Deck 16: Stress and Health

Question 1

Hans Selye introduced the model of stress reaction called the general adaptation syndrome (GAS).Selye was convinced that reactions to stressful situations:

A)were general and nonspecific
B)differed, depending on the type of stressor that was present
C)were stronger when people had other physical illnesses
D)differed, depending on the personality characteristics of the individual

Answer 1

were general and nonspecific

Question 2

With which stage of the general adaptation syndrome is the flight-or-fight response associated?

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

Answer 2

alarm

Question 3

The second stage of the general adaptation syndrome is:

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

Answer 3

resistance

Question 4

During the alarm stage of the general adaptation syndrome, a person will experience:

A)a fight-or-flight response
B)repression
C)a generalized anxiety response
D)reaction formation

Question 5

Stress involves any circumstances that:

A)have negative outcomes associated with them
B)cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate
C)require an individual to choose between two alternatives
D)threaten one's well being and thereby tax one's coping abilities

Question 6

The text defines stress as:

A)the negative emotional responses people experience when they are threatened
B)the increased arousal people experience when they are threatened
C)any environmental event that produces elevated heart rate and blood pressure
D)the physical and psychological reactions people have to demanding situations

Question 7

For his doctoral thesis, Darrell is doing research on factors that make it less likely people will exercise and eat properly, and the types of programs that will increase the likelihood people will begin exercising and eating right.Darrell is most likely studying:

A)abnormal psychology
B)health psychology
C)counseling psychology
D)biopsychology

Question 8

Hans Selye proposed the:

A)stress and coping model
B)physiological feedback model
C)general adaptation syndrome
D)biopsychosocial syndrome

Question 9

The general adaptation syndrome was proposed by:

A)Lazarus
B)Rogers
C)Selye
D)Mischel

Question 10

The study of how biological, psychological, environmental, and cultural factors are involved in physical health and the prevention of illness is called:

A)abnormal psychology
B)health psychology
C)counseling psychology
D)biopsychology

Question 11

During the alarm reaction of the general activation syndrome (GAS), the:

A)parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system becomes activated
B)sympathetic division of the automatic nervous system becomes activated
C)limbic system of the brain becomes activated
D)reticular formation begins to secrete cortisol into the blood stream

Question 12

The first stage of the general adaptation syndrome is:

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

Question 13

According to the general adaptation syndrome (GAS), described by Selye, the appearance of a threat in the environment will trigger:

A)an alarm reaction
B)a resistance reaction
C)physiological exhaustion
D)psychological stress

Question 14

The third stage of the general adaptation syndrome is:

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

Question 15

In the general activation syndrome (GAS), described by Selye, the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system first becomes activated during:

A)the resistance phase
B)the stage of exhaustion
C)recovery from the stress
D)the alarm reaction

Question 16

How many stages are there in the general adaptation syndrome?

A)three
B)four
C)five
D)six

Question 17

The three stages or phases in the general adaptation syndrome (GAS), described by Selye, are:

A)arousal, plateau, and recovery
B)alarm, resistance, and recovery
C)excitement, plateau, and exhaustion
D)alarm, resistance, and exhaustion

Question 18

For her doctoral thesis, Alex is doing research on factors that make it less likely people will get an annual flu shot, and the types of programs that will increase the likelihood people will get their shots.Alex is most likely studying:

A)abnormal psychology
B)health psychology
C)counseling psychology
D)biopsychology

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT among the three stages or phases in the general adaptation syndrome (GAS), described by Selye?

A)arousal
B)alarm
C)exhaustion
D)agitation

Question 20

The physiological reaction to an environmental threat, in which the autonomic nervous system energizes the body and hormones are released by the endocrine system, is called:

A)a fight-or-flight response
B)a resistance response
C)a generalized anxiety response
D)reaction formation

Question 21

Quinn was driving his car on an icy road when the back end started to skid out of control.His car crossed the centerline, and he could see the headlights of rapidly approaching oncoming traffic.His entire body became energized.His heart rate and respiration increased, and he began to perspire profusely.According to Selye's general activation syndrome (GAS), Quinn was experiencing:

A)a resistance reaction
B)physiological exhaustion
C)an alarm reaction
D)autonomic rebound

Question 22

In the general activation syndrome (GAS), described by Selye, during the exhaustion stage:

A)the stress reaction is most adaptive
B)the stress reaction becomes more and more maladaptive
C)the stressor has been successfully dealt with, and arousal levels return to normal
D)the stressor has been successfully dealt with, but arousal levels remain high

Question 23

In the general activation syndrome (GAS), described by Selye, physiological arousal stabilizes at a high level and individuals begin coping efforts during:

A)the alarm reaction
B)the stage of exhaustion
C)recovery from the stress
D)the resistance phase

Question 24

In the general activation syndrome (GAS), described by Selye, the body adjusts its physiological reaction, in an effort to cope with the threat that is still present, during:

A)the alarm reaction
B)the stage of exhaustion
C)recovery from the stress
D)the resistance phase

Question 25

The alarm reaction in the general activation syndrome (GAS) proposed by Selye is:

A)extremely intense and easily maintained as long as the threat is present
B)extremely intense and cannot be sustained for long periods
C)generally mild and cannot be sustained for long periods
D)generally mild and easily maintained as long as the threat is present

Question 26

In the general activation syndrome (GAS), described by Selye, the body may appear to be functioning efficiently, although arousal continues to be higher than normal:

A)during the alarm reaction
B)during the resistance phase
C)during the exhaustion stage
D)during recovery from stress

Question 27

Rina was in a meeting with several other employees when her boss started to criticize a proposal Rina had put together for the marketing department.As he started into his critique, Rina's heart rate and respiration increased, and she could feel her face and hands become flushed and red.According to Selye's general activation syndrome (GAS), Rina was experiencing:

A)a resistance reaction
B)physiological exhaustion
C)autonomic rebound
D)an alarm reaction

Question 28

In the general activation syndrome (GAS), described by Selye, the final stage, during which a person's resources for fighting stress may be totally depleted, is:

A)autonomic rebound
B)the resistance phase
C)the recovery stage
D)the stage of exhaustion

Question 29

During the resistance phase of the general adaptation syndrome, the body is:

A)adjusting its reaction to a continuing threat
B)first going through the flight-or-fight response
C)encountering a depletion of energy resources
D)initiating a shutdown of vital systems

Question 30

During the exhaustion stage of the general activation syndrome (GAS):

A)energy reserves become so taxed and depleted that the body starts to give up
B)energy reserves are replenished and arousal levels return to normal
C)the autonomic nervous system becomes temporarily inactivated
D)the reticular formation begins to secrete cortisol into the bloodstream

Question 31

Bart has been under high levels of stress for the past year.He is nearly bankrupt, working 100 hours per week at two jobs, and now faces criminal charges in a crime he didn't commit.He has developed stress-related illnesses, and his body seems to be giving up.Bart is probably in Selye's:

A)alarm stage
B)exhaustion stage
C)adaptation stage
D)collapse stage

Question 32

During the resistance phase of the general adaptation syndrome people:

A)first become consciously aware of the presence of the stressor
B)continue to repress the presence of the stressor
C)can function reasonably well but are particularly susceptible to other stressors
D)are having difficulty coping with the original stressor

Question 33

Which of the following is a correct statement concerning reactions to stressful events?

A)reactions to stress include physiological, emotional, and behavioral components
B)responses to stressful events are always negative
C)reactions to stressful events are general and nonspecific
D)all people respond to different stressors in the same ways

Question 34

Which of the following is a correct statement concerning reactions to stressful events?

A)reactions to stress are purely physiological
B)responses to stressful events are always negative
C)reactions to stressful events are general and nonspecific
D)people respond emotionally to different stressors in different ways

Question 35

Randi was in a meeting with several other employees when her boss started to criticize a proposal Randi had put together for the marketing department.Her initial reaction was a nearly uncontrollable rage, but then she started to calm down somewhat.Although she was still very agitated, she was able to control her reactions enough to present some counterpoints to the criticism from her boss.According to Selye's general activation syndrome (GAS), Randi was probably experiencing:

A)an alarm reaction
B)physiological exhaustion
C)a resistance reaction
D)autonomic rebound

Question 36

In the general activation syndrome (GAS), described by Selye, energy reserves become so taxed and depleted that the body starts to give up during:

A)the alarm reaction
B)the resistance phase
C)recovery from the stress
D)the stage of exhaustion

Question 37

Rasheed is an army field surgeon who has been operating on wounded soldiers for the past 24 hours, without a break.It seems as if he will never be able to deal with all the wounded soldiers that are already at the field hospital, and more wounded are arriving every hour.Meanwhile, the sound of heavy artillery is getting closer all the time.At this point, Rasheed feels completely worn out.His overall energy reserves are totally depleted, and his body just wants to give up.According to Selye's general activation syndrome (GAS), Rasheed is probably experiencing:

A)an alarm reaction
B)a resistance reaction
C)autonomic rebound
D)physiological exhaustion

Question 38

In the general activation syndrome (GAS), described by Selye, the stress reaction becomes more and more maladaptive during:

A)the alarm reaction
B)the resistance phase
C)the stage of exhaustion
D)recovery from the stress

Question 39

Which of the following is a correct statement concerning reactions to stressful events?

A)reactions to stress are purely physiological
B)responses to stressful events are always negative
C)reactions to stressful events are not completely general and nonspecific
D)all people respond to different stressors in the same ways

Question 40

Which of the following is a correct statement concerning reactions to stressful events?

A)reactions to stress are purely physiological
B)stress can have significant short-term and long-term benefits
C)reactions to stressful events are general and nonspecific
D)all people respond to different stressors in the same ways

Question 41

A number of research studies have investigated gender differences in physiological and behavior reactions to stress.The evidence from these studies suggests that in comparison to females, males typically:

A)have a weaker physiological response to stress
B)are less likely to create and maintain social networks
C)enter Selye's exhaustion stage much sooner
D)show stronger and more widespread physiological reactions to stress

Question 42

A person experiencing stress might feel:

A)fear
B)anger
C)sadness
D)all of these choices are possible

Question 43

The stress that a person actually experiences in different situations is critically influenced by:

A)the number of life change units the event involves
B)the person's physical health when the stressor is present
C)the overall magnitude of the stressful event
D)the cognitive appraisal that the person makes

Question 44

Two students walk into a psychology class and realize there is going to be a pop quiz.The first student says quietly, "That's okay, I study every day anyway." The second student says quietly, "Oh no, I haven't looked at my book or notes for over two weeks." You would predict:

A)both students will feel an equal amount of stress due to situational factors
B)the second student will feel less stress due to the general adaptation syndrome
C)the first student will feel less stress due to a positive cognitive appraisal
D)the first student will feel more stress due to denial

Question 45

A student has just walked into a psychology class and realized there is going to be a pop quiz.The student says quietly, "That's okay, I study every day anyway," and feels optimistic and confident.The best explanation for the student's reaction is the concept of:

A)cognitive appraisal
B)the general adaptation syndrome
C)denial
D)the reaction formation

Question 46

One group of laboratory rats is allowed to escape a shock and thereby reduce the level of stress they experience, while a second group receives no shock.You would predict:

A)the rats that escaped shock will show better immune system functioning
B)the rats that escaped shock will show lower immune system functioning
C)the rats that were not shocked will show better immune system functioning
D)neither group will exhibit differences in immune system functioning

Question 47

The idea that to feel stress you need to perceive a threat and come to the conclusion that you may not have adequate resources to deal with the threat, is a reference to the need for a(n):

A)cognitive appraisal
B)general adaptation syndrome
C)unconscious mind
D)conscious mind

Question 48

The psychological experience of stress:

A)is always negative
B)can be beneficial in the short term, but not in the long term
C)can be beneficial in the long term, but not in the short term
D)can have significant short-term and long-term benefits

Question 49

Which of the following is a correct statement concerning male-female differences in psychological reactions to stress?

A)the proposal males and females differ in their behavioral reactions is not controversial
B)sex differences in response to stress occur across the animal kingdom
C)there is no evidence the differences are due to differences in the male and female brain
D)most research on the behavioral component of the stress response is on women

Question 50

A person experiencing stress might feel:

A)fear
B)dejection
C)grief
D)all of these choices are possible

Question 51

A number of research studies have investigated gender differences in physiological and behavior reactions to stress.The evidence from these studies suggests that in comparison to males, females typically:

A)have a weaker physiological response to stress
B)display tend-and-befriend as their primary response, rather than fight-or-flight
C)enter Selye's exhaustion stage much sooner
D)show stronger and more widespread physiological reactions to stress

Question 52

A number of research studies have investigated gender differences in physiological and behavior reactions to stress.The evidence from these studies suggests that in comparison to males, females:

A)have a weaker physiological response to stress
B)are more likely to create and maintain social networks
C)enter Selye's exhaustion stage much sooner
D)show stronger and more widespread physiological reactions to stress

Question 53

Which of the following is a correct statement concerning male-female differences in psychological reactions to stress?

A)the proposal males and females differ in their behavioral reactions to stress is controversial
B)sex differences in response to stress occur only in humans
C)there is no evidence the differences are due to differences in the male and female brain
D)most research on the behavioral component of the stress response is on women

Question 54

A student has just walked into a psychology class and realized there is going to be a pop quiz.The student says quietly, "Oh no, I haven't looked at my book or notes for over two weeks," and suddenly feels anxious and tense.The best explanation for the student's reaction is the concept of:

A)cognitive appraisal
B)the general adaptation syndrome
C)denial
D)the reaction formation

Question 55

Holmes and Rahe developed the:

A)stress-and-coping model
B)Social Readjustment Rating Scale
C)general adaptation syndrome
D)Hassles Scale

Question 56

Which of the following is a correct statement concerning male-female differences in psychological reactions to stress?

A)the proposal males and females differ in their behavioral reactions is not controversial
B)sex differences in response to stress occur only in humans
C)there is no evidence the differences are due to differences in the male and female brain
D)most research on the behavioral component of the stress response has been done on men

Question 57

The Social Readjustment Rating Scale was developed by:

A)Richard Lazarus
B)Holmes and Rahe
C)Hans Selye
D)Craik and Tulving

Question 58

A number of research studies have investigated gender differences in physiological and behavior reactions to stress.The evidence from these studies suggests that in comparison to females, males:

A)have a weaker physiological response to stress
B)are more likely to become aggressive or flee
C)enter Selye's exhaustion stage much sooner
D)show stronger and more widespread physiological reactions to stress

Question 59

Which of the following is a correct statement concerning male-female differences in psychological reactions to stress?

A)the proposal males and females differ in their behavioral reactions is not controversial
B)sex differences in response to stress occur only in humans
C)there is some evidence the differences are due to differences in the male and female brain
D)most research on the behavioral component of the stress is on women

Question 60

Laboratory research has shown that rats who are allowed to escape shock, and thereby reduce the level of stress they experience, show:

A)lower immune system function than rats who receive no shock
B)more learned helplessness than rats who receive no shock
C)better immune system function than rats who receive no shock
D)less learned helplessness than rats who receive no shock

Question 61

In which of the following neighborhoods would you expect levels of stress to be lowest?

A)a crowded but quiet neighborhood
B)a noisy neighborhood that has a low population density
C)a crowded and noisy neighborhood
D)a quiet neighborhood with a low population density

Question 62

Which of the following events would rank lowest on the Holmes and Rahe Social Readjustment Rating Scale?

A)marriage
B)foreclosure of mortgage
C)vacation
D)minor violation of the law

Question 63

Stephen is extremely ambitious.He has been in his current job for 12 months, and he has told everyone that if he doesn't get a promotion at his next evaluation, he will move on.He is always in a hurry and impatient with coworkers who don't have their work done on time.He spends long hours at work, coming early and staying late.Stephen would most likely be described as having:

A)antisocial personality disorder
B)a Type A personality
C)a Type B personality
D)dependent personality disorder

Question 64

Recent research has indicated that when people are allowed to control a stressor in a laboratory setting, there is less of a stress response in:

A)participants with an internal locus of control
B)males and adolescent participants
C)participants with an external locus of control
D)females and elderly participants

Question 65

Which of the following is NOT true of someone with a Type A personality?

A)hard driving
B)impatient
C)relaxed
D)ambitious

Question 66

Rosetta lives in a high-rise apartment building in the downtown area of the city.Rene lives in a low-rise apartment on the outskirts of the city.Based on studies that have investigated the relationship between environmental factors and stress, you should predict that Rosetta will show:

A)lower susceptibility to health problems but higher aggressive tendencies
B)greater susceptibility to health problems but lower aggressive tendencies
C)greater susceptibility to health problems and higher aggressive tendencies
D)lower susceptibility to health problems and lower aggressive tendencies

Question 67

People are more likely to suffer from increased stress-related health problems in midlife if they consistently make attributions for negative events that are:

A)external, stable, and global
B)internal, stable, and global
C)internal, unstable, and global
D)internal, stable, and specific

Question 68

"It was stupid to walk downtown at night, but I always seem to make poor decisions.I guess I just don't have any sense," Lyle said after being mugged.Nat, who was also mugged, said, "If the police would do their job, this wouldn't have happened." If these comments reflect Nat's and Lyle's usual way of thinking, we should expect:

A)Nat will develop more stress-related problems in middle age and die younger
B)Nat will develop more stress-related problems in middle age, but life span will not be affected
C)Lyle will develop more stress-related problems in middle age and die younger
D)Lyle will develop more stress-related problems in middle age, but life span will not be affected

Question 69

Compared to individuals who live in low-density neighborhoods, you would expect people who live in high-density neighborhoods to show evidence of:

A)greater susceptibility to health problems and a greater likelihood of aggression
B)lower susceptibility to health problems but a greater likelihood of aggression
C)greater susceptibility to health problems but a lower likelihood of aggression
D)lower susceptibility to health problems and a lower likelihood of aggression

Question 70

Compared to individuals who live in high-density neighborhoods, you would expect people who live in low-density neighborhoods to show evidence of:

A)greater susceptibility to health problems and a greater likelihood of aggression
B)lower susceptibility to health problems but a greater likelihood of aggression
C)greater susceptibility to health problems but a lower likelihood of aggression
D)lower susceptibility to health problems and a lower likelihood of aggression

Question 71

Chronic exposure to noise has been linked to:

A)ulcers
B)high blood pressure
C)lower reading comprehension scores in schoolchildren
D)all of these choices

Question 72

Sean is already late for an important appointment when he realizes that he is almost out of gas.He stops to fill up, and the clerk has trouble getting approval on his credit card.When he finally pulls out of the service station, the traffic is crawling because of an accident.Inconveniences of this type:

A)can often have a significant effect on physical and mental health
B)are such routine hassles that they are not perceived as stressful
C)are only stressful to individuals with a Type A personality
D)can produce burnout in people who have high personal motivation

Question 73

Tina is a straight-A student who insists all assignments be done perfectly and devotes all her attention to being the best student in every class.Tina quickly becomes impatient with anyone who doesn't perform to her standards.Tina's behavior is characteristic of:

A)a negative explanatory style personality
B)a controlling personality
C)a Type A personality
D)a Type B personality

Question 74

Chronic exposure to noise has been linked to:

A)ulcers
B)high blood pressure
C)a general decline in perceived quality of life
D)all of these choices

Question 75

Holmes and Rahe suggested that the major sources of stress come from:

A)life events that involve some sort of a loss
B)changes in a person's life that require adjustment
C)environmental factors such as noise and overcrowding
D)daily irritations in life

Question 76

In which of the following neighborhoods would you expect levels of stress to be highest?

A)a crowded but quiet neighborhood
B)a noisy neighborhood that has a low population density
C)a crowded and noisy neighborhood
D)a quiet neighborhood with a low population density

Question 77

The university has built one massive high-rise dorm for all students.Research on environmental psychology predicts there will be:

A)improved physical health in the residents
B)improved psychological health in the residents
C)increased tolerance to daily hassles by the residents
D)increased aggressive behavior by the residents

Question 78

Russ is most likely to develop stress-related problems if he:

A)feels competent to succeed in his very difficult new job
B)has a Type B personality
C)has an optimistic outlook
D)shares a crowded apartment with four other people

Question 79

Someone with a Type A personality would tend to be:

A)self-satisfied, patient, and relaxed
B)extroverted, open, and agreeable
C)neurotic, introverted and impatient
D)hard driving, ambitious, and impatient

Question 80

An individual who was hard driving, ambitious, and impatient might be described as having:

A)a Type B personality
B)antisocial personality disorder
C)a Type C personality
D)a Type A personality