Ch. 16 - Health & Stress

Question 1

Stress can have positive effects on our functioning and enhance our ability to thrive.

a
True

b
False

Answer 1

a
True

Stress is adaptive and helped your ancestors survive and thrive. Prolonged stress, on the other hand, is harmful.
(Whereas good stress is beneficial for us, motivating us to work to achieve our goals and even enhancing our functioning, bad stress can reduce motivation and impair functioning.)

Question 2

Define the terms Eustress vs Distress

Answer 2

Even Hans Selye (Figure 16.2), one of the pioneers of stress research, emphasized the upside of stress in our lives (Selye, 1980). He coined the term eustress to represent reactions to good stress and contrasted it with the word distress, which represents reactions to bad stress.

Eustress usually occurs in the context of experiences such as getting married, having or adopting a child, getting a promotion at work, or being confronted with manageable challenges in everyday life

Question 3

Yerkes-Dodson law?

Answer 3

outlines an inverted U-shaped curve for the relationship between stress and performance (Yerkes & Dodson, 1908).
***This law specifies that too little or too much stress impairs performance.

Question 4

Maximal Adaptability Model?

Answer 4

One updated model of stress and performance is the Maximal Adaptability Model, which emphasizes that humans and other organisms are actually highly adaptive to stressors and can maintain high levels of performance even when experiencing underload or overload in terms of the demands of the environment.

Example: Although the COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread exposure to major psychological stressors, people showed remarkable resilience, at least during the first year

Question 5

Define Stressors

Answer 5

Stressors are external circumstances and stimuli that are perceived as having the potential to disturb an individual’s balanced state.

Stressors can range from mild to severe.

Question 6

Define Stress responses

Answer 6

Stress responses are internal integrated psychological and biological responses to stressors that work to restore a balanced state.

So, Stressor is the thing causing the stress, and Stress response is how we respond to that stress.

Question 7

. Acute stressors vs Chronic stressors vs traumatic stressors

Answer 7

Acute stressors are short-term external circumstances or stimuli, lasting minutes to hours, with the potential to disturb an individual’s balanced state. Some examples are giving a 15-minute speech in public, or taking an important exam.

Chronic stressors are enduring external circumstances or stimuli, lasting weeks to years, with the potential to disturb an individual’s balanced state. Living in poverty, caring for an elderly relative, experiencing racism and discrimination in daily life.

Traumatic stressors are the most severe stressors, those involving a threat to your own or another’s life or physical integrity.

Question 8

Stressors produce what type of changes in us?

a
Cognitive

b
Emotional

c
Physiological

d
All of the above

Answer 8

d
All of the above

Toward the beginning of the section on stressors and stress response, we discussed how stress responses are internal and can involve negative thoughts or cognition, negative emotions such as fear and anxiety, and physiological changes such as increased blood pressure and sweaty palms.

Question 9

What is the Amygdala?

Answer 9

The amygdala is a small, almond-shaped cluster of nuclei located deep within the temporal lobes of the brain, part of the limbic system.

The amygdala is sometimes called the “neural watchdog,” because it responds to potential stressors rapidly and sometimes even before conscious awareness.

The amygdala doesn’t act alone, but instead works in a coordinated way with other brain areas that can either increase or decrease the amygdala’s response.

Question 10

What is the hippocampus?

Answer 10

The hippocampus is located within the medial temporal lobe, roles in the processing of information from short-term memory to long-term memory and in spatial memory that enables navigation.

–>When we are in a stressful situation, it helps us to form a new memory of the stressful situation we’re in, as well as seach for existing memories on how to protect or save the body from the stressor or danger.

This is what Patient HM (Henry Molaison) had removed.

Question 11

What is the Prefrontal cortex?

Answer 11

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is a region at the front of the brain, located in the frontal lobes, directly behind the forehead.

One of the last parts of brain to mature, and involved in decision making.

–>It may see something as a threat, and it will send it to the amygdala. Also, if the amygdala is overreacting, or makes a mistake, the prefrontal cortex will step in and tell it to calm down.
–>monitors hippocampus as well.

Question 12

Which of the following statements is true concerning the brain regions that are involved in response to stress?

a
While the hippocampus is the region of the brain that responds rapidly to stress, the prefrontal cortex evaluates the stressor and then determines what action to take.

b
While the amygdala is the region of the brain that responds rapidly to stress, the hippocampus evaluates the stressor and then determines what action to take.

c
While the amygdala is the region of the brain that responds rapidly to stress, the prefrontal cortex evaluates the stressor and then determines what action to take.

d
While the prefrontal cortex is the region of the brain that responds rapidly to stress, the amygdala evaluates the stressor and then determines what action to take.

Answer 12

c
While the amygdala is the region of the brain that responds rapidly to stress, the prefrontal cortex evaluates the stressor and then determines what action to take.

According to the Neurobiological Responses to Stressors section, stressors first activate the amygdala, the hippocampus allows us to compare new memories of the current stressors to old memories of similar stressors, and the prefrontal cortex can evaluate the higher-level stimuli related to the stressors to mitigate or intensify the amygdala’s response.

{amygdala is called the “neural watchdog” because of its fast response to stimuli.}

Question 13

The two branches of the autonomic nervous system?

Answer 13

1. The Sympathetic Nervous System.
2. The Parasympathetic NS.

Question 14

The parasympathetic nervous system can ______ the fight-or-flight response and allow for the restoration of ____________.

Answer 14

The parasympathetic nervous system can dampen the fight-or-flight response and allow for the restoration of homeostasis.

Question 14

Activation of the sympathetic nervous system promotes the release of stress hormones called __________ from the adrenal glands, which are located at the top of each of the kidneys.

Answer 14

Catecholamines.

These catecholamines include epinephrine and norepinephrine, which play a crucial role in preparing the body for the fight-or-flight response

Question 15

Stressors can also activate the ___ axis, which creates a cascade of activities that ultimately promote the release of the stress hormone cortisol from the adrenal glands. First, the _____________ sends signals to the __________________ (which is central to both ANS and HPA responses to stressors) to release __________________________________________ (CRH). Second, CRH signals a gland located close to the hypothalamus called the __________________ to release ___________________________ (ACTH). Finally, ACTH travels in the bloodstream to the _________________, where it promotes the release of _________.

Answer 15

Stressors can also activate the HPA axis, which creates a cascade of activities that ultimately promote the release of the stress hormone cortisol from the adrenal glands. First, the amygdala sends signals to the hypothalamus (which is central to both ANS and HPA responses to stressors) to release corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). Second, CRH signals a gland located close to the hypothalamus called the pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Finally, ACTH travels in the bloodstream to the adrenal glands, where it promotes the release of cortisol.

Question 16

The fight-or-flight response involves an outpouring of which of the following into the bloodstream?

a
Estrogen and progesterone

b
Acetylcholine and endorphins

c
Lymphocytes and glutamate

d
Epinephrine and cortisol

Answer 16

d
Epinephrine and cortisol

Epinephrine and norepinephrine are stress hormones released by the adrenal glands in the kidneys, which is part of the sympathetic nervous system. Cortisol is another stress hormone released by the adrenal glands as part of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis.

–>Is SAM axis the one triggered by sympathetic nervous system?

Question 17

What is the difference in the way cortisol levels are throughout the day in a person experiencing chronic stress versus a person who isn’t?

Answer 17

In humans, cortisol typically increases rapidly after awakening and then declines throughout the day until evening and bedtime. People experiencing chronic stressors tend to show a flattening of this response, such that there are lower levels of decline throughout the day.

Question 18

What does cortisol do?

Answer 18

Cortisol, known as the “stress hormone,” plays a role in various body functions, including the regulation of metabolism, immune response, and stress response. It follows a diurnal pattern, meaning its levels vary throughout the day.

Question 19

Freeze response?

Answer 19

This response often occurs in prey animals when they are completely overcome by a predator. Instead of continuing efforts to fight or flee, these animals become immobile and outwardly unresponsive. Accumulating evidence suggests that humans also engage in freeze responses to stressors, particularly to stressors that are traumatic and uncontrollable (Schmidt et al., 2008).

Question 20

Define Reciprocal Inhibition in the context of the two branches of the autonomic nervous system.

Answer 20

The two branches of the autonomic nervous system are the Parasympathetic nervous system, and the Sympathetic nervous system.

Reciprocal inhibition just refers to the fact that they’re basically complementary to each other. So “Rest & digest” functions vs “fight or flight” functions.

Question 21

Within the HPA axis, there are ________ feedback loops that serve as regulators.

Answer 21

Within the HPA axis, there are negative feedback loops that serve as regulators.

–>Negative feedback loops are when we have a set optimal condition for the body’s homeostasis (ex: temperature), and when we deviate from that, negative feedback loops are used to OPPOSE the change and bring the animal back to a set point.
{In this case, we want to return to normal cortisol levels).

->And positive feed back is when we want to accentuate the change (ex: heaving gets worse until you throw up).

Question 22

Activation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) leads to the release of _______________ , while activation of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis leads to the release of
_________.

Answer 22

Activation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) leads to the release of _catecholamines _ (Epinephrine and Norepinephrine), while activation of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis leads to the release of
Cortisol.

(Epinephrine and norepinephrine are catecholamines, which are released by the adrenal glands to activate the autonomic nervous system, and cortisol is the most popular biological marker of the stress response released by the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis.)

Question 23

True or False:

Research has revealed that even everyday acute stressors can activate the inflammatory response of the immune system.

Answer 23

True.

Question 24

Why is the inflammatory response triggered by stressors?

Answer 24

Because in our ancestral past, stressors were more likely to involve physical attacks that were associated with injuries from fighting and efforts to flee. In response to acute psychological stressors, the body increases levels of proteins that regulate inflammation. This inflammatory response helps the body deal with the high likelihood of injury and infection (through any wounds) that may occur as you flee a saber-toothed tiger.

Question 25

Everyday acute stressors can activate which of the following processes in our immune system to allow the body to cope with the increased risk for infection that accompanies some stressors? a Dopamine release b Antibody release c Inflammatory response d Endorphin reduction

Answer 25

c Inflammatory response The inflammatory response is an immune system response that allows for killing of any foreign biological invaders such as viruses and bacteria as well as healing of bodily tissue. Acute stressors trigger the activation of an inflammatory response to cope with the risk of infection or injury that accompanies some stressors.

Question 26

Which of the following is the best example of a person's use of primary appraisal in reacting to a new job? a Deciding whether one's skills are sufficient to perform the job. b Assessing how difficult the new job is based on the duties involved. c Deciding whether the job enhances one's self-efficacy.

Answer 26

b Assessing how difficult the new job is based on the duties involved. The duties of a job can inform one's perception of its characteristics and how difficult the job is.

Question 27

Primary appraisals vs Secondary appraisals?

Answer 27

Primary appraisals are based on your perceptions of the stressor's characteristics and how much demand it represents, as well as its relevance for you. For example, your perception of the difficulty level of an upcoming examination and its weighting for your final GPA is part of your primary appraisal. Secondary appraisals are based on your perceptions of the resources available for coping with a specific stressor. Resources can include internal factors, such as your personality or perceived abilities, or external factors, such as social support or financial resources, that will help meet the demands of the situation. For example, your perception of how much time you have to study and how much you already know for a specific examination is your secondary appraisal.

Question 28

How does *Challenge and Threat Theory* distinguish between challenges and threats?

Answer 28

Challenges are defined as situations in which resources exceed the demands of the situation. Stressors involving the potential for positive outcomes and personal gain are more likely to be perceived as challenges. Threats are defined as situations in which demands exceed the resources available for coping. Stressors involving danger, uncertainty, uncontrollability, novelty, and high levels of effort all have higher “demands” and are more likely to be perceived as threats.

Question 29

True or False: If you perceive that a specific set of circumstances exceeds your ability to cope or adapt, then that is a threat for you, even if it would not be considered a threat for someone else.

Answer 29

True.

Question 30

Your perception of an event or situation (i.e., potential stressor) influences your body’s response to the potential stressor. Thus, you can reduce the negative effects of stress on your health by changing how you perceive an event or situation. a True b False

Answer 30

a True Research studies have demonstrated that your perception of an event influences how your body responds and health outcomes.

Question 31

Richard Lazarus and colleagues view stress as primarily a consequence of which of the following? a Environmental events that impact the individual b A disruption in homeostasis c Being alive d How a person appraises environmental events and the person's coping resources

Answer 31

d How a person appraises environmental events and the person's coping resources Explanation: A person evaluates the magnitude of external stressors and their coping mechanisms for those stressors. The result of this appraisal is the stress response.

Question 32

define appraisal?

Answer 32

In the context of psychology, particularly within the framework of stress and coping theories developed by Richard Lazarus and Susan Folkman, "appraisal" refers to the process by which an individual evaluates and interprets the significance of a specific event or situation. This evaluation determines whether and to what extent the event is perceived as a threat, challenge, or harm, and influences the emotional and physiological responses that follow.

Question 33

Which of the following could be used as the dependent variable in a study that measures physiological responses to stressors? a Scores on the Perceived Stress Scale b Heart rate c Different types of stressors d Both A and C

Answer 33

b Heart rate Heart rate is a dependent variable. Perceived stress and the quantity of stressors experienced are potential independent variables in a study of physiological stress responses.

Question 34

True or False? One difference between using lab animals to study stressors vs humans is that humans can activate a stressor by merely THINKING about that stressor.

Answer 34

True! (animals live much more in the moment. they aren't triggered by just thinking about a stressor, though they can be triggered by a seemingly non-threatening event if it reminds them of something that has traumatized them) From the textbook, about how humans trigger a stressor by thinking about it: You are lying in bed trying to sleep, and your mind wanders to think about a conversation you had at a party last week. You remember talking to Jesse, your crush. You couldn’t hear him properly, but he was asking you about potential options for a date. You shout “I’d love to go to see that movie with you” at the exact moment that the music stops. He blushes bright red and clarifies that he was asking whether your best friend would be interested in going to the movies with him. Imagine lying there in the dark, days after the party. You would likely experience all the symptoms of the stress response again—from the racing heart rate to the fear and anxiety—by simply thinking about the past experience. Mentally replaying the mortifying conversation between you and Jesse causes your body to mount a stress response that prepares you to fight or flee from a giant predatory animal. And what you really want to do is go to sleep!

Question 35

Content Validity meaning?

Answer 35

Content validity refers to the extent to which a test or measurement tool is representative of all aspects of the construct it is intended to measure.

Question 36

To better understand the association of real-world stressor exposure with mental and physical health outcomes in humans, scientists often use which of the following methods? a Laboratory studies b Experimental designs c Correlational studies d Intervention studies

Answer 36

c Correlational studies Experimental designs with random assignment of participants to treatment and control groups would be unethical, but researchers can look at the relationship between the type and amount of stressor and negative outcomes in correlational research.

Question 37

Which of the following best characterizes content validity? a When an instrument or construct measures or captures what it is intended to measure b Having a large sample size c Obtaining informed consent d None of the above

Answer 37

a When an instrument or construct measures or captures what it is intended to measure. When we are measuring stress, we want an assessment that is sensitive to all defined changes in stress. Assume that we included in our operational definition of stress that stressors can include natural disasters and major life events like the death of a loved one or losing a job. Our assessment should change with fluctuations in cortisol, norepinephrine, or blood pressure when our participants experience any of those types of stressors. We wouldn't want that assessment to be sensitive to only one kind of stressor such as stress responses to natural disasters. Measures that have good content validity capture all relevant aspects of the psychological construct included in the operational definition for a study.

Question 38

Trier Social Stress Test meaning?

Answer 38

The Trier Social Stress Test is one of the most widely used paradigms in experimental stress research in humans. In this paradigm, participants are exposed to the acute stressor of delivering a speech and performing challenging mental arithmetic in front of an audience. --->An example of the speech task is that you are asked to give a speech presenting yourself as the ideal applicant for a job vacancy. An example of the mental arithmetic task is that you serially subtract 13 or 17 from a large number such as 3,981 (Try this and imagine doing it in front of an audience. It looks easy, but it's not!). The task includes an anticipation period of 10 minutes during which participants prepare for their upcoming speech and a test period of 10 minutes during which they perform the speech for five minutes and mental arithmetic for five minutes. An important aspect of this stressor task is that the evaluative audience maintains neutral expressions throughout the task, and they give you only neutral feedback. For most people, this increases the demands of the task quite considerably, and the paradigm is remarkably successful at eliciting biological stress responses in humans.

Question 39

Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)?

Answer 39

The PSS aims to examine the extent to which people perceive their lives as unpredictable, uncontrollable, and overloaded.

Question 40

WHat are the advanatages of *questionnaire measures of perceived stress*? What are the disadvantages?

Answer 40

ADVANTAGES: 1. They can directly focus on perceptions of stressors, demands, and resources, thereby giving us an index of perceived stress for an individual. 2. Second, a well-designed questionnaire measure of perceived stress can be both reliable and valid and easily completed by most people. 3. Third, paper-and-pencil or electronic measures can be added to large-scale studies at a relatively low cost, allowing for large sample sizes. DISADVANTAGES: 1.it is challenging to design a reliable and valid questionnaire that captures all aspects of perceived stress. 2.people may misinterpret items or use their own prior history as an anchor for their responses, such that they may report relatively less stress if they have experienced high levels of stress in the past or relatively high levels of stress if they have experienced less stress in the past. 3.as with questionnaire measures of stressor exposure, measures of perceived stress are likely to conflate stressor exposures and outcomes. For example, if someone is experiencing high levels of financial strain that already impact their mental health, then the measure of perceived stress may reflect both the stressor exposure and its impact and lead to exaggerated interpretations of any causal relationship between perceived stress and mental health outcomes.

Question 41

Which of the following is one of the most widely used self-report measures of stress used in psychology? a Trier Social Stress Test b Primary Appraisal c Perceived Stress Scale d Diathesis-Stress Scale

Answer 41

c Perceived Stress Scale The Perceived Stress Scale is a self-report questionnaire that assesses stress on the perception of events in their life (like the learned helplessness phenomenon we talked about in Chapter 7), and the Trier Social Stress Test is the experiment in which people give speeches and solve mathematics problems in front of an audience.

Question 42

diathesis-stress model?

Answer 42

Some people are highly resilient in the face of stressors, while others are more vulnerable to stressor-related ill health. One model for this phenomenon is called the diathesis-stress model.

Question 43

True or false: Increased risk is not determinism. In other words, the fact that stressors increase risk for ill health does not mean that everyone who experiences stressors develops poor health.

Answer 43

True

Question 44

True or false: There are several things we can do to enhance our resilience to stressors, even if we have a diathesis.

Answer 44

True

Question 45

True or false: Many of the disorders that are more common in people exposed to stressors are rare. This means that even if risk doubled for someone exposed to a specific stressor, their absolute risk remains quite low.

Answer 45

True.

Question 45

True or false? When evaluating the evidence from studies about stress and health in humans, remember that these studies are typically observational. It is never possible to randomly assign people to the kinds of stressors that would cause psychiatric disorders. *Observational studies cannot show causal relationships, only associations.*

Answer 45

True.

Question 46

True or false: It is often difficult and sometimes impossible to control for confounding variables in observational studies on stressors and health. In other words, other variables might account for the associations between stressors and health outcomes, such as biological risk factors for psychiatric disorders also predisposing someone to experience stressors.

Answer 46

True.

Question 47

According to the diathesis-stress model, what factor(s) affect our susceptibility to stress and illness? a Genetic factors b Environmental factors c Both a and b

Answer 47

c Both a and b The amount of stress is presented along the y-axis of the diathesis-stress model, and stress is an environmental factor that affects mental health. Predisposition for the disorder is presented along the x-axis of the diathesis stress model, and predisposition is another way of saying there are genetic factors involved in determining the presentation of a psychological disorder.

Question 48

The relationship between stress and psychopathology is well documented. One of the main frameworks through which the etiology of psychopathology is described is through the diathesis-stress model. The model suggests which of the following relationships? a There is a relationship between traumatic experiences and the development of depression. b There is a relationship between an individual's genetic predispositions and stress they experience in the development of mental disorders. c There is a relationship between an individual's genetic background and their ability to perceive stress. d There is a relationship between chronic stress and differences in an individual's style of coping with stress.

Answer 48

b There is a relationship between an individual's genetic predispositions and stress they experience in the development of mental disorders. Genetics and the magnitude of the stressor determine whether someone will develop a psychological disorder. The higher the amount of stress and the more likely the predisposition for psychological disorders (that a psychological disorder "runs" in the family), the more likely it is that a person will develop a psychological disorder.

Question 49

According to the diathesis-stress model, individuals who develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a traumatic experience are characterized by which of the following? a They are primarily soldiers. b They have an underlying vulnerability. c They have suffered multiple traumatic experiences. d They lack social support.

Answer 49

b They have an underlying vulnerability. We already know from this example that the psychological disorder occurred and that the traumatic experience (environmental factor) influenced the psychological disorder. According to the diathesis-stress model, we're just missing the genetic factor. The underlying vulnerability is the genetic predisposition.

Question 50

Stressors that involve ________________________ are more likely than other kinds of stressors to elicit an episode of depression (e.g., Slavich et al., 2010). In other words, you are far more likely to get depressed after someone breaks up with you than when you break up with someone. Likewise, being fired is much more likely to cause depression than being laid off as part of company-wide layoffs.

Answer 50

social rejection

Question 51

Other investigators have distinguished among four different types of stressors and examined their association with risk for depression. ________ are those involving loss of people, material possessions, employment, health, or cherished ideas about the self or close others. __________ are those involving devaluation of the self in relation to others or the sense of self, including incidents involving rejection or failure. _____________ are markedly difficult circumstances of at least six months’ duration that are likely to persist or worsen. ______________ are those involving the potential for future loss, including the possibility of traumatic events.

Answer 51

Other investigators have distinguished among four different types of stressors and examined their association with risk for depression. __Loss events__ are those involving loss of people, material possessions, employment, health, or cherished ideas about the self or close others. __Humiliation events__ are those involving devaluation of the self in relation to others or the sense of self, including incidents involving rejection or failure. __Entrapment situations__ are markedly difficult circumstances of at least six months’ duration that are likely to persist or worsen. __Danger events__ are those involving the potential for future loss, including the possibility of traumatic events.

Question 52

Which of the following is a psychological disorder specifically characterized by maladaptive reactions to traumatic experiences or stressors? a Bipolar depression b Generalized anxiety disorder c Posttraumatic stress disorder d Poor mental health

Answer 52

c Posttraumatic stress disorder Posttraumatic stress disorder occurs in response to a traumatic event. Some veterans and victims of war experience posttraumatic stress disorder as can people who suffer from natural disasters and human- controlled events such as mass shootings.

Question 53

People exposed to chronic and traumatic stressors in __________ are about twice as likely to develop major psychiatric disorders than those not exposed to such stressors. hint: certain stage of life

Answer 53

childhood

Question 54

According to what you've read in the chapter, which of the following statements is *NOT* true? a Stress does not contribute to the development of the most common psychiatric disorders. b Exposure to psychological stressors is a strong risk factor for schizophrenia and substance use disorders. c The first episodes of major depression are likely to occur following a major stressor. d People exposed to chronic childhood stressors are about twice as likely to develop a major psychiatric disorder.

Answer 54

a Stress does not contribute to the development of the most common psychiatric disorders. A stressor (stress) is one factor that determines the manifestation of a psychological disorder. Genetics is another factor that determines the manifestation of a psychological disorder. Both factors determine the actual outcome.

Question 55

Which set(s) of childhood stressors most strongly increased risks of psychiatric disorders? (Select all that apply) a Abuse, neglect, and family violence b Parental divorce, death, and family financial hardship c Peer pressure d Parental history of criminality, substance use, and mental illness

Answer 55

a Abuse, neglect, and family violence d Parental history of criminality, substance use, and mental illness b Parental divorce, death, and family financial hardship Abuse, neglect, and family violence, as well as parental history of criminality, substance use, and mental illness are childhood stressors that increased the risk for psychiatric disorders by 30–140%. Other childhood stressors like parental divorce, death, and family financial hardship increased risk for psychiatric disorders by 10-50%.

Question 56

True or False: At the same time that stressors increase the risk for mental disorders, they also increase the risk for physical disorders ranging from short-term illnesses like colds and the flu to chronic diseases like cardiovascular and autoimmune disorders.

Answer 56

True.

Question 57

What was the key finding in the famous study conducted by Dr. Sheldon Cohen and colleagues (1991) involving volunteers who were injected with the cold virus? a Participants were more likely to get sick if they experienced high levels of stress. b Participants were less likely to get sick if they experienced high levels of stress. c Participants were more likely to get sick if they have a history of psychiatric problems. d Participants were less likely to experience high levels of stress.

Answer 57

a Participants were more likely to get sick if they experienced high levels of stress. Those with the highest stress levels were almost two times more likely to develop a cold than those with the the lowest stress levels.

Question 58

Personality traits may serve to reduce our risk of developing a cold when we are exposed to stressors. Select an answer and submit. For keyboard navigation, use the up/down arrow keys to a True b False

Answer 58

a True Those people who are happier and have a positive outlook on life have fewer colds than those who typically experience negative emotions. Positive emotions are thus associated with a reduced risk of becoming ill. Submitted:

Question 59

What may acute stressors do to latent viruses, such as the herpes simplex virus? a Acute stressors can cause latent viruses. b Acute stressors can activate latent viruses. c Acute stressors can cure latent viruses. d Acute stressors can alter latent viruses.

Answer 59

b Acute stressors can activate latent viruses. Stress activates a latent virus. Stress doesn't change (alter) a virus, cause a new virus to present when it wasn't there before, or cure (get rid of altogether) a virus.

Question 60

There is increasing evidence for the negative effect of acute and chronic stressors on cardiovascular health. a True b False

Answer 60

a True Acute and chronic stressors can increase risk for cardiovascular disease events.

Question 61

True or False: As we age, levels of inflammatory proteins in our bodies slowly rise and are associated with increased risk for chronic diseases. As the levels of inflammatory proteins rise over time, we develop what is called chronic inflammation.

Answer 61

True

Question 62

Inflammatory proteins play a key role in protecting us. Therefore, as we age, an increase in levels of inflammatory proteins is essential to our health and overall well being. a True b False

Answer 62

b False Chronic inflammation increases as we age, but we don't want that to happen quickly. Chronic inflammation increases our risk for cardiovascular disease and autoimmune diseases. Submitted:

Question 63

True or false: We don't fully understand biological aging.

Answer 63

True.

Question 64

Telomeres?

Answer 64

Telomeres are DNA–protein complexes that cap chromosomes and protect against damage to the DNA that encodes our genes. Telomeres shorten over time, and the length of the telomeres in our immune cells predicts our risk for a whole host of diseases of aging and death. Long telomeres = good.

Question 65

True or false: a study found that higher levels of stress were associated with shorter telomere length?

Answer 65

True.

Question 66

Which of the following is a commonly used marker of biological aging? a Chromosome length b Centromere length c Gene length d Telomere length

Answer 66

d Telomere length

Question 67

Stress may indirectly and adversely affect health by which of the following mechanisms? a Disrupting sleep b Eliciting the release of cortisol c Increasing the intake of unhealthy foods d Both A and C

Answer 67

d Both A and C Some people experience insomnia which disrupts their sleep, and some people stress eat unhealthy foods such as those high in carbohydrates when they are exposed to stressors.

Question 68

True or false: While physical activity appears important for health outcomes for everyone, it might be particularly important in the face of stressors.

Answer 68

True

Question 69

Research findings suggest physical activity helps protect us from the effects of which of the following? a Acute stressors b Chronic stressors c Acute and chronic stressors d Real but not perceived stressors

Answer 69

c Acute and chronic stressors Physical exercise can enhance our responses to acute stressors and regularly exercising protects against the negative impact of chronic stressors. In addition, research indicates physical activity may mitigate the negative effects of chronic perceived stress on biological aging.

Question 70

Stress has been linked with decreased food intake, as well as with an increase in the intake of foods rich in sugar and fat. a True b False

Answer 70

a True According to Dallman et al. (2003), rats lose weight when stressed but eat more foods that are high in fat or sugar. According to the Popper et al. (1989) study, the marines ate less food in anticipation of combat.

Question 71

What is the right amount of sleep adult humans need to maintain their health and protect against the effects of stressful experiences? a It depends on the individual's biological needs b At least four hours per night c Eight hours per night d More than six hours per night

Answer 71

a It depends on the individual's biological needs General categories of people require an average amount of sleep - 16 hours for newborns and 5 hours for older adults. However, even within age groups, the number of hours of sleep that are required for a person to feel well-rested and cope with stressors well depends upon each individual.

Question 72

“social brain” hypothesis proposes that ...?

Answer 72

The “social brain” hypothesis proposes that humans and other primates evolved relatively large and metabolically expensive brains to navigate the complex social networks in which we operate.

Question 73

Bernie is a teaching assistant for an introduction to psychology course. She has noticed that many of her students report not being able to complete assignments due to emotional and mental health-related issues. Bernie decides to email a list of resources available on campus to the class to assist students with coping with the challenges of college life. What type of support is Bernie providing? a Emotional support b Instrumental support c Informational support d Appraisal support

Answer 73

c Informational support An example of emotional support would be telling someone that you were there for them. An example of instrumental support would be grocery shopping for someone. An example of informational support would be giving directions for how to access university mental health supports or giving a book on coping with grief to a friend whose husband passed away. An example of appraisal support is what a therapist might do with a client to help them cope with a stressor.

Question 74

The benefits of which factor on life span are greater than the effects of physical activity and weight loss? Select an answer and submit. a Social support b Reduced alcohol and tobacco intake c Diet d Meditation

Answer 74

a Social support Having stronger relationships is better for physical and mental health than having fewer or tenuous relationships. Better social support is even better for longevity than exercise and eating healthy foods. We haven't discussed meditation yet.

Question 74

Kelly alters her consciousness by focusing on her breathing to achieve a peaceful, relaxed state. Which technique best describes what Kelly is doing? a Biofeedback b Mindfulness meditation c Hypnosis d Passive coping

Answer 74

b Mindfulness meditation Mindfulness is a type of meditation practice that involves focusing on the present moment and accepting your own thoughts and feelings.

Question 75

Which of the following health behaviors are identified in this chapter as being powerful factors for buffering the negative effects of stress? Select an answer and submit. a Eating a healthy diet b Getting enough sleep c Having a strong social support system d Exercising regularly e All of the above

Answer 75

e All of the above Explanation We talked about all these aspects of a healthy lifestyle to mitigate the stress response throughout the chapter.

Question 76

According to what you have learned in this chapter, which of the following stressful situations is the most likely to be perceived as a threat? a Adam is studying for a biology exam. b Adam is studying for a psychology and an English exam on the same day, and he feels unprepared for both of them. c Adam is studying for three exams on the same day, but he is confident that he can do well on all of them. d Adam is angry with his parents.

Answer 76

b Adam is studying for a psychology and an English exam on the same day, and he feels unprepared for both of them.

Question 77

Which system elicits the fight-or-flight response, which is involved in preparing the body to fight or to flee in response to stress? a Sympathetic Nervous System b Parasympathetic Nervous System c Somatic Nervous System d Immune system

Answer 77

a Sympathetic Nervous System

Question 78

Kenya was just in a car accident and in response, her adrenal glands have just released hormones known as the “stress hormones.” Based on this description, what are these hormones? a Cytokines b Epinephrine and norepinephrine c Corticotrophin-releasing hormones d Progesterone

Answer 78

b Epinephrine and norepinephrine

Question 79

Which stressors tend to have the most negative impact on health? a Predictable and controllable stressors b Chronic and uncontrollable stressors c Unpredictable and uncontrollable stressors d Acute and chronic stressors

Answer 79

b Chronic and uncontrollable stressors

Question 80

When prey animals are completely overcome by a predator they can become immobile and outwardly unresponsive. This is an example of which type of stress response? a Flight response b Freeze response c Fight response d Fright response

Answer 80

b Freeze response

Question 81

What is the most commonly used biological marker of the stress response? (Select all that apply) a oxytocin b cortisol c corticotrophin-releasing hormones d glutamate

Answer 81

b cortisol

Question 82

Although psychologists broadly agree that the experience of trauma is a risk factor for autoimmune disorders, these statistics exclude the experience of sexual trauma. a True b False

Answer 82

b False

Question 83

Luci is shopping for groceries. When she inserts her card to pay for the items, the card is declined and she felt frustrated. When she returns to her car, Luci calls her grandmother and who listens carefully to her tell the story about what happened and empathized with how she's feeling. Luci's grandmother is providing _________ support.

Answer 83

emotional

Question 84

According to the *diathesis stress model*, which of the following factors influence the likelihood someone may experience a psychological illness?

Answer 84

b genetic predisposition

Question 85

Which of the following are true statements about the relationship between health and stress? (Select all that apply) a There is a close relationship between cardiovascular disease and exposure to stressful events b Stress plays a major role in physical health, but not mental health c There is a close relationship between intense experiences of stress and the likelihood of experiencing mental illness d Stress plays a major role in mental health, but not physical health.

Answer 85

a There is a close relationship between cardiovascular disease and exposure to stressful events c There is a close relationship between intense experiences of stress and the likelihood of experiencing mental illness (both were correct)

Question 86

Which model suggests some people are more susceptible to the negative effects of stressors on health? a Transactional stress model b Diathesis-stress model c The evolutionary perspective d Threat vs. challenge model

Answer 86

b Diathesis-stress model

Question 87

Rashad recently received news that he had been accepted into a Ph.D. program at one of the best universities in the United States. Two days later Rashad received a job offer paying six figures with a bonus package. Rashad knows he can do well at both. However, he is having a difficult time deciding which path to take. In this example, which of the following best describes Rashad's situation? a A challenge b A threat c An acute stressor d A stressor

Answer 87

a A challenge

Question 88

Which situation best describes a potential chronic stressor? a Living in a noisy dormitory with a roommate with whom you do not get along b Failing an exam c Pledging a sorority or fraternity d Having an argument with your best friend

Answer 88

a Living in a noisy dormitory with a roommate with whom you do not get along

Question 89

The stress response consists of psychological and biological responses that are designed to do which of the following? a Restore homeostasis b Protect against diseases c Protect from harm and restore homeostasis d Fight or flee

Answer 89

c Protect from harm and restore homeostasis

Question 90

According to the diathesis-stress model, who is more likely to develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after being exposed to a traumatic event? a An individual who experienced childhood stressors b An individual who lacks emotional social support c An individual who does not exercise d An individual who experienced a mild stressor

Answer 90

a An individual who experienced childhood stressors

Question 91

Once an event is perceived as a stressor, the peripheral nervous system's biological response to the stressors involves the activation of the following? a Activation of the sympathetic nervous system and hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis b Activation of the sympathetic nervous system and immunosuppression c Activation of the immune system d Activation of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis and inflammation

Answer 91

a Activation of the sympathetic nervous system and hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis

Question 92

Cannon viewed stress as the biological mobilization of the body for action that involves sympathetic nervous system activation and endocrine activity. a True b False

Answer 92

a True

Question 93

Richard Lazarus and his colleagues viewed stress as primarily a consequence of which of the following? a An environmental event and the support system an individual has b The number of daily hassles experienced c The disruption of homeostasis d How a person appraised environmental events and the person's coping resources

Answer 93

d How a person appraised environmental events and the person's coping resources

Question 94

Which of the following stressors is most likely to elicit an episode of depression? a loss events b social rejection c danger events d entrapment situations

Answer 94

b social rejection

Question 95

Without appropriate regulation, acute stress responses would become chronic stress responses. a True b False

Answer 95

a True

Question 96

If a professor accuses you of cheating on a test, what would your adrenal glands probably release? a Endorphins b Acetylcholine c Catecholamines d Insulin

Answer 96

c Catecholamines (epinephrine/adrenaline and norepinephrine/noradrenaline)

Question 97

The baseline state of physiological functioning involving internal stability (homeostasis) may be disrupted by which of the following? a Planning a wedding b Noise and crowding c Performing poorly in school d All of the above

Answer 97

d All of the above

Question 98

Sam is trying to maintain a tolerable level of stress. According to the textbook, he can do so by taking all of the following steps EXCEPT which of the following? a Getting enough sleep b Exercising c Meditation d Having a glass of wine before bed

Answer 98

d Having a glass of wine before bed

Question 99

Which of the following best describes the role of social support in coping with stressors? a It is irrelevant to coping with stress. b Its effects depend on the type of stressor and the type of social support given. c It has positive effects on the psychological aspects of stress but not on physical aspects. d It always has positive effects on coping with stress.

Answer 99

b Its effects depend on the type of stressor and the type of social support given.

Question 100

Given the limitations of self-report measures, many researchers rely on physiological and biochemical measures of stress in addition to self-reports. What hormone is most commonly measured (via saliva) and is referred to as the stress hormone?

Answer 100

cortisol

Question 101

Put these statements in order for the stress response. -The hypothalamus secretes corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) -Increases in heart rate and breathing -Adrenal medulla releases epinephrine and norepinephrine -Pituitary gland secretes adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

Answer 101

Correct order: 1. The hypothalamus secretes corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) 2. Pituitary gland secretes adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) 3. Adrenal medulla releases epinephrine and norepinephrine 4. Increases in heart rate and breathing

Question 102

Research findings presented in this chapter suggest that the effects of stressors go beyond depression to other psychiatric disorders, including which of the following? (Select all that apply) a Generalized anxiety disorder b Psychosis c PTSD d Eating disorders

Answer 102

a Generalized anxiety disorder b Psychosis c PTSD

Question 103

Label the following statements as either Emotional, Informational, Appraisal, or Instrumental support: 1. Your doctor gives you a pamphlet on common sexually transmitted diseases and explains how to prevent them when you go in for your HPV vaccine. 2. You lend your sister your car to get to a job interview when hers breaks down the day before. 3. Your TA tells your class the mid-term will take place in 3 weeks and explains what material will be covered on the test.

Answer 103

1. Informational support 2. Instrumental support 3. Appraisal support ---> (this seems like informational support to me though?)

Question 104

Which of the following statements are true concerning different types of stressors? a While acute stressors can elicit responses that are beneficial to us, chronic stressors tend to cause harm to our mental and physical health. b While obtuse stressors can elicit responses that are beneficial to us, minor stressors tend to cause harm to our mental and physical health. c While chronic stressors can elicit responses that are beneficial to us, acute stressors tend to cause harm to our mental and physical health. d While minor stressors can elicit responses that are beneficial to us, obtuse stressors tend to cause harm to our mental and physical health.

Answer 104

a While acute stressors can elicit responses that are beneficial to us, chronic stressors tend to cause harm to our mental and physical health.

Question 105

Which of the following brain regions have been directly implicated in the stress response? Multiple answers: a Basal ganglia b Amygdala c Hippocampus d Cerebellum

Answer 105

b Amygdala c Hippocampus