B) Bioneurology
C) Psychoneuroimmunology
D) Psychovirilism

Question 27

Which of the following is the BEST summary of the relationship between stress and the immune system functioning?

A) Stressors improve the functioning of the immune system.
B) Stressors lead to immune system adaptation.
C) Stressors can reduce the responsiveness of the immune system.
D) There is no relationship between stress and the functioning of the immune system.

Question 28

Similarities between the immune system and the central nervous system include:

A) that both process "sensory" elements from the environment and other parts of the body.
B) that both possess "motor" elements, which carry out an appropriate response.
C) that both rely on chemical mediators for communication.
D) all of the above.

Question 29

Which of the following is the hormone released by the hypothalamus that unites the stress and immune systems and starts the chain reaction that signals the adrenal glands?

A) CRH
B) AFP
C) HGH
D) FSH

Question 30

In addition to teaching her regular class load, Helen took over two of the classes of a professor who had to enter the hospital. These additional classes have added a great deal of work-related stress to Helen's life in the last two months. According to Cohen's research, one would expect Helen to:

A) increase the number of hours that she sleeps each night.
B) be more likely to catch a cold or other virus.
C) be more likely to internalize her anger leading to a mild depression.
D) increase her stamina through this added workload.

Question 31

Because one of Carol's employees will be out on maternity leave for six to eight weeks, Carol is planning to cover this employee's shift as well as her own shift during this period of time. According to Cohen's research, Carol would be well advised to:

A) sleep less during this time to increase her melatonin levels.
B) work through lunch so that she can get off work at her regular time.
C) eat more starchy foods to increase her energy level.
D) talk to friends and family about the stress she is experiencing.

Question 32

According to Cohen's research, which of the following factors was shown to help prevent people from catching a cold when they were under stress and were exposed to cold viruses?

A) positive social ties with friends and family
B) increasing cortisol levels through visual imaging
C) reducing exercise and food intake to a minimum
D) none of the above

Question 33

According to cancer research, having good social relationships and support is linked with the production of higher levels of the white blood cells called ________ that attack tumor cells.

A) FP-cells
B) NK-cells
C) LDL-cells
D) HDL-cells

Question 34

The possible link between emotional stress and heart attacks involves the stress hormones causing the:

A) blood to clot more slowly.
B) blood to clot more rapidly.
C) lungs to decrease their capacity to extract oxygen from the blood.
D) lungs to decrease their capacity to cleanse the blood of carbon dioxide.

Question 35

Fiona's three year marriage has been filled with arguments and conflict. According to stress research, one can expect Fiona to:

A) have mild hypertension.
B) be eating less and sleeping less than before her marriage.
C) be exercising to excess.
D) be exhibiting all of the above.

Question 36

Marty is in a very unhappy and conflict-ridden marriage. Marty has begun to smoke again. According to stress research, what other behaviors is Marty likely to exhibit?

A) overeating
B) lack of exercise
C) increased blood pressure
D) all of the above

Question 37

The link between stress and cancer can best be understood by examining:

A) a patient's quality of life.
B) a patient's positive and negative health behaviors.
C) a patient's immune system.
D) all of the above.

Question 38

Ray has just been diagnosed with lung cancer. He should do which of the following in order to have positive effects on his immune and endocrine systems to help fight the cancer?

A) participate in a regular exercise program
B) decrease his exercise and sleep more hours to help calm the body
C) increase his intake of protein and starchy foods for more energy
D) reduce his stress level by using alcohol and/or tranquilizers

Question 39

People who have __________ have a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease and early death than those who do not.

A) hardy personalities
B) Type B personalities
C) had major life changes
D) a low score on the SRRS

Question 40

The widely-used Social Readjustment Rating Scale was developed by:

A) Lazarus and Selye.
B) Holmes and Rahe.
C) Friedman and Rosenman.
D) Dollard and Miller.

Question 41

Martin has taken the SSRS and obtained a high score, which indicates that Martin:

A) has excellent coping abilities.
B) is a Type A personality.
C) is a Type B personality.
D) has an increased chance of becoming ill.

Question 42

One weakness of a life events checklist is that it:

A) indicates nothing about a person's ability to cope.
B) lists both negative and positive events.
C) lists only negative events.
D) excludes financial matters.

Question 43

The life events checklist includes an assessment of the:

A) effects of positive events on a person.
B) person's physiological makeup.
C) person's support systems.
D) person's coping abilities.

Question 44

Karen has consistently experienced the same daily hassles at her job for the past year. Karen is most likely to develop:

A) a Type A personality.
B) a Type B personality.
C) eustress.
D) a negative self-image.

Question 45

One study showed that the most frequent daily hassles of college students included all of the following EXCEPT for:

A) wasting time.
B) being lonely.
C) meeting new people.
D) worrying about meeting high achievement standards.

Question 46

__________ occurs when one must decide between two or more incompatible options.

A) Pressure
B) Frustration
C) Conflict
D) Eustress

Question 47

You are going through the cafeteria line and must now choose your dessert. Do you choose the cherry cobbler or the caramel cheesecake, both of which you love? You are experiencing a(n):

A) approach-approach conflict.
B) avoidance-avoidance conflict.
C) approach-avoidance conflict.
D) double approach-avoidance conflict.

Question 48

Serena is offered two teaching jobs, each one is at a highly respected elementary school and pay essentially the same salary with benefits. Serena is experiencing a(n):

A) avoidance-avoidance conflict.
B) approach-approach conflict.
C) approach-avoidance conflict.
D) double approach-avoidance conflict.

Question 49

If you are stuck between a rock and a hard place, you must be experiencing which type of conflict?

A) approach-approach conflict
B) avoidance-avoidance conflict
C) approach-avoidance conflict
D) double approach-avoidance conflict

Question 50

Luke does not want to study but he also does not want to get a bad grade on his test. Luke is experiencing a(n):

A) avoidance-avoidance conflict.
B) approach-approach conflict.
C) approach-avoidance conflict.
D) double approach-avoidance conflict.

Question 51

Bill goes to his voting precinct. Bill looks at the names of the candidates running for senator, and he thinks to himself that he does not want to vote for him and he does not want to vote for her. Bill is experiencing a(n):

A) approach-avoidance conflict.
B) approach-approach conflict.
C) avoidance-avoidance conflict.
D) double approach-avoidance conflict.

Question 52

Often a person experiencing a(n) _____________ will delay his/her decision until the last possible moment.

A) avoidance-avoidance conflict.
B) approach-approach conflict.
C) approach-avoidance conflict.
D) double approach-avoidance conflict.

Question 53

_____________ is a conflict involving a single stimulus or circumstance that has both positive and negative characteristics and causes a person to vacillate in making a decision.

A) Avoidance-avoidance conflict.
B) Approach-approach conflict.
C) Approach-avoidance conflict.
D) Frustration-approach conflict.

Question 54

Scott wants to purchase a car so he can drive himself to school. However, owning a car can be very expensive with insurance, gas, and repairs. Scott must be experiencing a(n):

A) approach-avoidance conflict.
B) avoidance-avoidance conflict.
C) approach-approach conflict.
D) double approach-avoidance conflict.

Question 55

Bernice and Sam want to start a family, but they are also afraid of the gigantic responsibility of parenthood. This young couple is facing a(n):

A) approach-approach conflict.
B) avoidance-avoidance conflict.
C) approach-avoidance conflict.
D) frustration-conflict dilemma.

Question 56

__________ occurs when stimuli become so intense that one can no longer cope with them.

A) Frustration
B) Breakdown
C) Conflict
D) Overload

Question 57

Marilyn is a full-time nursing student. She is also a wife and mother of three children. Recently her husband's job has required that he travel away from home during the week. Without his help on the home front, Marilyn will most likely experience:

A) overload.
B) conflict.
C) an emotional breakdown.
D) a physical breakdown.

Question 58

__________ is a state of physical and emotional exhaustion that includes a hopeless feeling, chronic fatigue, and low energy.

A) Frustration
B) Burnout
C) Conflict
D) Pressure

Question 59

Due to cutbacks in the state budget, Patti's caseload as a social worker has increased from 45 clients to 75 clients. For the last six months, Patti has put in overtime and even taken paperwork home in order to continue meeting the needs of all of her clients. Patti is constantly tired; and no matter how much she does, Patti still feels that she is not doing enough. Patti is probably beginning to experience:

A) conflict.
B) eustress.
C) the alarm stage.
D) burnout.

Question 60

Which of the following is NOT true of burnout?

A) Burnout can occur because of one or two traumatic events happening in one's life.
B)Burnout is most likely to occur in highly emotional situations, such as helping professions, where . workers have limited control over the behavior of their clients.
C) Burnout includes chronic fatigue and feelings of hopelessness.
D) Burnout can occur due to a gradual accumulation of everyday stresses.

Question 61

Steven has been a college instructor for the last ten years and is a very dedicated teacher, who always tries to find new activities to help his students learn. However, lately he has been feeling that all of his efforts are unappreciated by both the students and the administration. No matter how hard he tries, there are students who do not pay attention and complain about the work. He has been heard saying to colleagues that the students do not want to learn, they just want teachers to give them a good grade and let them out of class early. Steven is probably experiencing:

A) the alarm stage.
B) burnout.
C) pressure.
D) existential anxiety.

Question 62

José is a college student, who is experiencing burnout. Which of the following would NOT be good advice to help alleviate José's symptoms of burnout?

A) Suggest that he cut back on some of his outside commitments.
B) Suggest that he pamper himself by doing something he has put off doing, such as going to a movie or going out with friends.
C) Suggest that he pare down his class load or even take a break from college for a while.
D) Suggest that he rededicate himself to his commitments and try harder.

Question 63

Friedman and Rosenman argue that individuals with a Type A behavior pattern were more prone to:

A) heart disease.
B) cancer.
C) digestive problems.
D) migraine headaches.

Question 64

Mohamed is a hard-driving executive who always competes against his colleagues for the best accounts. His secretary describes him as impatient and even hostile in dealing with subordinates. Mohamed would most likely be described as having a:

A) Type A behavior pattern.
B) Type B behavior pattern.
C) Type C behavior pattern.
D) Hardy personality.

Question 65

Joey is a relaxed, easygoing administrator, who tends to be patient and encouraging to his employees, and will even "pitch in" alongside of them to meet important deadlines. Joey would most likely be described as:

A) a Type A behavior pattern.
B) a Type B behavior pattern.
C) a Type C behavior pattern.
D) experiencing job burnout.

Question 66

Recent research reveals that the trait of _______ is more precisely linked with heart disease.

A) hardiness
B) competitiveness
C) impatience
D) hostility

Question 67

According to the latest research, which of the following people is likely to develop heart disease?

A) John, who is verbally hostile toward the people at work
B) Jane, who never shows her anger toward her employees but goes back to her office and sulks angrily . about these situations to herself
C) Both John and Jane would be equally likely to develop heart disease.
D) Neither John nor Jane is likely to develop heart disease.

Question 68

Studies done with HIV-positive individuals found that those with hostile personalities:

A) were able to fight against the disease more effectively and developed AIDS later.
B) had immune systems that weakened more quickly and developed AIDS more quickly.
C) were given more support from their caretakers but developed AIDS at the same rate as their non-hostile counterparts.
D) were given more support from their caretakers and developed AIDS at a slower rate than their non-hostile counterparts.

Question 69

___________ involves the release of anger or aggressive energy by directly or vicariously engaging in anger or aggression.

A) The hardy behavior pattern
B) The burnout syndrome
C) Catharsis
D) Aversion therapy

Question 70

Which of the following psychological perspectives supported the "catharsis hypothesis"?

A) Psychodynamic theory
B) Behavioral theory
C) Social cognitive theory
D) Humanistic theory

Question 71

___________ theory states we learn to act angry and become angrier after we obtain rewards for our angry outbursts or after we watch others display anger.

A) Psychodynamic theory
B) Social cognitive theory
C) Humanistic theory
D) Existential theory

Question 72

As you visit with your relatives, your uncle says that it is a good idea for people to vent their anger because it will reduce their anger. What is your response?

A) Catharsis' role in reducing anger is well-supported by research.
B) Catharsis is only effective when watching sports.
C) Catharsis does not have any long-term power to reduce anger.
D) Catharsis is effective at reducing anger, but only in males.

Question 73

Ventilating anger often follows a cycle of a precipitating event, an angry outburst, shouted recriminations, screaming or crying, a furious peak (sometimes accompanied by physical assault), and:

A) an immediate reduction in one's feelings of anger.
B) clearer thinking and better problem solving following the peak.
C) reconciliation and more harmonious interactions between the two people.
D) exhaustion and sullenness with or without an apology being made.

Question 74

Marie is waiting in line at the grocery check-out behind a woman who cannot seem to find her checkbook and is now looking for cash to pay the grocery bill. Marie is getting very angry. To reduce her anger over this situation, Marie:

A) should tell the checker that she is going to talk to the manager about her behavior and tell the other customer to check her purse before she leaves home next time.
B) should try to see this situation from the point of view of the woman who is searching through her purse.
C) should relate to everyone behind her how this customer is really enjoying this control she has over the rest of the line.
D) could do any of the above and significantly reduce her anger.

Question 75

Martha is very upset and angry over the changes that have taken place at her job over the last year. To reduce her anger, she could:

A) make the effort to express her concerns in a logical, thoughtful manner and offer alternatives to resolve the situations.
B) volunteer her time to help others, which will put her own miseries in perspective.
C) join a support group with others who have been through similar experiences.
D) do any of the above and reduce her anger.

Question 76

You are very angry with your boyfriend over his comment about your new hair style. Your mother tells you to sit down, take several deep breaths, and release them slowly. This advice from your mother will most likely ___________.

A) reduce your anger.
B) increase your anger.
C) have no effect on your anger.
D) make you hyperventilate.

Question 77

To control anger, Tavris recommends:

A) carefully monitoring the intake of sugar in the diet.
B) paying careful attention to your own misery.
C) forming a self-help group with others having the same problem.
D) refocusing the anger on trivial matters and ignoring the major problems.

Question 78

If you have a sense of commitment and control and see problems as challenges rather than threats, then you could be described as having a:

A) Type A behavior pattern.
B) hardy personality.
C) Type C behavior pattern.
D) detached personality style.

Question 79

According to the findings of the Chicago Stress Project, the high-stress business executives who had high levels of hardiness, exercise, and social support were:

A) more likely to have a serious illness occurring in the year of the study.
B) less likely to have a serious illness occurring in the year of the study.
C) equally likely to have a serious illness as executive with low levels of these factors.
D) were all classified by personality tests as actually having Type B personalities.

Question 80

Two aspects of personal control include:

A) self-efficacy and an internal locus of control.
B) high self-esteem and an external locus of control.
C) financial wealth and high status.
D) a strong need for power and an external locus of control.