Deck 13: B: Stress, Coping, and Health

Question 1

When noticeable alterations in a person's living circumstances that require readjustment occur, what does the person experience?

A)change
B)conflict
C)pressure
D)frustration

Answer 1

change

Question 2

What is conflict?

A)the experience whenever the pursuit of some goal is thwarted
B)any noticeable alterations in one's living circumstances that require readjustment
C)expectations or demands that one behave in a certain way
D)when two or more incompatible motivations or impulses compete for expression

Answer 2

when two or more incompatible motivations or impulses compete for expression

Question 3

Deanna injured her knee and caused permanent damage that prevented her from enjoying her favourite sports. She had to decide whether she would have a painful knee surgery that would require a long recovery before she could have full use of her leg again. First she decided to have the surgery, then she changed her mind and decided to just live without skiing and running. Next, she again decided to have the surgery. What is the term for Deanna's reaction?

A)incongruence
B)vacillation
C)approach-approach
D)avoidance-avoidance

Answer 3

vacillation

Question 4

Which term is defined as circumstances that threaten, or are perceived to threaten, one's well-being and tax one's coping abilities?

A)pressure
B)conflict
C)stress
D)frustration

Question 5

Jennie is shopping for wedding dresses, and she has found two that she loves. She is having a hard time deciding between them. What sort of conflict is Jennie experiencing?

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

Question 6

Which of the following reflects the approach of a psychologist who believes that physical illness is caused by a complex interaction of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors?

A)biological interactive approach
B)interdenominational approach
C)interdisciplinary model
D)biopsychosocial model

Question 7

Which type of conflict tends to be most unpleasant and highly stressful?

A)approach-approach
B)attack-avoidance
C)approach-avoidance
D)avoidance-avoidance

Question 8

Today is the day your younger sister's first choice for university said she would get her acceptance (or rejection) letter in the mail. It's 3:00 p.m. and the mail, which usually comes by noon, still hasn't been delivered. What type of stress is your sister likely experiencing?

A)frustration
B)change
C)conflict
D)pressure

Question 9

Which research topic would be most likely to be studied by a health psychologist?

A)depression caused by neurochemical imbalance
B)heritability of neurosis
C)effects of antipsychotic medication on patients
D)factors that affect the likelihood of seeking treatment

Question 10

When a person has two or more incompatible motivations or behavioural impulses competing for expression, what does that person experience?

A)pressure
B)change
C)conflict
D)frustration

Question 11

Which of the following is an example of a stressful situation that involves conflict?

A)You can't decide whether to go to Florida or Mexico for spring break.
B)You're stuck behind a slow-moving car on a one-lane road.
C)You just took out a large car loan.
D)You have a term paper due the day after tomorrow and you haven't started it yet.

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of a stressful situation that involves frustration?

A)Your parents expect you to get at least a 3.00 GPA this semester.
B)You want to go to the big game tomorrow, but the game is sold out.
C)You can't decide which movie to rent for tonight.
D)You just moved into a different apartment.

Question 13

Zaina is shopping for a new car. She was planning on purchasing a car she could afford if she takes out a small loan. She just looked at a car that she "fell in love with" but she would need to double the size of her car loan to buy it. As Zaina decides whether to purchase the more expensive car, what will she experience?

A)approach-avoidance conflict
B)approach-approach conflict
C)attractive-unattractive conflict
D)avoidance-avoidance conflict

Question 14

Imagine you studied for this psychology exam with two of your classmates. If one classmate, Becky, was very nervous and "stressed out" about the exam, and the other classmate, Craig, thought the exam "wasn't a big deal," what explains their differing attitudes?

A)Males experience many events as less stressful than females.
B)People's appraisal of stressful events are highly objective.
C)People's appraisals of stressful events are highly subjective.
D)Some people use constructive coping techniques to reduce stress.

Question 15

Which situation illustrates typical effects of cumulative hassles?

A)A soldier develops PTSD after being involved in combat.
B)A teenager won't go to school because of constant bullying.
C)A man takes a leave of absence from work to undergo treatment for a chronic illness.
D)A woman becomes irritable and unproductive because of constant interruptions at work.

Question 16

Which type of conflict tends to be least stressful?

A)approach-approach
B)attractive-attractive
C)avoidance-avoidance
D)approach-avoidance

Question 17

What is frustration?

A)any noticeable alterations in one's living circumstances that require readjustment
B)expectations or demands that one behave in a certain way
C)when two or more incompatible motivations or impulses compete for expression
D)the experience whenever the pursuit of some goal is thwarted

Question 18

When a person's pursuit of a goal is blocked or thwarted, what does the person experience?

A)frustration
B)pressure
C)conflict
D)change

Question 19

Which list includes principal types of stress?

A)frustration, conflict, anxiety
B)anxiety, conflict, change
C)change, frustration, pressure
D)conflict, fear, pressure

Question 20

What differs between acute and chronic stressors?

A)physical reactions
B)duration
C)conscious awareness
D)intensity

Question 21

As Jim was walking through a party, someone suddenly punched him. Jim was very startled, and immediately experienced a series of physiological reactions including increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and a clenching in his gut (as his digestive process stopped). What is illustrated by this example?

A)fight-or-flight response
B)tend and befriend response
C)general adaptation response
D)amygdala rage response

Question 22

James has an important job interview tomorrow morning and he obviously wants to do a good job of selling himself to the interviewer. What is James most likely experiencing?

A)conflict
B)pressure
C)change
D)frustration

Question 23

What has a major influence on the type of emotion someone will feel as a result of stress?

A)the specific pattern of physiological arousal
B)whether the stressor is pressure, change or conflict
C)the intensity of the stressor
D)the subjective appraisal of the event

Question 24

What types of events are included on the Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS)?

A)positive and negative events of varying magnitudes
B)a wide range of events that are generally perceived by most people as aversive
C)events related to the disruption of personal and social relationships
D)friend- and family-related events

Question 25

According to results of current research, what does the Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS) assess?

A)changes that will be perceived as aversive
B)changes that relate to pressure and conflict
C)changes that relate to a wide variety of stressful experiences
D)changes that relate to major life events

Question 26

Theresa and her husband Matt were having a picnic with their children when they noticed smoke coming from the woods. Both of them became somewhat afraid that there was a brush fire that could spread to where they were sitting. According to a recent evolutionary hypothesis, which response is more likely to be expressed by Theresa than by Matt?

A)tend and befriend response
B)fight-or-flight response
C)comfort and gather response
D)general adaptation response

Question 27

What tends to be true of people with higher scores on the Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS)?

A)They are less likely to exhibit vacillation when making decisions.
B)They are more likely to exhibit vacillation when making decisions.
C)They are less vulnerable to developing physical illness.
D)They are more vulnerable to developing physical illness.

Question 28

Many emotions are experienced by people who are under stress. According to recent research, which type of emotions appear to play a key role in helping people bounce back from the difficulties associated with stress?

A)unexpected
B)very intense
C)positive
D)negative

Question 29

According to Fredrickson's broaden-and-build theory, which outcome is predicted for someone who experiences positive emotions when dealing with a stressor?

A)creative problem solving
B)higher cortisol levels
C)delusional coping strategy
D)avoidance of source of stress

Question 30

Which of the following describes the relationship between level of arousal and performance?

A)inverted-U hypothesis
B)matrix hypothesis
C)resistance-exhaustion hypothesis
D)normal curve hypothesis

Question 31

What is the fight-or-flight response?

A)a coping reaction to threat involving the parasympathetic nervous system
B)a physiological reaction to threat involving the autonomic nervous system
C)an emotional reaction to threat involving the central nervous system
D)a behavioural reaction to threat involving the somatic nervous system

Question 32

Chad is an excellent golfer, very good at basketball, competent at tennis, and has just started to play rugby. If Chad wants to perform as well as possible, for which sport should his arousal level be lowest?

A)tennis
B)basketball
C)golf
D)rugby

Question 33

What is described by the general adaptation syndrome?

A)physiological responses to stress
B)instinctive coping processes
C)constructive coping processes
D)behavioural responses to stress

Question 34

Selena looked down at her feet and was startled to see a large poisonous snake. Which stage of the general adaptation syndrome would Selena be experiencing at that moment?

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

Question 35

Which of the following is NOT one of the stages of the general adaptation syndrome?

A)recovery
B)resistance
C)exhaustion
D)alarm reaction

Question 36

Which of the following is an example of a stressful situation that involves pressure?

A)Eli meets his girlfriend's parents and she really wants him to make a good impression.
B)Tiana is stuck in a traffic jam on the way to work.
C)Shay can't decide whether to study for his psychology exam or work on his history paper.
D)Kyla just transferred to a different university.

Question 37

Which of the following does NOT reflect Hans Seyle's description of physiological responses to stress?

A)Continuing exposure to a stress may result in the individual exhibiting increased susceptibility to diseases of adaptation.
B)Physiological responses to stress differ depending on the specific types of stressors.
C)If a stress is prolonged, the individual becomes accustomed to the threat.
D)Initially stress causes an activation of the fight-or-flight response.

Question 38

On the Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS), which life event has the highest change score associated with it?

A)birth of a child
B)divorce
C)retirement
D)change in responsibilities at work

Question 39

What is the correct order of the stages of the general adaptation syndrome?

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

Question 40

Janice is working on a group project for class, and the other members of her group really need her to finish her section of the work so that they can complete their work. Her deadline is today, and she's not quite finished yet. Which type of stress is Janice experiencing?

A)change
B)frustration
C)conflict
D)pressure

Question 41

Which of the following is true of coping responses?

A)They may consist of physiological or emotional responses.
B)They are always conscious.
C)They may be maladaptive.
D)They are always adaptive.

Question 42

With three finals and two papers on her schedule at the beginning of finals' week, Kim was very aware of feeling her body "all keyed up" as she worried how she could possibly do everything she needed to do. By the middle of the week, Kim felt calmer and was dealing fairly well with budgeting her time and was completing tasks in a timely fashion. After everything was completed, Kim became ill with a bad cold and it took a long time before she felt better. When Kim was sick, what stage of the general adaptation syndrome was she most likely experiencing?

A)recovery
B)exhaustion
C)alarm reaction
D)resistance

Question 43

Which term is defined as a largely unconscious reaction that protects a person from unpleasant emotions such as anxiety and guilt?

A)general adaptation mechanisms
B)defence mechanisms
C)constructive coping mechanisms
D)learned helplessness

Question 44

The headline in The National Busybody reads "97-pound Mom lifts SUV off toddler." Which stage of the general adaptation syndrome was Mom most likely in at the time?

A)alarm reaction
B)exhaustion
C)recruitment
D)resistance

Question 45

In times of stress, stimulation of the pituitary gland results in the adrenal cortex secreting hormones. What do those hormones tend to do?

A)increase energy and inhibit tissue inflammation
B)conserve energy
C)mobilize the body for action
D)decrease emotional arousal

Question 46

In times of stress, activation of the sympathetic nervous system results in the adrenal medulla secreting hormones. What effect do these hormones tend to have?

A)They mobilize the body for action.
B)They conserve energy.
C)They increase energy and inhibit tissue inflammation.
D)They decrease emotional arousal.

Question 47

The person who used to sit next to you in psychology class dropped the course because he was failing. Which coping mechanism does this illustrate?

A)blaming himself
B)abandonment
C)giving up
D)denial

Question 48

After a long week balancing her work at the office, visiting her husband who was in the hospital with a broken leg, and making sure she took her turn driving the carpool for her children, Beverly decided she needed some time for herself. She finished work a bit early, stopped by the mall, enjoyed a latte and purchased the leather jacket she had been admiring. Which coping strategy does this reflect?

A)constructive coping
B)retail therapy
C)regression
D)indulging oneself

Question 49

Which stage of the general adaptation syndrome allows people to function at a very high level, despite the experience of stress?

A)resistance
B)exhaustion
C)alarm reaction
D)recovery

Question 50

If one thinks of the general adaptation syndrome by the initials "GAS," during which stage would you suggest that "the body runs out of gas"?

A)exhaustion
B)resistance
C)recovery
D)alarm reaction

Question 51

Which type of stress most often elicits the coping strategy of aggression?

A)pressure
B)change
C)conflict
D)frustration

Question 52

What is released by the adrenal medulla under times of stress?

A)corticosteroids
B)catecholamines
C)nerve growth factor
D)neurogenesis

Question 53

With three finals and two papers on her schedule at the beginning of finals' week, Kim was very aware of feeling her body "all keyed up" as she worried how she could possibly do everything she needed to do. By the middle of the week, Kim felt calmer and was dealing fairly well with budgeting her time and was completing tasks in a timely fashion. During the middle of finals' week, which stage of the general adaptation syndrome was Kim most likely experiencing?

A)resistance
B)recovery
C)alarm reaction
D)exhaustion

Question 54

Which hormone seems to lead to milder physiological reactions to stress?

A)estrogen
B)cortisol
C)vasopressin
D)testosterone

Question 55

Jeremy is struggling to make enough money to pay his rent for this month. As he's walking to work, he daydreams about finding a suitcase full of money and all of the ways that he could spend it. Which defence mechanism does this example illustrate?

A)intellectualization
B)overcompensation
C)fantasy
D)denial

Question 56

As Patricia's marriage was ending, she read a lot of psychology texts that dealt with interpersonal attraction and mate choice. She would tell her friends about all the very interesting ways that her relationship's failure matched up with the patterns and trends described in the research literature, and she even wrote a paper about it for one of her classes. Which defence mechanism does this example illustrate?

A)denial
B)undoing
C)overcompensation
D)intellectualization

Question 57

With three finals and two papers on her schedule at the beginning of finals' week, Kim was very aware of feeling her body "all keyed up" as she worried how she could possibly do everything she needed to do. By the middle of the week, Kim felt calmer and was dealing fairly well with budgeting her time and was completing tasks in a timely fashion. At the beginning of finals' week, which stage of the general adaptation syndrome was Kim most likely experiencing?

A)exhaustion
B)recovery
C)alarm reaction
D)resistance

Question 58

When Nalla was overwhelmed with studying for exams and writing papers at the end of last semester, she was very critical of herself for procrastinating during the semester, for not being as bright as her classmates, and for spending too much time with her boyfriend. Which coping strategy does Nalla use?

A)self-blame
B)self-doubt
C)self-efficacy
D)self-indulgence

Question 59

What is the main difference between the definition of coping in the text, and the usual way that people use the term coping?

A)The typical use of the term is far more general and refers to a wider variety of responses.
B)The textbook definition includes maladaptive methods of responding to stress.
C)The typical use of the term does not distinguish between different stressors.
D)The textbook definition includes physiological responding.

Question 60

Aline has just found out that her mother's illness is terminal and she only has a month to live. Aline doesn't get too upset about it because she is certain that the doctors will find a cure very quickly and her mother will recover. Which defence mechanism does this example illustrate?

A)intellectualization
B)undoing
C)overcompensation
D)denial

Question 61

Which component of the Type A personality is most directly related to developing heart disease?

A)perfectionism
B)anger and hostility
C)competitive orientation
D)impatience and time urgency

Question 62

What roughly triples a person's chance of cardiac death?

A)depression
B)being male
C)a professional occupation
D)anxiety

Question 63

Which term is defined as the body's defensive reaction to invasion by bacteria, viral agents, or other foreign substances?

A)the recovery response
B)the immune response
C)offensive coping
D)the general adaptation response

Question 64

Which illnesses are considered to be psychosomatic?

A)stroke and post-partum depression
B)high blood pressure and eczema
C)insomnia and schizophrenia
D)learned helplessness and burnout

Question 65

Research has demonstrated that brief periods of mental stress can trigger sudden symptoms of heart disease in approximately what percentage of patients with stable heart disease?

A)5-15 percent
B)10-30 percent
C)30-70 percent
D)85-95 percent

Question 66

Tyler usually avoids alcohol, but he goes on a serious drinking binge every couple of months. He often gets into trouble with family, friends or his employer as a result of his behaviour. After each of these binges, he gets rid of all the alcohol in his house, puts everything in order, gets a new haircut, and promises everyone that he will never drink again. Which defence mechanism does this example illustrate?

A)undoing
B)overcompensation
C)fantasy
D)denial

Question 67

Sean is having a hard time at work. Even though he works long hours and gets a lot accomplished, it seems as if his supervisor doesn't give him any credit for his productivity. He is often asked to stay late without much notice, and he isn't given any choice about it. Further, most of his coworkers are also having difficulties and so they are all irritable, and not pleasant to work with. Sean is exhausted, angry, and feels like he can't do anything right. Which term best describes what Sean is experiencing?

A)overcompensation
B)incongruence
C)burnout
D)generalized anxiety disorder

Question 68

Which term is defined as physical and emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and a lowered sense of self-efficacy that can be brought on gradually by chronic work-related stress?

A)stress overload
B)a mental breakdown
C)job-induced stress
D)burnout

Question 69

Which of the following is a positive benefit associated with stress?

A)Having a stress-related physical illness once decreases the probability of having the same illness in the future.
B)Exposure to stressors "inoculates" people against a wide range of psychological disorders.
C)Exposure to stress boosts the functioning of the immune system, and prevents illness.
D)Stress can promote personal growth and self-improvement.

Question 70

Based on interviews with individuals who recovered from heart attacks, what type of episode frequently occurs prior to the heart attack?

A)surprise
B)sexual arousal
C)relative calm
D)anger

Question 71

Which of the following is NOT involved in constructive coping?

A)reasonably realistic appraisals of the stress and coping resources
B)confronting problems directly
C)pursuing substitute sources of satisfaction
D)learning to recognize disruptive emotional reactions to stress

Question 72

Which characteristic is NOT part of the Type A personality?

A)self-control
B)impatience
C)competitive orientation
D)anger and hostility

Question 73

What is the term used to describe relatively healthful efforts that people make to deal with stressful events?

A)offensive coping
B)adaptive coping
C)constructive coping
D)defensive coping

Question 74

Why does stress contribute to impaired task performance?

A)Stress disrupts arousal.
B)Stress increases desire.
C)Stress disrupts attention.
D)Stress increases motivation.

Question 75

Which disorder can only be caused by direct exposure to a stressor?

A)anxiety disorders
B)post-traumatic stress disorder
C)depression
D)schizophrenia

Question 76

When compared to Type A people, what tends to be true of Type B people?

A)They are more achievement oriented, impatient, and hostile.
B)They are more hard driving, ambitious, and competitive.
C)They are more relaxed, easygoing, and friendly.
D)They are more inhibited, compliant, and depressed.

Question 77

Paul is an executive in a large corporation. He puts in long hours at work, usually has a cell phone to his ear while driving, and eats lunch at his desk. He is a tough boss and frequently loses his temper with underperforming employees. When relaxing on the golf course, he has been observed throwing underperforming golf clubs into a lake. Paul's behaviour is typical of which personality type?

A)Type B
B)Type Y
C)Type X
D)Type A

Question 78

What is the personality "type" of a person who is very competitive, impatient, is quick to anger and exhibits hostility?

A)Type Y
B)Type A
C)Type B
D)Type X

Question 79

According to the precocity-longevity hypothesis, which individual will have the shortest life span?

A)someone who is very creative and thinks in an abstract fashion
B)someone who works very hard
C)someone who has very early career success
D)someone who has very high self-efficacy

Question 80

Maggie is having a really hard time at work, and doesn't get any approval from her supervisor. She was recently told that her performance was not sufficient to earn a raise, and she may be at risk of losing her job when the new budget is announced. Instead of improving her skills at work, Maggie goes to the gym every day after work, and completes a grueling workout. Her personal trainer is incredibly impressed with Maggie's progress and she gets a lot of compliments on her very toned body. Which defence mechanism does this example illustrate?

A)overcompensation
B)intellectualization
C)denial
D)fantasy