Deck 14: Responding to Personal and Work-Related Stress

Question 1

An effective technique for avoiding burnout is to be realistic about how much work you can complete each day and decline optional projects that would make your workload unmanageable.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

Developing a sleep ritual such as going to bed and getting up at the same time as well as avoiding alcohol,caffeine,chocolate,and nicotine near bedtime will help with negative stress.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Work environment stressors can be lessened by putting up family pictures or adding a plant or objects that put you in a good mood.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

People can decrease their stress level by being kind.

Question 5

Reduced productivity related to frequent distractions and interruptions during the work day is a sign of multitasking stress.

Question 6

Mindfulness helps minimize stress because it forces you to focus on the moment in a nonjudgmental way rather than worry about stressful things.

Question 7

The use of humor is an effective stress reducing strategy.

Question 8

Solitude is a form of isolation and is not a good practice for stress reduction.

Question 9

During rumination,people are able to reflect on their challenges so that they then feel emotionally energized to overcome them.

Question 10

While exercise can help reduce the effects of stress,it does nothing to increase a person's ability to handle stress.

Question 11

Someone with excellent technical skills is certain to become a good supervisor upon promotion.

Question 12

Wei is trying to complete her project by the deadline.At her desk,she hears the muffled but persistent noises of jackhammering on the street.Inside,her smartphone ringtone loudly pierces her concentration.The ringtone is likely to be more stressful to Wei than the jackhammering.

Question 13

While it is usually impossible to eliminate stress-causing factors,a person can learn to manage his or her reactions to them to minimize their negative impact.

Question 14

Stress-management techniques are not relevant if stress is not currently a problem.

Question 15

Regular meditation has not been scientifically shown to affect the brain in any tangible or long-lasting way,but practitioners such as Tony Robbins consider it essential for their success.

Question 16

Steve has had trouble sleeping lately and feels fatigued.Making sound decisions is nearly impossible due to his poor memory and concentration.He is exhibiting physical and emotional symptoms of stress.

Question 17

Forgetfulness,moodiness,and reduced interest in personal or professional relationships are all signs of too much stress in a person's life.

Question 18

Mental illness affects the majority of the U.S.population.

Question 19

Surrendering to change requires a great deal of emotional energy,which may cause more stress.

Question 20

Stress can mobilize our energy for coping with challenges.

Question 21

Sleep is an effective stress management technique​

A) ​because it allows you to avoid the circumstances that create stress for a period of time.
B) when you get at least six hours of rest per night.​
C) only when combined with exercise and a proper diet.​
D) ​because it allows your body's restoration processes to work.

Question 22

The brain is reoriented from a stressful fight-or-flight mode to one of acceptance when a person regularly​

A) ​laughs.
B) exercises.​
C) meditates.​
D) sleeps.​

Question 23

Your friend Gina has been laid off due to downsizing at your company.You care about her and decide you should ask her to consider seeking help for depression when,

A) two weeks later,she is still grieving over her job loss.​
B) several months later,she has given up looking for work and lost interest in doing things with you and others that she once enjoyed.​
C) two months later,she still worries incessantly about finding another job.​
D) two months later,she hasn't found work and occasionally mentions missing her old job;however,she seems to be enjoying spending more time with her family and friends.​

Question 24

____ is often required for the unconscious to process thoughts and events.

A) ​Social interaction
B) Exercise​
C) Solitude​
D) A good diet​

Question 25

The secret to dealing with change is to​

A) ​try to prevent the change from occurring.
B) keep your opinions about the change to yourself.​
C) meet regularly with your supervisor to discuss the change.​
D) surrender to change.​

Question 26

Companies use ____ as a resource for employees dealing with personal problems,substance abuse,and psychological disorders in order to keep minor problems from becoming major ones.

A) ​the relaxation response
B) Medicare​
C) employee-assistance programs​
D) ​mandatory sabbaticals

Question 27

Working the steps and attending meetings are two key elements of

A) ​twelve-step programs.
B) employee-assistance programs.​
C) group therapy.​
D) stress reduction counseling.​

Question 28

Guillermo feels compelled to alternate between e-mailing,updating his Twitter status,and using his smartphone to conduct work.He often feels an adrenaline rush and his muscles tense when he is notified of incoming messages or calls.Concentration feels more difficult than in the past.Guillermo's stress is likely a result of

A) ​long and irregular hours.
B) ​work transitions.
C) ​technological multitasking.
D) ​workstation ergonomics.

Question 29

The lease on Alexia's apartment will come up for renewal in 3 months.Her apartment complex was recently bought out by a new property management firm,and Alexia has heard rumors that these new owners will raise all tenants' rents substantially.She is very worried that she will not be able to afford the increased rent and will be evicted or have to go without enough food or her medications.Alexia's friend Beth says she should try to "regain or let go of control" in this situation.What does that mean?

A) ​Alexia should ignore the rumors and not think about the possibility of a rent increase.
B) Alexia should look for a less expensive apartment and be prepared to move if necessary.​
C) Alexia should go for a walk outside every time she begins to worry about the rent.​
D) Alexia should make a list of all her worries,then tear it up and throw it away.​

Question 30

An unintended consequence of today's heightened reliance on technology is that

A) ​workers have become better able to focus and complete tasks.
B) ​we are less confident that our messages will receive a response.
C) ​the boundaries between work and home are more clearly delineated.
D) ​multitasking has increased to the point of inefficiency.

Question 31

It is easy to blame stress on a particular person or event.However,a great deal of stress is caused by​

A) ​our biological processes.
B) rationalization.​
C) negative thinking and faulty reasoning.​
D) our work in general.​

Question 32

Laughter relieves stress by​

A) ​helping you make jokes of difficult situations.
B) ​reducing stress-related hormones.
C) ​slowing your heart rate.
D) ​helping you sleep at night.

Question 33

When Sean finds himself in a stressful situation,he determines which aspects of his situation are in his control and he adjusts them accordingly.This is an example of​

A) ​acceptance.
B) self-determination.​
C) manipulation.​
D) resilience.​

Question 34

Which of the following is not true about exercise?​

A) ​Exercise releases pleasure-inducing chemicals called endorphins.
B) About 70 percent of Americans do not exercise regularly,and approximately 40 percent are not active at all.​
C) Many people do not take advantage of the physical and mental benefits of exercise.​
D) Exercise must be strenuous in order to be effective against stress.​

Question 35

Working in a windowless cubicle,in a polluted oil field,or in a crowded retail store are all examples of​

A) ​ergonomics problems.
B) environmental stress.​
C) mental incompetence.​
D) physical stress.​

Question 36

Warning signals of stress

A) ​are generally physical,not psychological,symptoms.
B) may indicate greater risk for colds,flu,and infections.​
C) only surface in rare and extreme conditions.​
D) can only be detected by a qualified medical professional,such as your doctor.​

Question 37

Ruminating over personal and work-related problems

A) ​manages stress by putting the problems into perspective.
B) is a positive stressor as it promotes self-awareness and growth.​
C) is a response that exacerbates stress and may lead to depression.​
D) achieves the same results as meditating.​

Question 38

An individual's response to significant stress:​

A) ​is regulated entirely by stress hormones,not the conscious mind.
B) may result in reduced critical thinking ability and creativity.​
C) is always the same,regardless of that person's character traits.​
D) includes a drop in levels of the pleasure-inducing chemicals cortisol and adrenaline.​

Question 39

The work area pollutant that most affects people in the work place is​

A) ​noise.
B) ​air.
C) ​lighting.
D) ​ergonomically incorrect furniture.

Question 40

Gillian is increasingly detached from her coworkers.She's doubting her career choice and has begun to wear a negative attitude like a coat.She's complaining a great deal.She can barely get out of the bed in the morning.Gillian is probably suffering from

A) ​burnout.
B) ergonomics.​
C) technostress.​
D) multitasking.​

Question 41

Many surveys say that work/life ______________ is what most workers want from their jobs.

Question 42

What is stress,and where does it come from?​

Question 43

Case 14.1
​
XYZ Corporation is undergoing a merger with a larger company.This merger will bring XYZ into the twenty-first century technologically but will also bring about a number of other changes.As XYZ is the acquired company,about one-third of its work force will be laid off.The reasons for the layoff have been clearly explained,and Virginia,the respected president of XYZ,is implementing the layoff in the best interests of the company,even though it is very painful for her.A number of the best employees and managers started looking for new jobs before XYZ announced who would be laid off and who would stay.Most employees are putting in long hours,and the company exercise room is full as managers and employees try to burn off their fears and frustrations with these changes.
​
Virginia is really excited about these changes and about the positive outcomes for the future of the company and its employees.Virginia has handled things well but is under a lot of pressure.She obsesses about being organized.She carries her pager into the restroom with her and is constantly talking on her smartphone.She likes to have her computer terminal on whenever she's in the office,just in case she needs it,and is very uncomfortable when she has to travel without her laptop computer with its portable Wi-Fi hot spot.
​
John was promoted from first-line supervisor to VP of operations because all of the other managers found new jobs when the merger was announced.He didn't want the job,but he had to take it to stay at XYZ.He's had to give up daily interaction with his production line people and begin performing tasks for which he has little preparation or experience and that he doesn't particularly care for,such as attending lots of meetings.He's bearing up well and so far has been able to handle the increased responsibilities.
Refer to Case 14.1.When some employees began looking for new jobs,this is an example of

A) ​resilience and planning ahead to take control of their situation.
B) the fight-or-flight response to stress.​
C) an adaptation to burnout.​
D) mindfulness.​

Question 44

There are several physical symptoms that appear to tell you that you are experiencing too much stress.One of them is tension or migraine _______________.

Question 45

Case 14.1
​
XYZ Corporation is undergoing a merger with a larger company.This merger will bring XYZ into the twenty-first century technologically but will also bring about a number of other changes.As XYZ is the acquired company,about one-third of its work force will be laid off.The reasons for the layoff have been clearly explained,and Virginia,the respected president of XYZ,is implementing the layoff in the best interests of the company,even though it is very painful for her.A number of the best employees and managers started looking for new jobs before XYZ announced who would be laid off and who would stay.Most employees are putting in long hours,and the company exercise room is full as managers and employees try to burn off their fears and frustrations with these changes.
​
Virginia is really excited about these changes and about the positive outcomes for the future of the company and its employees.Virginia has handled things well but is under a lot of pressure.She obsesses about being organized.She carries her pager into the restroom with her and is constantly talking on her smartphone.She likes to have her computer terminal on whenever she's in the office,just in case she needs it,and is very uncomfortable when she has to travel without her laptop computer with its portable Wi-Fi hot spot.
​
John was promoted from first-line supervisor to VP of operations because all of the other managers found new jobs when the merger was announced.He didn't want the job,but he had to take it to stay at XYZ.He's had to give up daily interaction with his production line people and begin performing tasks for which he has little preparation or experience and that he doesn't particularly care for,such as attending lots of meetings.He's bearing up well and so far has been able to handle the increased responsibilities.
Refer to Case 14.1.John's ability to handle the stress is probably due to his​

A) ​increased solitude at work.
B) excellent technical skills.​
C) resilience.​
D) expert use of technology.​

Question 46

Moves,marriages,divorces,and job changes are all examples of ____________________,experiences of being forced to give up something that could be potentially stressful for an individual.

Question 47

Than has been going to school full-time and working part-time.She is fatigued and often runs late.Her mood is mostly dark,she doesn't participate in conversations at work or school,and concentrating is growing more difficult for her with each day that passes.Than is suffering from the condition known as ____________________.

Question 48

What would you recommend as the two most effective stress-management techniques,and why?​

Question 49

Case 14.1
​
XYZ Corporation is undergoing a merger with a larger company.This merger will bring XYZ into the twenty-first century technologically but will also bring about a number of other changes.As XYZ is the acquired company,about one-third of its work force will be laid off.The reasons for the layoff have been clearly explained,and Virginia,the respected president of XYZ,is implementing the layoff in the best interests of the company,even though it is very painful for her.A number of the best employees and managers started looking for new jobs before XYZ announced who would be laid off and who would stay.Most employees are putting in long hours,and the company exercise room is full as managers and employees try to burn off their fears and frustrations with these changes.
​
Virginia is really excited about these changes and about the positive outcomes for the future of the company and its employees.Virginia has handled things well but is under a lot of pressure.She obsesses about being organized.She carries her pager into the restroom with her and is constantly talking on her smartphone.She likes to have her computer terminal on whenever she's in the office,just in case she needs it,and is very uncomfortable when she has to travel without her laptop computer with its portable Wi-Fi hot spot.
​
John was promoted from first-line supervisor to VP of operations because all of the other managers found new jobs when the merger was announced.He didn't want the job,but he had to take it to stay at XYZ.He's had to give up daily interaction with his production line people and begin performing tasks for which he has little preparation or experience and that he doesn't particularly care for,such as attending lots of meetings.He's bearing up well and so far has been able to handle the increased responsibilities.
Refer to Case 14.1.Amidst all the change,it is probably safe to say that Virginia is

A) ​suffering from multitasking stresses.
B) not emotionally hardy.​
C) currently experiencing burnout.​
D) ​an incompetent leader who causes stress among subordinates.

Question 50

Although managing stress is also a personal responsibility,many organizations offer ____________________ to help employees overcome anxiety,depression,burnout,and alcohol and drug abuse.

Question 51

A _____________ is an irrational fear of a specific object or situation.

Question 52

The practice of ______________________,which involves paying attention on purpose,in the present moment,in order to quiet the mind and heighten awareness,has entered the American mainstream in recent years.

Question 53

Study after study proves that ____________________ is the number one treatment for stress and tension for most people.

Question 54

Explain the relationship among technology,multitasking,and stress.

Question 55

Case 14.1
​
XYZ Corporation is undergoing a merger with a larger company.This merger will bring XYZ into the twenty-first century technologically but will also bring about a number of other changes.As XYZ is the acquired company,about one-third of its work force will be laid off.The reasons for the layoff have been clearly explained,and Virginia,the respected president of XYZ,is implementing the layoff in the best interests of the company,even though it is very painful for her.A number of the best employees and managers started looking for new jobs before XYZ announced who would be laid off and who would stay.Most employees are putting in long hours,and the company exercise room is full as managers and employees try to burn off their fears and frustrations with these changes.
​
Virginia is really excited about these changes and about the positive outcomes for the future of the company and its employees.Virginia has handled things well but is under a lot of pressure.She obsesses about being organized.She carries her pager into the restroom with her and is constantly talking on her smartphone.She likes to have her computer terminal on whenever she's in the office,just in case she needs it,and is very uncomfortable when she has to travel without her laptop computer with its portable Wi-Fi hot spot.
​
John was promoted from first-line supervisor to VP of operations because all of the other managers found new jobs when the merger was announced.He didn't want the job,but he had to take it to stay at XYZ.He's had to give up daily interaction with his production line people and begin performing tasks for which he has little preparation or experience and that he doesn't particularly care for,such as attending lots of meetings.He's bearing up well and so far has been able to handle the increased responsibilities.
Refer to Case 14.1.The primary cause of stress for most of the employees of XYZ would most likely be​

A) ​noise pollution.
B) incompetent leadership.​
C) multitasking.​
D) the change brought on by the acquisition.​

Question 56

How can you tell if you are under too much stress?​

Question 57

Explain the relationship among technology,work-life imbalance,and stress.

Question 58

Case 14.1
​
XYZ Corporation is undergoing a merger with a larger company.This merger will bring XYZ into the twenty-first century technologically but will also bring about a number of other changes.As XYZ is the acquired company,about one-third of its work force will be laid off.The reasons for the layoff have been clearly explained,and Virginia,the respected president of XYZ,is implementing the layoff in the best interests of the company,even though it is very painful for her.A number of the best employees and managers started looking for new jobs before XYZ announced who would be laid off and who would stay.Most employees are putting in long hours,and the company exercise room is full as managers and employees try to burn off their fears and frustrations with these changes.
​
Virginia is really excited about these changes and about the positive outcomes for the future of the company and its employees.Virginia has handled things well but is under a lot of pressure.She obsesses about being organized.She carries her pager into the restroom with her and is constantly talking on her smartphone.She likes to have her computer terminal on whenever she's in the office,just in case she needs it,and is very uncomfortable when she has to travel without her laptop computer with its portable Wi-Fi hot spot.
​
John was promoted from first-line supervisor to VP of operations because all of the other managers found new jobs when the merger was announced.He didn't want the job,but he had to take it to stay at XYZ.He's had to give up daily interaction with his production line people and begin performing tasks for which he has little preparation or experience and that he doesn't particularly care for,such as attending lots of meetings.He's bearing up well and so far has been able to handle the increased responsibilities.
Refer to Case 14.1.Given the various stressors related to this change for XYZ,what would be the most effective stress management strategy for Virginia and John and the other employees that they aren't already using?​

A) ​Strenuous exercise
B) Sleep​
C) Getting away on vacation​
D) None of these​

Question 59

Amy is often restless and has trouble concentrating due to intense feelings of apprehension.She spends so much time planning her assignments and fretting about what will happen if she makes a mistake that she ends up with little time to properly execute and finish the task.Her performance seems to be suffering due to the psychological disorder known as ____________________.

Question 60

__________ refers to two simultaneous events: an external stimulus and the physical and emotional responses to that stimulus,such as anxiety,muscle tension,and surging heart rate.

Question 61

You own a small business that is short-staffed and over-worked.You greatly value your employees and would sorely miss them if they were to quit.What steps as their employer can you take to help them lessen burnout?​

Question 62

Describe the elements of most meditation techniques.Then,contrast meditation with the process of rumination.Be sure to relate the two processes to stress.

Question 63

Create two brief case studies of two different individuals: one that clearly illustrates depression and one that clearly illustrates anxiety.

Question 64

Create a short story that illustrates: 1) how someone could experience at least seven causes of stress over the course of a work day,and 2) how that person could effectively manage the stress.

Question 65

What is resilience,and how can you develop it?​