Deck 14: Health Psychology

Question 1

Miranda started a small craft business in her home three years ago.Last year she finally moved her business into a small store along her town's main street.Last Saturday, most of her store's stock was destroyed as firefighters fought a fire that had started in the vacant office next to her store.As Miranda walks through her ruined store, she is most likely to experience a sense of

A) burnout.
B) frustration.
C) pressure.
D) conflict.

Answer 1

frustration.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT included in the definition of stress? Stress includes circumstances that

A) tax one's coping abilities.
B) are traumatic.
C) threaten one's well-being.
D) are perceived to threaten one's well-being.

Answer 2

are traumatic.

Question 3

The person who is MOST likely to experience frustration is one who

A) can predict the outcome of an event.
B) is a perfectionist.
C) sets goals that are too low.
D) must decide between two equally attractive alternatives.

Answer 3

is a perfectionist.

Question 4

Minor stresses may be more strongly related to mental health than major stressful events largely because

A) of the cumulative nature of stress.
B) minor stresses lead to more intense physiological arousal than major stresses.
C) we are much more intimately involved with minor stresses.
D) we feel more out of control with minor stresses than we do with major stresses.

Question 5

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

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

Question 6

Geena has made it to the final round in a game show.She must now choose between accepting the cash that she has earned to date or, risking the cash on the chance to win a new car.As Geena tries to decide between the two available alternatives, she is facing

A) an approach-avoidance conflict.
B) an avoidance-avoidance conflict.
C) a frustration-pressure conflict.
D) an approach-approach conflict.

Question 7

What area of psychology is concerned with how psychosocial factors relate to the promotion and maintenance of health and with the causation, prevention, and treatment of illness?

A) health psychology
B) psychoimmunology
C) industrial psychology
D) positive psychology

Question 8

If you cannot decide whether to submit to back surgery, which you dread, to alleviate your back pain or to continue to live with the pain, which you sometimes find unbearable, you are caught in

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

Question 9

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," their differing attitudes are most consistent with the finding that

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

Question 10

What does the research have to say about the general effect of everyday problems and the minor nuisances of life?

A) Minor stresses produce minor effects.
B) Minor stresses have negative effects only when coupled with major stresses.
C) Minor stresses may have significant harmful effects on both physical and mental health.
D) Minor stresses often have significant harmful effects on mental health, but don't affect physical health.

Question 11

Steve was excited when he finally landed the lead role in one of the community theatre productions.He has been rehearsing his part for the past two months, but on the day that the play is scheduled to open, Steve awakens with a bad case of laryngitis and he is unable to perform in the play.At this point, Steve is MOST likely experiencing

A) pressure.
B) conflict.
C) burnout.
D) frustration.

Question 12

When a choice must be made between two attractive goals we are experiencing

A) a risk-aversion conflict.
B) an approach-approach conflict.
C) an avoidance-avoidance conflict.
D) an avoidance-approach conflict.

Question 13

Circumstances that threaten, or are perceived to threaten, one's well-being and tax one's coping abilities defines

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

Question 14

In general, the least stressful conflict is the

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

Question 15

When a person's pursuit of a goal is blocked or thwarted, the person experiences

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

Question 16

Virginia has wanted to be a physician for as long as she can remember, but she has been unable to gain entry to medical school Virginia is probably experiencing

A) burnout.
B) learned helplessness.
C) regression.
D) frustration.

Question 17

When a choice must be made between two unattractive goals we are said to be experiencing

A) a risk-aversion conflict.
B) an approach-approach conflict.
C) an avoidance-avoidance conflict.
D) an avoidance-approach conflict.

Question 18

Events that are stressful for one person may not be stressful for another; this may be the result of the fact that

A) anxious people are less likely to perceive events as stressful.
B) neurotic people are more likely to "choke" under pressure.
C) stressed people are less likely to use defensive coping strategies.
D) how individuals appraise a situation determines whether they are likely to perceive events as stressful.

Question 19

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

A) you want to go to the big game tomorrow, but the game is sold out
B) you can't decide which movie to rent for tonight
C) your parents expect you to get at least 75% this semester
D) you just moved into a different apartment

Question 20

Being prevented from reaching a goal will cause most individuals to experience

A) conflict.
B) frustration.
C) pressure.
D) vacillation.

Question 21

Scott is taking a course in American History, and his professor has given all the students in the class a choice between completing an in-class final exam that will count for 60% of their final grade or, writing a 25-page term paper that will count for 60% of their final grade.As Scott considers which of these two options he will choose, he is facing

A) a frustration-pressure conflict.
B) an avoidance-avoidance conflict.
C) an approach-approach conflict.
D) an approach-avoidance conflict.

Question 22

Winona has a 10-page term paper due first thing in the morning, and she still has over half the paper left to write.At the same time her boyfriend is insisting that she come to the concert that evening where he will be performing his first violin solo.She knows that she needs to work on the paper, but she also knows her boyfriend will be disappointed if she doesn't attend the concert.Winona is MOST likely feeling

A) pressure.
B) frustration.
C) vacillation.
D) burnout.

Question 23

Research has shown that the emotional responses to stress

A) may involve either positive or negative emotions.
B) always involve negative emotions.
C) typically alternate between positive and negative emotions.
D) are more intense in women than in men.

Question 24

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

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

Question 25

Current research on change and stress suggests that

A) change is not inherently or inevitably stressful.
B) both positive and negative changes are equally stressful.
C) too much change of whatever sort automatically makes one more vulnerable to physical and psychological problems.
D) keeping change to a minimum is an effective way to avoid the harmful effects of stress.

Question 26

The correct order for the three stages of Selye's general adaptation syndrome is

A) primary, secondary, tertiary.
B) recognition, reaction, evaluation.
C) alarm, adaptation, recovery.
D) alarm, resistance, exhaustion.

Question 27

The name Hans Selye gave to the body's response to stress is

A) the fight-or-flight response.
B) the general adaptation syndrome.
C) Catharsis.
D) defensive coping.

Question 28

Leonard has a job with a small company where he gets along well with everyone, and he has 15 years of seniority.Recently a competitor called to offer him a job that would pay more money, but where he would be starting over, with no seniority.As Leonard tries to decide whether to accept the new job because it offers more money, or turn the job offer down because it would mean giving up his seniority, he is facing

A) an approach-approach conflict.
B) an approach-avoidance conflict.
C) an avoidance-avoidance conflict.
D) a frustration-pressure conflict.

Question 29

Stress responses affect the individual

A) emotionally.
B) physiologically.
C) behaviourally.
D) emotionally, physiologically and behaviourally.

Question 30

A person who loves to eat but at the same time fears becoming overweight is MOST likely experiencing

A) an approach-approach conflict.
B) an avoidance-avoidance conflict.
C) an approach-avoidance conflict
D) the fight-or-flight response.

Question 31

Melissa has an old car that is desperately in need of expensive repairs.She is trying to decide whether to spend the R1 500 she has in her savings account to repair her old car, or use her savings to buy the used car that her neighbour has for sale.As Melissa considers which of these two options she will select, she is facing

A) an approach-approach conflict.
B) an approach-avoidance conflict.
C) an avoidance-avoidance conflict.
D) a frustration-pressure conflict.

Question 32

Next semester John needs to take one required course to complete his history major.The two sections of the course are offered at 08:00 (not ideal for John who likes to sleep until 10:00) and at noon with a Professor usually referred to as Dr.Dull.As John decides on his schedule, he will MOST likely experience an ____ conflict.

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

Question 33

When expectations or demands that a person behave in a certain way occur, the person experiences

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

Question 34

The pursuit of a goal that has both attractive and unattractive features defines

A) an approach-avoidance conflict.
B) a double-blind conflict.
C) an approach-approach conflict.
D) an avoidance-avoidance conflict.

Question 35

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

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

Question 36

Demands or expectations to behave in a certain way define the notion of

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

Question 37

The general adaptation syndrome describes one's

A) emotional responses to stress.
B) behavioural responses to stress.
C) physiological responses to stress.
D) emotional, behavioural, and physiological responses to stress.

Question 38

An organism first recognises the existence of a threat and physiological arousal occurs during the ____ stage of the general adaptation syndrome.

A) fight-or-flight
B) resistance
C) exhaustion
D) alarm reaction

Question 39

Megan is looking at the ballot form for a citywide referendum and trying to decide whether or not to support the proposed change.If the referendum passes there will be better services available for all the city residents, but it will also mean that residents will pay increased property taxes.As Megan tries to decide whether to support the proposed referendum, she is facing

A) an approach-approach conflict.
B) an approach-avoidance conflict.
C) an avoidance-avoidance conflict.
D) a frustration-pressure conflict.

Question 40

Leigh works as a tax accountant and has to complete complex worksheets for each of her clients.Adriana works in a factory where she performs a fairly simple visual inspection of the finished product.Assuming both Leigh and Adriana experienced a high level of arousal after hearing some distressing news, you should expect that

A) Leigh's performance will be impaired more than Adriana's performance.
B) Adriana's performance will be impaired more than Leigh's performance.
C) both Leigh and Adriana will show significant impairment in the performance of their respective jobs.
D) neither Leigh nor Adriana will show any impairment in the performance of their respective jobs.

Question 41

Which of the following statements is true?

A) even a moderate amount of exercise reduces one's risk of disease.
B) only a substantial amount of exercise reduces one's risk of disease.
C) exercise has little, if any, effect on one's risk of disease.
D) only individual forms of exercise, and not team sport forms of exercise, reduce one's risk of disease.

Question 42

Stress affects the immune system by

A) increasing its activity, thus providing more protection from illness.
B) altering its activity to defend against specific illnesses.
C) reducing its activity initially, but then increasing its activity after an adjustment period.
D) reducing its activity, thus causing the body to become more vulnerable to illness.

Question 43

Inadequate or poor quality sleep is associated with all of the following EXCEPT

A) increased mortality.
B) poor health.
C) impaired immune functioning.
D) decreased appetite.

Question 44

Which of the following statements is incorrect?

A) stress is a subjective experience.
B) the effects of stress are cumulative.
C) minor hassles may prove more stressful than major ones
D) one should seek to avoid all stress.

Question 45

During the ____ stage of the general adaptation syndrome, arousal decreases and the body's resources may be depleted.

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

Question 46

Any circumstances that threaten or are perceived to threaten one's well-being is known as ____________________.

Question 47

The unifying theme in psychology, our experience of the world is highly subjective, is BEST illustrated by the part of the definition of stress that states

A) circumstances that are perceived as threatening are stressful.
B) circumstances that are threatening are stressful.
C) circumstances that are stressful tax one's coping abilities.
D) circumstances that are traumatic are stressful.

Question 48

The week of final exams subjects most students to what kind of stress?

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

Question 49

In dealing with stress, coping responses

A) are always adaptive.
B) are always maladaptive.
C) may be adaptive or maladaptive.
D) are not "coping" unless they are adaptive.

Question 50

Studies have shown that if people can give up smoking,

A) their risk of cardiovascular disease declines, but their risk of pulmonary disease increases.
B) their overall health risks decline reasonably quickly.
C) their risk of pulmonary disease declines, but their risk of cardiovascular disease increases
D) their health risks never decline to the level of those who never smoked.

Question 51

Studies of the immune system in humans have found that stress

A) can lead to increased levels of immune activity.
B) has very little effect on immune activity.
C) can lead to decreased levels of immune activity.
D) decreases autonomic nervous system function.

Question 52

Studies of the immune system in animals have found that stressors such as crowding

A) can lead to increased levels of immune system activity.
B) can activate the release of aggressive pheromones.
C) can increase levels of serotonin and dopamine.
D) can reduce various aspects of immune system activity.

Question 53

____________________ occurs when two or more incompatible motivations or behavioural impulses compete for expression.

Question 54

The common emotional responses to stress include annoyance, anger and rage and most tend to be ____________________; however contrary to common sense, ____________________ emotions do occur during times of extreme stress.

Question 55

Exposure to second-hand or environmental tobacco smoke has NOT been linked to an increased risk for

A) lung cancer.
B) physical illness.
C) heart disease.
D) Depression.

Question 56

Which of the following statements concerning the effects of stress is MOST accurate?

A) The effects of stress are uniformly negative.
B) People only show positive stress reactions when they have strong social support.
C) Compared to women, men are more vulnerable to the effects of chronic stress.
D) Stress can promote personal growth and self-improvement.

Question 57

One of the problematic aspects of the research into the link between stress and illness is that

A) separate control groups are not able to be created due to ethical constraints.
B) the data is correlational in nature and does not allow for conclusions as to casuality.
C) subjects are only able to be followed for limited time periods so it is difficult to determine the long-term impact of the stressor.
D) subjective cognitive appraisal differences leads people to interpret stressors differently and interferes with consistent conclusions.

Question 58

Stress and health research suggests that

A) stress may relate to the incidence of physical illness in general.
B) stress effects influence only specific illnesses.
C) stress relates to physical illness only in predisposed individuals.
D) stress is very specific in its effects on health.

Question 59

Which of the following situations is most likely to result in chronic stress?

A) being diagnosed with AIDS.
B) preparing for final exams.
C) being late for an appointment and stuck in traffic.
D) being told that you need root canal work.

Question 60

Efforts to master, reduce, or tolerate the demands created by stress refers to

A) behavioural coping.
B) constructive coping.
C) defensive coping.
D) coping

Question 61

Describe the three levels of people's response to stress.

Question 62

As a task becomes more complex, the optimal level of arousal (for peak performance) also tends to increase.

Question 63

Describe the four different types of major types of stress and provide an example of each.

Question 64

What is stress, what impact do minor stressors have on our lives and how accurate are our appraisals of stress?

Question 65

Describe several recent occasions when you've experienced stress.For each case identify the type(s) of stress you experienced and whatever emotional, physiological, and/or behavioural responses to stress you made.

Question 66

Behavioural responses to approach-avoidance conflicts are often demonstrated as vacillation, a behaviour that is not limited to humans.

Question 67

Pressure can be stressful because it involves the expectation (or demands) that a person behave in a certain way.

Question 68

Pick two common relatively unhealthy coping responses and describe them and then discuss defensive and constructive coping and whether they are considered healthy or unhealthy coping responses.

Question 69

In thinking rationally about health statistics, it is important to remember that correlational studies do not indicate a(n) ____________________ link between the variables.

Question 70

In general, minor everyday stressors have only a minimal impact on mental and physical health.

Question 71

In general, people tend to be objective in their appraisals of stressful and potentially stressful events.