HEALTH ANXIETY AND PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES Flashcards
According to Cognitive Behavior Perspective how can people respond to the same medical condition?
Completely differently
In response to a serious medical condition, people will have different:
Emotions
Behaviours
Thoughts
Example of an “Emotional” reaction to serious medical condition
Anxiety
Example of an “Behavioral” reaction to serious medical condition
Making an appointment right away
Becoming avoidant
Example of a “Cognitive” reaction to serious medical condition
Headache
How do people typically respond to having a serious medical condition?
A) Everyone reacts in the same way to illness.
B) Responses vary widely, from seeking medical care to avoiding it.
C) Most people ignore their symptoms entirely.
D) Only those with health anxiety worry about their symptoms.
B) Responses vary widely, from seeking medical care to avoiding it.
What is the main purpose of the Common-Sense Model (CSM) of illness representation?
A) To explain how doctors diagnose physical illnesses.
B) To understand how individuals appraise and respond to physical signs and symptoms with cognitive appraisal.
C) To develop medical treatments for chronic illnesses.
D) To determine which symptoms are life-threatening.
B) To understand how individuals appraise and respond to physical signs and symptoms with cognitive appraisal.
What is the key difference between a physical sign and a physical symptom?
A) Physical signs are internal, while physical symptoms are external.
B) Physical signs are observable, while physical symptoms are subjective experiences.
C) Physical symptoms are more severe than physical signs.
D) Physical symptoms can always be detected using medical tests.
B) Physical signs are observable, while physical symptoms are subjective experiences.
According to the CSM, what happens after a person notices a physical sensation?
A) They immediately seek medical attention.
B) They assume the sensation will go away on its own.
C) They always react emotionally before thinking about the sensation.
D) They form a mental representation to determine whether it is a health threat.
D) They form a mental representation to determine whether it is a health threat
What role does coping play in the Common-Sense Model?
A) Coping strategies are only employed if the physical sensation is viewed as threatening.
B) Coping strategies are always used, regardless of whether the physical sensation is perceived as a threat.
C) Coping is unrelated to how individuals interpret physical sensations.
D) Coping strategies eliminate all physical sensations.
A) Coping strategies are only employed if the physical sensation is viewed as threatening.
According to the CSM, how do emotions and perceptions of physical sensations interact?
A) Perceptions of physical sensations influence emotions, but emotions do not affect perceptions.
B) Emotions influence perceptions of physical sensations, but perceptions do not influence emotions.
C) Perceptions and emotions influence each other in a reciprocal manner.
D) Emotions and perceptions operate independently of each other.
C) Perceptions and emotions influence each other in a reciprocal manner.
What is cognitive appraisal?
A) Mental process
B) Visualization
C) Short-Term Memory
A) Mental process
What is a physical sign?
Observable evidence of a physical change in our bodies
What is a physical symptom?
Only experienced by us and cannot be directly observed by others.
Have to rely on non-verbal & verbal reports.
According to the Common-Sense Model (CSM), which dimension of illness representation refers to how we label the signs and symptoms we experience?
A) Cause
B) Identity
C) Timeline
D) Consequences
B) Identity
Which dimension of illness representation involves beliefs about what brought on the signs and symptoms, such as biological, emotional, or environmental causes?
A) Timeline
B) Controllability
C) Cause
D) Consequences
C) Cause
The “consequences” dimension of illness representation refers to:
A) The emotional response to the illness.
B) The impact of the illness on daily life, such as work and family.
C) The belief that treatment will be effective.
D) The ability to control the symptoms.
B) The impact of the illness on daily life, such as work and family.
A patient believes that their illness will be short-term and resolve quickly. Which dimension of illness representation does this belief fall under?
A) Controllability
B) Timeline
C) Identity
D) Cause
B) Timeline
What aspect of illness representation relates to beliefs about whether a person has control over their symptoms and whether treatment will be effective?
A) Identity
B) Timeline
C) Controllability
D) Cause
C) Controllability
Which of the following is a core principle of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?
A) Trying to control all negative thoughts and emotions
B) Avoiding distressing situations at all costs
C) Accepting what cannot be changed and committing to valued actions
D) Changing every negative thought through logical reasoning
C) Accepting what cannot be changed and committing to valued actions
Which of the following is an example of a belief that can typically be changed through a behavioral experiment?
A) “If I give a presentation, everyone will laugh at me.”
B) “I am fundamentally unworthy of love.”
C) “The world is completely unfair, and nothing I do matters.”
D) “No one will ever truly understand me.”
A) “If I give a presentation, everyone will laugh at me.”
How do illness representations influence coping behavior?
A) They have no impact on coping strategies
B) They determine how individuals interpret and respond to their symptoms
C) They only affect coping in chronic illnesses
D) They prevent individuals from seeking medical help
B) They determine how individuals interpret and respond to their symptoms
Which of the following is an example of coping behavior influenced by illness representation?
A) Ignoring symptoms because they are perceived as minor
B) Seeking medical advice after noticing unusual symptoms
C) Downplaying symptoms to avoid worry
D) All of the above
D) All of the above
Which of the following is an example of how illness representation influences coping?
A) Someone with diabetes who believes they cannot control their illness is less likely to attend medical appointments
B) An asthma patient who believes their condition is curable is more likely to adhere to treatment
C) A cardiac patient who believes their condition has minimal consequences is more likely to drop out of rehabilitation
D) All of the above
D) All of the above
How do individuals who view their symptoms as chronic and disabling tend to cope?
A) By seeking medical advice immediately
B) By using avoidance strategies and emotional expression
C) By relying only on problem-solving techniques
D) By increasing their adherence to medical treatment
B) By using avoidance strategies and emotional expression
According to research, what percentage of individuals seek medical care for minor symptoms that could be managed without intervention?
A) 10%
B) 25%
C) 40%
D) 60%
C) 40%
Which type of coping strategy is most likely to be used by individuals who perceive their symptoms as controllable?
A) Avoidance coping
B) Emotional coping
C) Problem-focused coping
D) Ignoring symptoms completely
C) Problem-focused coping
How does viewing an illness as controllable affect psychological well-being?
A) It is linked to greater psychological well-being and social functioning
B) It has no impact on mental health
C) It increases feelings of belonging
D) It leads to avoidance of medical treatment
A) It is linked to greater psychological well-being and social functioning
Which illness perception is most strongly linked to negative psychological well-being?
A) Viewing an illness as acute and easily treatable
B) Viewing an illness as having multiple symptoms and being chronic
C) Believing an illness is under personal control
D) Seeing an illness as temporary and mild
B) Viewing an illness as having multiple symptoms and being chronic
How do illness representations influence physical health?
A) They only affect psychological well-being, not physical health
B) They have no measurable impact on health outcomes
C) They influence behavior, which in turn affects physical health
D) They only affect people with chronic illnesses
C) They influence behavior, which in turn affects physical health
Which of the following is an example of how illness representations affect health outcomes?
A) A person who believes their illness is severe and uncontrollable may experience more distress
B) A person who sees their condition as manageable may engage in more health-promoting behaviors
C) A person who believes their illness has serious long-term consequences may experience worse psychological well-being
D) All of the above
D) All of the above
How do interventions that alter illness perceptions impact patient outcomes?
A) They typically make patients feel worse about their condition
B) They improve adherence to medical recommendations and health outcomes
C) They have no effect on physical health but improve emotional well-being
D) They focus only on providing medication, not altering perceptions
B) They improve adherence to medical recommendations and health outcomes
According to the CSM, how do we develop our beliefs or views about our physical sensations?
A) By relying solely on medical advice and guidance
B) Through passive observation of symptoms over time
C) By actively seeking information and basing mental representations on physical sensations
D) By observing the reactions of others to our symptoms
C) By actively seeking information and basing mental representations on physical sensations
Which of the following factors can influence illness appraisals, according to the CSM?
A) Past experiences and cognitive heuristics
B) Only the severity of physical symptoms
C) Social factors and culture
D) Both A and C
D) Both A and C
How does the CSM view the relationship between physical sensations and illness perceptions?
A) Illness perceptions always correspond exactly with physical input
B) The appraisal of physical sensations is individualized and may not correspond directly with the physical input
C) Illness perceptions are solely determined by the severity of symptoms
D) Illness perceptions are based only on cognitive processing, not physical sensations
B) The appraisal of physical sensations is individualized and may not correspond directly with the physical input
What example demonstrates that illness perceptions can differ despite similar physical sensations?
A) Patients with end-stage renal disease always view their illness the same way, regardless of treatment
B) Women with invasive breast cancer may have a strong sense of control over their illness, even with severe physical symptoms
C) All patients with arthritis perceive their condition as chronic
D) All patients undergoing dialysis have the same illness perceptions
B) Women with invasive breast cancer may have a strong sense of control over their illness, even with severe physical symptoms
List the 7 factors that might influence how we view an illness or feel physically.
Physical sensations
Personal Experiences
Heuristics
Social Influences
Culture
Personality
Mood
How might the illness history (personal experience) of a person shape their response to current symptoms?
A) It leads them to ignore symptoms completely
B) It causes them to interpret current symptoms more rationally and logically
C) It provides a context that affects how they interpret and respond to current physical changes
D) It makes them less likely to experience distress in response to symptoms
C) It provides a context that affects how they interpret and respond to current physical changes
What does the CSM suggest about the role of personal illness history in interpreting physical signs and symptoms?
A) Personal illness history is irrelevant in interpreting current symptoms
B) Personal illness history directly influences how we react to and interpret current physical symptoms
C) Personal illness history only affects emotional reactions, not physical symptom interpretation
D) Personal illness history provides a sense of detachment from illness symptoms
B) Personal illness history directly influences how we react to and interpret current physical symptoms
What is the “symmetry rule” in the context of illness appraisal?
A) We tend to believe we are ill if we experience symptoms, and believe we are healthy if we do not experience symptoms
B) We tend to ignore symptoms if they are not severe
C) We assume we are ill only when symptoms match those of a known disease
D) We assume we are healthy if symptoms last for a long time
A) We tend to believe we are ill if we experience symptoms, and believe we are healthy if we do not experience symptoms
The “stress–illness rule” suggests that:
A) Symptoms developing in stressful contexts are seen as part of stress rather than illness
B) Symptoms in stressful situations are always assumed to be a sign of illness
C) Stress has no impact on how symptoms are perceived
D) Symptoms that occur during stressful events are ignored altogether
A) Symptoms developing in stressful contexts are seen as part of stress rather than illness
According to the “prevalence rule,” how are rare and common conditions viewed differently?
A) Rare conditions are seen as less threatening, while common conditions are perceived as more serious
B) Rare conditions are perceived as more threatening, while common conditions are seen as less serious
C) Both rare and common conditions are perceived as equally serious
D) Rare conditions are ignored, and only common conditions are considered significant
B) Rare conditions are perceived as more threatening, while common conditions are seen as less serious
How can heuristics sometimes lead to errors in illness appraisal?
A) Heuristics help ensure that all symptoms are accurately identified as illness
B) Heuristics always lead to correct interpretations of symptoms
C) Heuristics can cause individuals to overlook or misinterpret symptoms, such as ignoring fatigue as part of aging when it’s actually a sign of illness
D) Heuristics are only useful for identifying rare conditions
C) Heuristics can cause individuals to overlook or misinterpret symptoms, such as ignoring fatigue as part of aging when it’s actually a sign of illness
What are heuristics?
Mental Rules
T or F: Physical sensations are variable.
True
How does information from medical professionals impact how we interpret and respond to physical signs and symptoms?
A) It has no effect on how we interpret our symptoms
B) It often leads us to be concerned about symptoms if we are told to be concerned
C) It encourages us to ignore symptoms and not seek treatment
D) It always reassures us that symptoms are not serious
B) It often leads us to be concerned about symptoms if we ar
In the study by Craig and Weiss (1971), how did observing different models influence pain perception?
A) Observing high pain tolerance led to participants reporting less pain
B) Observing low pain tolerance led to participants reporting less pain
C) There was no difference in pain perception between the two groups
D) Observing high pain tolerance led to participants reporting greater pain
A) Observing high pain tolerance led to participants reporting less pain
How does the social environment impact illness adjustment, according to the study by Giannousi et al. (2016)?
A) Cancer patients experience more psychological symptoms when their views align with their partners
B) Psychological symptoms are more intense when there is a discrepancy in illness views between the patient and their partner
C) Family and friends have no influence on illness adjustment
D) There is no effect on illness adjustment based on social support
B) Psychological symptoms are more intense when there is a discrepancy in illness views between the patient and their partner
Which of the following responses to illness tends to result in less distress and greater self-efficacy for patients?
A) Protective buffering
B) Overprotection
C) Active engagement
D) Ignoring the illness
C) Active engagement
How do African-American patients’ beliefs about illness differ from Caucasian patients’, according to the study by Ford et al. (2010)?
A) African-American patients view illness as more serious and enduring than Caucasians
B) African-American patients report less confidence in treatment efficacy compared to Caucasians
C) African-American patients perceive illness as less enduring, have more confidence in treatment efficacy, and believe they have more personal control
D) African-American patients tend to avoid medical care more than Caucasians
C) African-American patients perceive illness as less enduring, have more confidence in treatment efficacy, and believe they have more personal control
In the study by Grewal, Stewart, & Grace (2010) on coronary artery disease, how did South Asian patients’ illness beliefs differ from those of Caucasian patients?
A) South Asian patients reported higher personal control over their illness compared to Caucasians
B) South Asian patients were more likely to attribute their illness to aging compared to Caucasians
C) South Asian patients reported lower personal control over their illness and were more likely to attribute it to worry and poor medical care in the past
D) South Asian patients reported less confidence in treatment efficacy compared to Caucasians
C) South Asian patients reported lower personal control over their illness and were more likely to attribute it to worry and poor medical care in the past
According to the study by Ford et al. (2010), how do African-American patients generally view illness?
A) They view illness as more serious with greater emotional impact than Caucasians
B) They view illness as less serious, with less emotional impact and more personal control
C) They perceive illness as highly coherent and understandable
D) They view illness as more enduring and difficult to treat
B) They view illness as less serious, with less emotional impact and more personal control
How do cultural backgrounds influence illness appraisals and health beliefs?
A) People from different cultures always have the same health beliefs
B) Cultural background has no effect on how people interpret or respond to illness
C) Cultural differences influence illness beliefs, such as perceptions of control and causes of illness
D) All cultures view illness in exactly the same way
C) Cultural differences influence illness beliefs, such as perceptions of control and causes of illness
How does neuroticism (negative affectivity) influence how we view physical symptoms?
A) It is associated with a tendency to report more somatic complaints and interpret symptoms negatively
B) It causes people to be less aware of physical symptoms
C) It makes people more resilient to pain and illness
D) It leads to a lower likelihood of seeking healthcare
A) It is associated with a tendency to report more somatic complaints and interpret symptoms negatively
According to Henselmans et al. (2010), how did women with high neuroticism perceive their newly diagnosed breast cancer?
A) They were more likely to view the cancer as under their control
B) They viewed the cancer as not being under their control
C) They reported fewer somatic complaints related to the cancer
D) They were more optimistic about the treatment outcomes
B) They viewed the cancer as not being under their control
What effect does negative mood (such as depression, anxiety, and stress) have on illness appraisals?
A) It reduces the likelihood of reporting pain and seeking medical attention
B) It has no effect on the perception of symptoms
C) It is associated with increased pain reports, more missed work, and higher healthcare use
D) It causes individuals to view symptoms as less severe
C) It is associated with increased pain reports, more missed work, and higher healthcare use
How does a positive mood influence health perceptions?
A) It leads people to report higher levels of pain and more severe symptoms
B) It has no effect on illness appraisals
C) It is associated with lower pain reports and reduced healthcare use
D) It makes people more likely to perceive their illness as serious
C) It is associated with lower pain reports and reduced healthcare use
What personal experience did Norman Cousins (1976) share about the relationship between mood and illness?
A) Watching comedy films worsened his pain
B) Viewing comedy films helped him cope with pain and illness
C) Positive mood had no impact on his experience with illness
D) Watching movies caused him to report fewer symptoms
B) Viewing comedy films helped him cope with pain and illness
How does personality and mood influence our health perceptions, according to the research?
A) Personality and mood have no impact on how we perceive our health
B) Negative moods and neuroticism make individuals less aware of their physical symptoms
C) Positive and negative moods can shape how we perceive and respond to health-related issues
D) Only neuroticism affects our perception of illness, while mood has no impact
C) Positive and negative moods can shape how we perceive and respond to health-related issues
What is neuroticism (negative affectivity)?
A) The tendency to experience positive emotions and emotional stability
B) The tendency to experience negative emotions and emotional instability
C) A personality trait that makes people less sensitive to physical symptoms
D) The tendency to remain indifferent to health-related issues
B) The tendency to experience negative emotions and emotional instability
Which of the following is true about health anxiety?
A) Health anxiety is characterized by excessive concern about past health issues
B) Hypochondriasis is a newer term for extreme health anxiety
C) Extreme health anxiety affects 7.7% of the general population and 20% of medical patients
D) Health anxiety is a rare condition affecting less than 1% of individuals
C) Extreme health anxiety affects 7.7% of the general population and 20% of medical patients
Define Health Anxiety.
Experience of excessive anxiety about present or future health
Define Hypochondriasis.
Past term for extreme health anxiety.
Which of the following statements about health anxiety is correct?
A) Health anxiety is characterized by excessive anxiety about one’s health only when serious symptoms are present.
B) Extreme health anxiety was previously referred to as hypochondriasis but is now diagnosed as somatic symptom disorder or illness anxiety disorder.
C) Health anxiety is rare and affects less than 1% of the general population.
D) Older adults are more likely to develop health anxiety than younger adults, especially those with medical conditions.
B) Extreme health anxiety was previously referred to as hypochondriasis but is now diagnosed as somatic symptom disorder or illness anxiety disorder.
What is a common characteristic of health anxiety?
A) It only occurs in people with severe physical illness.
B) It is characterized by excessive anxiety about one’s present or future health.
C) It decreases with age and medical conditions.
D) It is always associated with clear and observable somatic symptoms.
B) It is characterized by excessive anxiety about one’s present or future health.
Which of the following is a diagnosis for individuals with extreme health anxiety but no significant somatic symptoms?
A) Somatic symptom disorder
B) Illness anxiety disorder
C) Generalized anxiety disorder
D) Post-traumatic stress disorder
B) Illness anxiety disorder
How prevalent is extreme health anxiety in the general population?
A) Approximately 1%.
B) Approximately 7.7%.
C) Approximately 20%.
D) Approximately 50%.
B) Approximately 7.7%.
Which of the following is associated with extreme health anxiety?
A) Increased health care use and unnecessary medical procedures.
B) Decreased emotional distress and greater physical well-being.
C) Higher employment rates and social engagement.
D) Lower rates of depressive and anxiety disorders.
A) Increased health care use and unnecessary medical procedures.
What percentage of individuals diagnosed with extreme health anxiety do not recover?
A) 10-20%
B) 20-30%
C) 50-70%
D) 80-90%
C) 50-70%
What genetic component has been linked to anxiety sensitivity, somatization, and neuroticism, all of which increase risk for health anxiety?
A) Environmental stressors
B) Genetic predispositions
C) Childhood trauma
D) Lack of medical care
B) Genetic predispositions
What does the research suggest about the heritability of health anxiety?
A) Health anxiety is highly heritable with a clear genetic link.
B) Health anxiety is not influenced by genetics.
C) There is limited research, and findings are inconclusive.
D) Health anxiety is mostly environmentally determined.
C) There is limited research, and findings are inconclusive.
Health anxiety (HA) occurs in which of the following groups?
A) Only adults without medical conditions
B) Only children with medical conditions
C) Both adults and youth, with and without medical conditions
D) Only youth with medical conditions
C) Both adults and youth, with and without medical conditions
In adults with a medical condition, how do their levels of health anxiety compare to those of healthy control groups?
A) Adults with medical conditions have lower health anxiety than healthy individuals.
B) Adults with medical conditions report higher health anxiety compared to healthy control groups.
C) Health anxiety is identical in both groups.
D) Health anxiety is absent in adults with medical conditions.
B) Adults with medical conditions report higher health anxiety compared to healthy control groups.
What is a key finding in the research on health anxiety across different medical conditions?
A) Health anxiety is the same across all medical conditions.
B) There is a lot of variability in health anxiety levels across different medical conditions.
C) Health anxiety is only present in one specific medical condition.
D) All individuals with medical conditions experience the same level of health anxiety.
B) There is a lot of variability in health anxiety levels across different medical conditions.
In pediatric populations, how do levels of health anxiety compare to those observed in adults?
A) Pediatric populations have significantly higher levels of health anxiety.
B) The pattern of health anxiety is similar in pediatric and adult populations, though fewer studies exist.
C) Pediatric populations have no health anxiety.
D) Pediatric populations have lower levels of health anxiety, with no variability.
B) The pattern of health anxiety is similar in pediatric and adult populations, though fewer studies exist.
What is one of the main characteristics of Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD)?
A) Absence of distressing somatic symptoms
B) One or more distressing somatic symptoms that disrupt daily life
C) A focus on mental health symptoms only
D) A focus on emotional distress without physical symptoms
B) One or more distressing somatic symptoms that disrupt daily life
Which of the following is a symptom of Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD)?
A) Disproportionate or persistent thoughts about the seriousness of symptoms
B) Feeling completely healthy and symptom-free
C) A lack of concern about health or symptoms
D) Symptoms only lasting for a short period of time
A) Disproportionate or persistent thoughts about the seriousness of symptoms
How long must symptoms of Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) typically persist to be diagnosed?
A) Less than 1 month
B) 3-6 months
C) More than 6 months
D) Over 1 year
C) More than 6 months
Which of the following best describes the level of anxiety in individuals with Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD)?
A) A low level of anxiety about health or symptoms
B) Persistent high levels of anxiety about health or symptoms
C) Anxiety that is limited to a specific situation
D) Complete absence of anxiety
B) Persistent high levels of anxiety about health or symptoms
Which of the following behaviors is associated with Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD)?
A) Minimal time and energy devoted to symptoms or health concerns
B) Excessive time and energy devoted to symptoms or health concerns
C) Complete denial of any health concerns
D) No significant interference with daily life
B) Excessive time and energy devoted to symptoms or health concerns
Which of the following is a primary feature of Illness Anxiety Disorder (IAD)?
A) Preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness
B) Presence of multiple, severe somatic symptoms
C) A complete lack of anxiety regarding health concerns
D) A focus on emotional and psychological symptoms rather than physical symptoms
A) Preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness
In Illness Anxiety Disorder (IAD), what is the typical level of somatic symptoms?
A) Severe and persistent somatic symptoms
B) Mild or absent somatic symptoms
C) Chronic and intense somatic symptoms
D) No somatic symptoms at all
B) Mild or absent somatic symptoms
What is a key characteristic of the anxiety experienced in Illness Anxiety Disorder (IAD)?
A) Anxiety is mild and easily managed
B) The individual is easily alarmed about personal health status
C) Anxiety is unrelated to health concerns
D) Anxiety is only present during medical appointments
B) The individual is easily alarmed about personal health status
Which of the following behaviors is commonly seen in individuals with Illness Anxiety Disorder (IAD)?
A) Avoidance of health-related behaviors such as checking for symptoms
B) Excessive health-related behaviors, such as checking the body for signs of illness
C) No concern for health status or symptoms
D) A complete refusal to seek medical advice
B) Excessive health-related behaviors, such as checking the body for signs of illness
How long must illness-related preoccupation persist to meet the criteria for Illness Anxiety Disorder (IAD)?
A) At least 1 month
B) At least 3 months
C) At least 6 months
D) At least 12 months
C) At least 6 months
In the genetics discussion of health anxiety, what is health sensitivity?
Anxiety in response to physical symptoms like accelerated heart beat.
In the genetics discussion of health anxiety, what is somatization?
Anxious but co-occurring symptoms, like a stomach ache. Often seen in children.
In the genetics discussion of health anxiety, what is neuroticism?
Personality trait that describes a tendency to experience negative emotions like anxiety, anger, and depression.
What are three genetically influenced traits that increase one’s vulnerability to health anxiety?
Anxiety sensitivity
Somatization
Neuroticism
According to the cognitive behavioural model, how does health anxiety develop?
A) Through genetic inheritance only
B) Through direct or indirect learning experiences related to illness
C) Due to abnormalities in interoception (internal body awareness)
D) As a result of exposure to frequent medical diagnoses
B) Through direct or indirect learning experiences related to illness
Which of the following is NOT a core belief associated with health anxiety?
A) The feared disease is serious and catastrophic
B) One is vulnerable to disease
C) Medical resources are always adequate to treat illnesses
D) One is not capable of coping with the feared illness
E) Inadequate medical resources are available to treat the illness.
C) Medical resources are always adequate to treat illnesses
Which cognitive bias causes individuals with health anxiety to believe that if they think about an illness, they are more likely to develop it?
A) Confirmatory bias
B) Ex-consequentia reasoning
C) Thought–action–fusion bias
D) Safety behavior bias
C) Thought–action–fusion bias
What is the effect of safety behaviours (e.g., reassurance seeking, body monitoring) in health anxiety?
A) They provide long-term relief from anxiety
B) They reinforce the belief that there is danger, increasing anxiety
C) They eliminate the need for medical consultations
D) They decrease vigilance toward health concerns
B) They reinforce the belief that there is danger, increasing anxiety
Which behaviour is considered a safety behaviour in health anxiety?
A) Engaging in regular exercise for general well-being
B) Seeking repeated reassurance from doctors and family
C) Ignoring all physical symptoms
D) Reading about illnesses for general knowledge without concern
B) Seeking repeated reassurance from doctors and family
Ex-consequentia reasoning in health anxiety refers to:
A) Tendency to believe that feeling anxious must mean there is a danger present
B) Seeking medical information to confirm one’s fears
C) Avoiding medical appointments due to fear of bad news
D) Developing health anxiety after experiencing a serious illness
A) Tendency to believe that feeling anxious must mean there is a danger present (real health threat is present)
Which of the following is true regarding individuals with health anxiety?
A) They are better at detecting internal body signals than those without health anxiety
B) They have a biased tendency to focus on mild bodily sensations
C) They do not engage in reassurance-seeking behaviours
D) They rarely misinterpret benign bodily sensations as threatening
B) They have a biased tendency to focus on mild bodily sensations
Which of the following best describes the cognitive behavioural model of health anxiety?
A) Health anxiety is solely caused by genetic predispositions
B) Health anxiety occurs only in individuals with medical conditions
C) Dysfunctional thoughts based on past experiences trigger health anxiety
D) People with health anxiety have a superior ability to detect bodily sensations
C) Dysfunctional thoughts based on past experiences trigger health anxiety
What is an example of confirmatory bias in health anxiety?
A) Seeking information that supports one’s health fears while ignoring contradictory evidence
B) Believing that thinking about a disease will cause it to happen
C) Avoiding hospitals and doctors to prevent receiving bad news
D) Assuming that others are healthier than oneself
A) Seeking information that supports one’s health fears while ignoring contradictory evidence
Thought–action–fusion bias is the tendency to believe that:
A) Thinking about an illness increases the likelihood of developing it
B) If one is anxious, it must mean there is actual danger
C) Medical professionals are always incorrect when they say someone is healthy
D) There is no explanation for unusual bodily sensations
A) Thinking about an illness increases the likelihood of developing it
Which cognitive bias explains why someone with health anxiety believes that feeling anxious must mean there is actual danger?
A) Confirmatory bias
B) Thought–action–fusion bias
C) Ex-consequentia reasoning
D) Catastrophizing
C) Ex-consequentia reasoning
Which of the following statements reflects a confirmatory bias?
A) “If I worry about cancer, I will develop it.”
B) “Every time I feel a headache, it must mean I have a brain tumor.”
C) “Feeling anxious means something bad is definitely going to happen.”
D) “The doctor told me I’m fine, but I’ll only trust test results that suggest something is wrong.”
D) “The doctor told me I’m fine, but I’ll only trust test results that suggest something is wrong.”
What is body monitoring in the context of health anxiety?
A) Constantly checking one’s body for symptoms or changes
B) Tracking physical activity levels using a fitness app
C) Relying on regular check-ups to maintain good health
D) Keeping a record of one’s diet and exercise routine
A) Constantly checking one’s body for symptoms or changes
How does avoidance function as a safety behaviour in health anxiety?
A) It helps individuals face their fears gradually
B) It prevents people from feeling anxious in the short term but reinforces anxiety in the long term
C) It allows individuals to completely eliminate health concerns
D) It ensures that only real health threats are taken seriously
B) It prevents people from feeling anxious in the short term but reinforces anxiety in the long term
Which of the following best describes information-seeking as a safety behaviour in health anxiety?
A) Conducting repeated online searches for medical conditions despite professional reassurance
B) Consulting a doctor only when symptoms persist for an extended period
C) Asking about health topics out of general curiosity
D) Seeking knowledge about common illnesses without excessive worry
A) Conducting repeated online searches for medical conditions despite professional reassurance
Which of the following is an example of a safety behaviour in health anxiety?
A) Ignoring all health-related symptoms, regardless of severity
B) Seeking reassurance from doctors, family, or online sources about one’s health concerns
C) Avoiding any discussion about health to prevent anxiety
D) Trusting a single medical consultation without further investigation
B) Seeking reassurance from doctors, family, or online sources about one’s health concerns
What is the primary goal of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for health anxiety?
A) To eliminate all health-related concerns from the patient’s mind
B) To address dysfunctional thoughts and behaviours that contribute to health anxiety
C) To replace all negative thoughts with positive affirmations
D) To discourage patients from seeking medical care altogether
B) To address dysfunctional thoughts and behaviours that contribute to health anxiety
How many sessions does CBT for health anxiety typically involve?
A) 5–6 sessions
B) 12 sessions of 50–60 minutes
C) 24 sessions lasting over a year
D) A single session with follow-up emails
B) 12 sessions of 50–60 minutes
Which of the following factors can complicate the treatment of health anxiety?
A) Short duration of health anxiety symptoms
B) A strong willingness to challenge personal beliefs
C) Presence of a personality disorder or co-morbid medical conditions
D) Younger age, as CBT is less effective for younger individuals
C) Presence of a personality disorder or co-morbid medical conditions
What role does homework play in CBT for health anxiety?
A) Homework is optional and does not impact treatment effectiveness
B) Patients complete assignments to reinforce therapy concepts and improve treatment outcomes
C) Homework consists solely of relaxation exercises and breathing techniques
D) It is used only to assess patient compliance but does not influence recovery
B) Patients complete assignments to reinforce therapy concepts and improve treatment outcomes
In CBT, why is psychoeducation an important first step in treatment?
A) It helps clients understand the development of health anxiety and the role of thoughts, behaviours, and bodily sensations
B) It convinces clients that their health concerns are invalid
C) It prevents clients from experiencing any future health-related fears
D) It ensures that clients stop seeking medical advice from professionals
A) It helps clients understand the development of health anxiety and the role of thoughts, behaviours, and bodily sensations
T or F: CBT for health anxiety lacks empirical support as a person-centered and collaborative therapy.
False.
Greatest empirical support.
It is person-centered + collaborative
How does CBT help individuals identify thoughts that trigger health anxiety?
A) By keeping a diary of thoughts, physical sensations, and behaviours
B) By suppressing all negative thoughts about health
C) By encouraging patients to completely ignore their bodily sensations
D) By solely focusing on deep breathing exercises
A) By keeping a diary of thoughts, physical sensations, and behaviours
What is the purpose of exposure with response prevention in CBT?
A) To avoid all triggers that might cause health anxiety
B) To gradually expose individuals to anxiety-provoking situations while preventing safety behaviours
C) To confirm the patient’s fears about having a serious illness
D) To replace all negative thoughts with positive affirmations
B) To gradually expose individuals to anxiety-provoking situations while preventing safety behaviours
Which of the following can make treatment for health anxiety more difficult?
A) A short duration of health anxiety symptoms
B) Strongly held beliefs about illness
C) A lack of financial incentives tied to the illness
D) Minimal exposure to stressful life events
B) Strongly held beliefs about illness
How can stressful life events affect CBT for health anxiety?
A) They have no impact on the effectiveness of CBT
B) They can increase anxiety levels and make treatment more challenging
C) They always make CBT more effective by providing real-world exposure
D) They allow patients to recover more quickly from health anxi
B) They can increase anxiety levels and make treatment more challenging
What is one reason why someone might subconsciously resist recovery from health anxiety?
A) They enjoy CBT therapy sessions
B) They experience financial or social benefits from their illness
C) They have no history of health concerns
D) They prefer to focus on exposure therapy only
B) They experience financial or social benefits from their illness
Which of the following is NOT a complicating factor in CBT for health anxiety?
A) Severe symptoms of health anxiety
B) A strong belief that one is seriously ill
C) A brief history of mild health anxiety
D) The presence of a personality disorder
E) Comorbid medical conditions
F) Stressful life events
G) Benefit from condition
C) A brief history of mild health anxiety
In an exposure hierarchy, what is the typical order of exposure?
A) Start with the most anxiety-provoking stimulus first
B) Start with moderate anxiety-provoking stimuli and skip the least threatening ones
C) Begin with the least anxiety-provoking stimulus and gradually move to more challenging ones
D) Avoid exposure to the most feared stimuli altogether
C) Begin with the least anxiety-provoking stimulus and gradually move to more challenging ones
What does the Subjective Units of Discomfort Scale (SUDS) measure?
A) The severity of physical illness symptoms
B) The level of fear or discomfort experienced during exposure exercises
C) The number of safety behaviours a client engages in daily
D) The total number of therapy sessions completed
B) The level of fear or discomfort experienced during exposure exercises
What is the role of response prevention in exposure therapy?
A) It allows clients to use safety behaviours to gradually decrease their fear
B) It encourages clients to completely avoid feared situations
C) It prevents clients from engaging in safety behaviours like reassurance-seeking
D) It eliminates all fear responses immediately
C) It prevents clients from engaging in safety behaviours like reassurance-seeking
Why might a therapist suggest a “wait-for-two-weeks” approach before seeking medical attention?
A) Most symptoms resolve within this period, reducing unnecessary medical visits
B) It ensures clients ignore all potential health concerns
C) It prevents individuals from ever seeking medical advice
D) It helps clients avoid exposure to medical settings
A) Most symptoms resolve within this period, reducing unnecessary medical visits
What was Jane’s primary concern when she sought treatment?
A) Relationship difficulties with her husband
B) Excessive fear and worry about health and cancer
C) Difficulty managing work stress
D) Insomnia and sleep disturbances
B) Excessive fear and worry about health and cancer
Why was a longer CBT treatment protocol (20 sessions) recommended for Jane?
A) She had only mild symptoms of health anxiety
B) Her symptoms were mild but required extensive education
C) She presented with severe symptoms and a possible personality disorder
D) She wanted more time to discuss unrelated life stressors
C) She presented with severe symptoms and a possible personality disorder
Which of the following was NOT one of Jane’s problematic thinking patterns?
A) Intolerance of uncertainty
B) Fear of anxiety itself
C) Complete concern for her health
D) Reassurance-seeking behavior
E) None of the above
E) None of the above
During a cognitive restructuring exercise, Jane believed that if she died from cancer, her husband would be unable to cope. What CBT technique was used to challenge this belief?
A) Thought suppression
B) Behavioural experiment – asking her husband how he would cope
C) Avoiding all discussions about cancer
D) Reassurance-seeking from her children
B) Behavioural experiment – asking her husband how he would cope
In exposure with response prevention (ERP), Jane was asked to gradually confront feared situations, such as talking about cancer or writing her own obituary. Why is response prevention important in this process?
A) It ensures she never experiences anxiety during exposure
B) It helps prevent the use of safety behaviours that maintain health anxiety
C) It reinforces avoidance as a coping strategy
D) It provides reassurance that her fears are unfounded
B) It helps prevent the use of safety behaviours that maintain health anxiety
