Unit 7 chapter 13

Question 1

Which of the following models states that physical illness is caused by a complex interaction
of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors?
a. neuroimmunology
b. behaviourist
c. biopsychosocial
d. medical

Answer 1

c. biopsychosocial

Question 2

As a result of changes in the way that health professionals think about physical illness over
the last few decades, which of the following has the purely biological model given way to?
a. treatment and prevention
b. psychosomatic
c. biopsychosocial
d. immunology

Answer 2

c. biopsychosocial

Question 3

Which of the following is a reason that the field of health psychology has emerged?
a. Being ill affects mood, and we need to understand this unidirectional effect.
b. It is now well known that many diseases have neurological origins.
c. Our modern focus on health includes prevention, not just treating existing illness.
d. Diseases such as AIDS can have a serious impact on cognitive functioning

Answer 3

c. Our modern focus on health includes prevention, not just treating existing illness.

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT one of the concerns of health psychology?
a. refinements to the diagnostic process
b. promotion and maintenance of health
c. prevention of illness
d. causation and treatment of illness

Answer 4

a. refinements to the diagnostic process

Question 5

How does your text define stress?
a. illness-inducing behaviour
b. circumstances that are perceived as threatening
c. any unpleasant event
d. responses we make to unpleasant events

Answer 5

b. circumstances that are perceived as threatening

Question 6

According to the definition of stress, which of the following would NOT necessarily be
considered stress?
a. You ask someone out on a date, and feel quite happy about the answer.
b. A friend brings over her pet kitten, and you find the little beast irritating.
c. You see a man with a knife in front of you, and you freeze in fear.
d. You witness a car accident in which you were not involved, and it leaves you too
shaken to drive.

Answer 6

a. You ask someone out on a date, and feel quite happy about the answer.

Question 7

What does research have to say about the general effect of everyday problems and the minor
nuisances of life?
a. Minor stresses produce minor effects.
b. Minor stresses may have significant harmful effects on both physical and mental
health.
c. Minor stresses often have significant harmful effects on mental health, but don’t
affect physical health.
d. Minor stresses have negative effects only when coupled with major stresses.

Answer 7

b. Minor stresses may have significant harmful effects on both physical and mental
health.

Question 8

Why might minor stresses be more strongly related to mental health than major stressful
events?
a. We feel more out of control with minor stresses than we do with major stresses.
b. We are much more intimately involved with minor stresses.
c. Minor stresses lead to more intense physiological arousal than major stresses.
d. Stress has cumulative effects.

Answer 8

d. Stress has cumulative effects.

Question 9

Mason is already late for an important appointment when he realizes he is almost out of gas.
He stops to fill up, and the clerk has trouble getting approval on his credit card. When Mason
finally pulls out of the service station, the traffic is crawling because of an accident. What do
we know about effects of inconveniences of this type?
a. They usually create avoidance-avoidance conflicts.
b. They are stressful only to individuals with a Type A personality.
c. They are such routine hassles that they are not perceived as stressful.
d. They can often have a significant effect on physical and mental health.

Answer 9

d. They can often have a significant effect on physical and mental health

Question 10

Shelagh is feeling really stressed. Nothing out of the ordinary is going on, but she still feels
like she’s having a difficult time coping. It seems like all the little things are making her more
stressed than they should; things like remembering to take out the recycling, the barking of the
dog next door, and having to choose a dress for her cousin’s wedding next week. Aubrey has
all the same things going on in her life, but she is not feeling stressed at all. Why might
Shelagh feel stressed, even though there are no major threats to her well-being?
a. Minor stressors elicit larger responses than major stressors, on average, so it is
Aubrey’s response that is unusual, not Shelagh’s.
b. The stressors that Shelagh is experiencing are actually more severe than the ones
experienced by Aubrey.
c. Response to stress depends on many factors, including the type of stress, biological
factors within Shelagh, and Shelagh’s history of stress.
d. Shelagh is mentally ill.

Answer 10

c. Response to stress depends on many factors, including the type of stress, biological
factors within Shelagh, and Shelagh’s history of stress.

Question 11

Ted is very agitated about an upcoming presentation that he must give. His roommate doesn’t
understand why Ted is nervous because presentations are no big deal. Which of the following
statements does this example illustrate?
a. When it comes to stress, humans tend not to feel empathy.
b. Our appraisals of stressful events are highly subjective.
c. Strong-minded persons are better able to handle stressful events than weak-minded
ones.
d. Our appraisals of stressful events are basically objective.

Answer 11

b. Our appraisals of stressful events are highly subjective

Question 12

. Fred was just asked to be the master of ceremonies at his brother’s wedding. Public speaking
terrifies him so he perceives this as a very stressful event. What type of appraisal is Fred
conducting?
a. secondary
b. primary
c. offensive
d. defensive

Answer 12

b. primary

Question 13

Elaine is thinking about an upcoming event that she is worried about, and she is thinking
about who she can call to help her. What type of appraisal is Elaine conducting?
a. offensive
b. defensive
c. secondary
d. primary

Answer 13

c. secondary

Question 14

Most of Conrad’s friends consider him to be highly neurotic. Which of the following is also
likely to be true about Conrad compared to his friends?
a. He is more likely to perceive events as stressful.
b. He is less likely to use defensive coping strategies.
c. He is less likely to perceive events as stressful.
d. He is more likely to “choke” under pressure.

Answer 14

a. He is more likely to perceive events as stressful

Question 15

What does the term “frustration” refer to, in the context of stress research?
a. being caught between two incompatible motives
b. being expected to live up to high standards of performance
c. the most frequent emotional response to aggression
d. being blocked in the pursuit of a desired goal

Answer 15

d. being blocked in the pursuit of a desired goal

Question 16

Virginia has wanted to be a physician for as long as she can remember, but she has been
unable to gain entry to medical school. What is the term for what Virginia is experiencing?
a. frustration
b. regression
c. burnout
d. learned helplessness

Answer 16

a. frustration

Question 17

Tatiana just finished entering her ten-page term paper into one of the computers in the
university’s computer lab. She clicks the “Save” command, and the computer unexpectedly
freezes. When she reboots the computer she discovers that all but the first two pages of her
term paper have been lost. What is Tatiana most likely experiencing at this point in time?
a. conflict
b. burnout
c. pressure
d. frustration

Answer 17

d. frustration

Question 18

Steve was excited when he finally landed the lead role in one of the community theatre
productions. He has been rehearsing his part for the past two months, but on the day that the
play is scheduled to open, Steve awakens with a bad case of laryngitis and he is unable to
perform in the play. What is Steve most likely experiencing at this point?
a. frustration
b. conflict
c. pressure
d. burnout

Answer 18

a. frustration

Question 19

The Sidewinders football team made a big comeback in the second half of the game. All their
kicker needed to do was kick a field goal, and they would win the game by two points.
Unfortunately, the kicker missed, and they lost the game. What did the Sidewinders’ coach
most likely experience, as he watched the kick go wide?
a. frustration
b. burnout
c. pressure
d. conflict

Answer 19

a. frustration

Question 20

Which of the following would NOT qualify as a frustrating event?
a. having trouble deciding between two items on a menu
b. getting a “B” on an exam when you wanted an “A”
c. finding that your car has not yet been repaired even though you left it hours ago
d. being stuck in traffic

Answer 20

a. having trouble deciding between two items on a menu

Question 21

Miranda started a small craft business in her home three years ago. Last year she finally
moved her business into a small store along her town’s main street. Last Saturday, most of her
store’s stock was destroyed as firefighters fought a fire that had started in the vacant office
next to her store. Which of the following is Miranda most likely experiencing as she walks
through her ruined store?
a. frustration
b. conflict
c. burnout
d. pressure

Answer 21

a. frustration

Question 22

In general, what is the least stressful conflict?
a. avoidance-avoidance
b. double approach-avoidance
c. approach-approach
d. approach-avoidance

Answer 22

c. approach-approach

Question 23

Two blockbuster movies are opening on the same weekend, and Andrea is having trouble
deciding which movie to see first. What type of conflict is Andrea experiencing?
a. risk-aversion
b. avoidance-avoidance
c. avoidance-approach
d. approach-approach

Answer 23

d. approach-approach

Question 24

Geena has made it to the final round in a game show. She must now choose between a
fantastic all-expenses-paid trip to Greece, or a new SUV. Geena wants both of them very
badly! What type of conflict is Geena facing as she tries to decide between the two available
alternatives?
a. approach-approach
b. appetitive-frustration
c. frustration-pressure
d. approach-avoidance

Answer 24

a. approach-approach

Question 25

. What type of conflict are you experiencing when you find yourself “caught between a rock
and a hard place,”?
a. avoidance-avoidance
b. approach-approach
c. approach-avoidance
d. double approach-avoidance

Answer 25

a. avoidance-avoidance

Question 26

Your gruesome, beastly jailer walks in and offers you the choice of being whipped or clubbed
as your form of punishment for the day. Which of the following are you experiencing,
assuming that neither alternative appeals to you?
a. an avoidance-avoidance conflict
b. an approach-avoidance conflict
c. an approach-approach conflict
d. a thrill at being given a choice

Answer 26

a. an avoidance-avoidance conflict

Question 27

What type of conflict are you experiencing if you cannot decide whether to submit to back
surgery, which you dread, to alleviate your back pain or to continue to live with the pain,
which you sometimes find unbearable?
a. approach-avoidance
b. approach-approach
c. double approach-avoidance
d. avoidance-avoidance

Answer 27

d. avoidance-avoidance

Question 28

Melissa has an old car that is desperately in need of expensive repairs. She is trying to decide
whether she should spend the $1,500 she has in her savings account to repair her old clunker.
If she repairs it, she will have reliable transportation again, but it also means that she will not
be able to take time off from work over the holidays. What type of conflict is Melissa facing
as she tries to make her decision?
a. approach-avoidance
b. approach-approach
c. pressure-frustration
d. frustration-pressure

Answer 28

a. approach-avoidance

Question 29

Theresa loves to eat but at the same time fears becoming overweight. What is she
experiencing?
a. frustration-pressure response
b. fight-or-flight response
c. approach-avoidance conflict
d. avoidance-avoidance conflict

Answer 29

c. approach-avoidance conflict

Question 30

Leonard has a job with a small company where he gets along well with everyone, and he has
15 years of seniority. Recently a competitor called to offer him a job that would pay more
money, but where he would be starting over, with no seniority. What type of conflict is
Leonard facing as he tries to decide whether to accept the new job because it offers more
money, or turn the job offer down because it would mean giving up his seniority?
a. no-win
b. frustration-pressure
c. approach-avoidance
d. approach-approach

Answer 30

c. approach-avoidance

Question 31

Megan is looking at the ballot form for a citywide referendum and trying to decide whether or
not to support the proposed change. If the referendum passes there will be better services
available for all the city residents, but it will also mean that residents will pay increased
property taxes. What type of conflict is Megan facing as she tries to decide whether to support
the proposed referendum?
a. approach-approach
b. frustration-pressure
c. no-win
d. approach-avoidance

Answer 31

d. approach-avoidance

Question 32

Lacey just started a new job recently. She’s adjusting to working in a different place, with
new coworkers and an increased amount of responsibility. She really enjoys her new job, but
some of the changes are aggravating. For example, in order to get to her new job she has to
transfer from one bus line to another, and there are often delays at the transfer point. Lacey
has started dealing with this delay by keeping a book of crossword puzzles in her bag. That
way she always has something entertaining to do when she has to wait. Before she started
bringing puzzles along, Lacey would often find herself sitting on the bench getting angrier and
angrier about the delay. By the time she got to work, she would have herself worked up into
such a state that she would snap at her coworkers. She knew that this pattern of behaviour
wouldn’t help her chances of getting promoted, so she sat down with her boyfriend one night
to brainstorm about ways that she could prevent herself from getting so angry. Her boyfriend
pointed out that it was probably her boredom that made her so upset. He also suggested that
she fill the time with something that she really enjoys but doesn’t get a chance to do. That’s
when she decided on the crosswords. Now that she has a way to deal with the delay, Lacey
also finds that she doesn’t get as many headaches as she used to
Which term best describes the stress associated with repeated bus delays?
a. frustration
b. hazard
c. conflict
d. pressure

Answer 32

a. frustration

Question 33

What would happen to Lacey’s score on the Social Readjustment Rating Scale as a result of
getting a great new job?
a. It would go up.
b. It would go up if she perceives the job to be stressful.
c. It would go down.
d. It would stay the same

Answer 33

a. It would go up.

Question 34

What does Lacey snapping at her coworkers illustrate?
a. approach-avoidance conflict
b. avoidance-avoidance conflict
c. the coping mechanism known as aggression
d. the coping mechanism known as displacement

Answer 34

d. the coping mechanism known as displacement

Question 35

What is the term used to describe Lacey’s behaviour of recognizing a problem, confronting it,
and finding a practical solution?
a. constructive coping
b. defensive coping
c. general adaptation
d. intellectualization

Answer 35

a. constructive coping

Question 36

What term could be used to describe the headaches if Lacey’s headaches were caused by
stress?
a. psychosomatic
b. burnout
c. reactive
d. defensive

Answer 36

a. psychosomatic

Question 37

Which of the following reactions do approach-avoidance conflicts often produce in people
trying to make those sorts of decisions?
a. approach
b. withdrawal
c. avoidance
d. vacillation

Answer 37

d. vacillation

Question 38

Which type of conflict tends to result in behavioural vacillation?
a. avoidance-avoidance
b. approach-avoidance
c. approach-approach
d. no-win

Answer 38

b. approach-avoidance

Question 39

What did Holmes and Rahe find, with their study of stress and vulnerability to illness, was a
major source of stress for people?
a. changes in one’s life that require readjustment
b. failures
c. life events involving loss
d. only those life changes the person sees as negative

Answer 39

a. changes in one’s life that require readjustment

Question 40

Dr. Gouin believes that getting a promotion at work or getting married is just as stressful as
losing a job or getting a divorce. Which of the following pairs of researchers would agree with
Dr. Gouin?
a. Scheier and Carver
b. Miller and DiMatteo
c. Holmes and Rahe
d. Friedman and Rosenman

Answer 40

c. Holmes and Rahe

Question 41

What was the Social Readjustment Rating Scale designed specifically to measure?
a. change
b. aggression
c. conflict
d. control

Answer 41

a. change

Question 42

Rosemary recently married her high school sweetheart, and they moved into a wonderful new
condominium. A week after the move, Rosemary was offered a job that she had been hoping
she would get. At this point in time, Rosemary can’t imagine being any happier. What is
Rosemary experiencing according to Holmes and Rahe?
a. a high level of stress
b. an approach-approach conflict
c. overcompensation
d. little or no stress

Answer 42

a. a high level of stress

Question 43

Which of the following is the most stressful event, according to the Social Readjustment
Scale?
a. trouble with the in-laws
b. change in sleeping habits
c. retirement
d. marriage

Answer 43

d. marriage

Question 44

Which of the following is likely among people with higher scores on the Social Readjustment
Rating Scale?
a. They react more negatively to stressful events.
b. They cope more effectively with long-term stressors associated with change.
c. They are more vulnerable to physical illness and psychological problems.
d. They have a more external locus of control.

Answer 44

c. They are more vulnerable to physical illness and psychological problems

Question 45

What is the major criticism of the Social Readjustment Rating Scale?
a. It contains positive events as well as negative ones.
b. It focuses exclusively on frustrating events.
c. It does not measure change exclusively.
d. It is based on a biased sample.

Answer 45

c. It does not measure change exclusively.

Question 46

Which of the following is supported by most current research on change and stress?
a. Too much change of whatever sort automatically makes one more vulnerable to
physical and psychological problems.
b. Keeping change to a minimum is an effective way to avoid the harmful effects of
stress.
c. Change is not inherently or inevitably stressful.
d. Both positive and negative changes are equally stressful.

Answer 46

c. Change is not inherently or inevitably stressful.

Question 47

Which of the following terms is defined by demands or expectations to behave in a certain
way?
a. frustration
b. stress
c. pressure
d. conflict

Answer 47

c. pressure

Question 48

The Flashback football team made a big comeback in the second half, and are now down by a
single point. Which of the following are both the quarterback and the intended receiver likely
to be experiencing as the team lines up for the final play of the game?
a. pressure
b. conflict
c. burnout
d. frustration

Answer 48

a. pressure

Question 49

Winona has a ten-page term paper due first thing in the morning, and she still has over half the
paper left to write. At the same time her boyfriend is insisting that she come to the concert that
evening where he will be performing his first violin solo. She knows that she needs to work
on the paper, but she also knows her boyfriend will be disappointed if she doesn’t attend the
concert. Which of the following is Winona most likely feeling?
a. frustration
b. burnout
c. performance anxiety
d. pressure

Answer 49

d. pressure

Question 50

Yacov has just been told by his parents that he is expected to maintain a straight-A average
this year because they want him to be able to go to medical school just like all the other men
in his family did (something Yacov does not really want to do). What is Yacov experiencing?
a. pressure to perform
b. frustration
c. both pressure to perform and pressure to conform
d. pressure to conform

Answer 50

c. both pressure to perform and pressure to conform

Question 51

What appears to mediate between a potentially stressful event and the emotional,
physiological, and behavioural response to that event?
a. appraisal of the event
b. magnitude of the event
c. frequency of occurrence of the event
d. number of other people who are present

Answer 51

a. appraisal of the event

Question 52

Which of the following is true of emotional responses to stress?
a. They are always negative emotions.
b. They typically alternate between positive and negative emotions.
c. They are more intense in women than in men.
d. They may be either positive or negative emotions.

Answer 52

d. They may be either positive or negative emotions.

Question 53

Which of the following statements concerning positive emotions and stress is the least
accurate?
a. Positive emotions experienced while under stress have important adaptive
significance.
b. Experiencing positive emotions while under stress is rare, and it is associated with
denial in most individuals.
c. The presence of positive emotions can promote creativity and flexibility in
problem solving.
d. The presence of positive emotions may reduce vulnerability to heart disease in
older adults

Answer 53

b. Experiencing positive emotions while under stress is rare, and it is associated with
denial in most individuals

Question 54

As Karen goes through a difficult family problem, she maintains a cheerful attitude most of
the time. Which of the following is likely to be a consequence of Karen’s emotional state
according to the broaden-and-build theory?
a. It will be easier for her to walk away from the problem if necessary.
b. She will be better able to solve problems as they arise.
c. She is prevented from properly dealing with the stress.
d. It will be more difficult for her to cope if the outcome is negative

Answer 54

b. She will be better able to solve problems as they arise

Question 55

Which of the following cues should you use if you were to attempt to predict life expectancy
of a group of people, and the only information you had available were their photo albums?
a. frequency of party photos
b. the number of photos that contain family members
c. the frequency of Duchenne smiles
d. presence of wedding pictures

Answer 55

c. the frequency of Duchenne smiles

Question 56

Which of the following is true about the optimal level of arousal for task performance?
a. It is about the same from one task to another.
b. It relates more to personal makeup than to the task.
c. It decreases as the tasks become more complex.
d. It increases as the tasks become more complex.

Answer 56

c. It decreases as the tasks become more complex.

Question 57

Mildred has to drive across town to help a friend who is experiencing a crisis. It is a time of
day when traffic is light, and therefore this should be a fairly simple task. What type of
arousal would be optimal for this simple task?
a. the level of arousal depends on Mildred’s ability to cope with a simple task
b. low level
c. moderate level
d. high level

Answer 57

d. high level

Question 58

Leigh works as a tax accountant and has to complete complex worksheets for each of her
clients. Adriana works in a factory where she performs a fairly simple visual inspection of the
finished product. Which of the following should you expect, assuming both Leigh and
Adriana experienced a high level of arousal after hearing some distressing news?
a. Both Leigh and Adriana will show significant impairment in the performance of
their respective jobs.
b. Leigh’s performance will be impaired more than Adriana’s performance.
c. Adriana’s performance will be impaired more than Leigh’s performance.
d. Neither Leigh nor Adriana will show any impairment in the performance of their
respective jobs.

Answer 58

b. Leigh’s performance will be impaired more than Adriana’s performance.

Question 59

What is the term for the physiological reaction to threat in which the autonomic nervous
system mobilizes the organism for action?
a. fight-or-flight response
b. primary appraisal
c. resistance
d. catharsis

Answer 59

a. fight-or-flight response

Question 60

Which of the following controls the fight-or-flight response as a physiological reaction to a
threat?
a. thalamus
b. autonomic nervous system
c. pyramidal system
d. central nervous system

Answer 60

b. autonomic nervous system

Question 61

Which of the following mediates the fight-or-flight reaction?
a. peripheral nervous system
b. parasympathetic nervous system
c. skeletal nervous system
d. sympathetic nervous system

Answer 61

d. sympathetic nervous system

Question 62

Chelsey was just startled by a spider. Which of the following reactions will be elicited by
Chelsey’s fight-or-flight response?
a. a reduction in breathing, heart rate, and digestive processes
b. an acceleration in breathing and heart rate and a reduction in digestive processes
c. a reduction in breathing and heart rate and an acceleration in digestive processes
d. an acceleration in breathing, heart rate, and digestive processes

Answer 62

b. an acceleration in breathing and heart rate and a reduction in digestive processes

Question 63

Which of the following statements regarding the fight-or-flight response is least accurate?
a. Fight-or-flight is an adaptive response for most members of the animal kingdom.
b. This autonomic response is most likely a “leftover” from humankind’s
evolutionary past.
c. Most modern current human stressors cannot be handled through fighting or
fleeing.
d. Human stresses generally pass too quickly for the fight-or-flight response to be an
effective coping mechanism.

Answer 63

d. Human stresses generally pass too quickly for the fight-or-flight response to be an
effective coping mechanism

Question 64

Which of the following individuals is most likely to have a tend-and-befriend response?
a. a calm, contented female
b. a stressed female
c. a stressed male
d. a calm, contented male

Answer 64

b. a stressed female

Question 65

What is the name that Hans Selye gave to the body’s response to stress?
a. defensive coping
b. fight-or-flight response
c. catharsis
d. general adaptation syndrome

Answer 65

d. general adaptation syndrome

Question 66

What did Hans Selye believe about the body’s reactions to stressful situations?
a. They are specific to the type of stressor involved.
b. They cannot be generalized across individuals.
c. They are the same regardless of the stressor.
d. They vary as a function of the individual.

Answer 66

c. They are the same regardless of the stressor.

Question 67

Which of the following represents the correct order for the three stages of Selye’s general
adaptation syndrome?
a. recognition, reaction, evaluation
b. primary, secondary, tertiary
c. alarm, resistance, exhaustion
d. detection, adaptation, recovery

Answer 67

c. alarm, resistance, exhaustion

Question 68

You have just come face to face with a bear on your walk through the woods. In which stage
of the general adaptation syndrome does your body automatically mobilize itself for action?
a. exhaustion
b. alarm
c. resistance
d. coping

Answer 68

b. alarm

Question 69

Dustin was driving his car on an icy road when the back end started to skid out of control. His
car crossed the centre line, and he could see the headlights of rapidly approaching, oncoming
traffic. His entire body became energized. His heart rate and respiration increased, and he
began to perspire profusely. What was Dustin experiencing, according to Selye’s general
adaptation syndrome?
a. an alarm reaction
b. physiological exhaustion
c. autonomic rebound
d. a resistance reaction

Answer 69

a. an alarm reaction

Question 70

Clarice was in a meeting with several other employees when her boss started to criticize a
proposal Clarice had put together for the marketing department. As he started into his critique,
Clarice’s heart rate and respiration increased, and she could feel her face and hands become
flushed and red. What was Clarice experiencing, according to Selye’s general adaptation
syndrome?
a. physiological exhaustion
b. an alarm reaction
c. autonomic rebound
d. a resistance reaction

Answer 70

b. an alarm reaction

Question 71

According to Hans Selye’s general adaptation syndrome, what is the stage in which the body
appears to be functioning efficiently, although in actuality arousal may continue to be higher
than normal?
a. exhaustion
b. resistance
c. alarm
d. maintenance

Answer 71

b. resistance

Question 72

Which stage of the general adaptation syndrome does the body go into after the body’s
unsuccessful first attempt at dealing with a stressor?
a. sympathetic
b. alarm
c. third
d. resistance

Answer 72

d. resistance

Question 73

Tiana was walking down the street late one evening when a stranger suddenly stepped out of
the shadows. Her initial reaction was one of total panic, but then she began to think of all her
options. Although her heart was still pounding, she quickly crossed to the other side of the
street and began walking in the opposite direction. What was Tiana experiencing, according to
Selye’s general adaptation syndrome?
a. an alarm reaction
b. autonomic rebound
c. a resistance reaction
d. physiological exhaustion

Answer 73

c. a resistance reaction

Question 74

Travis was piloting a small private jet. He was making his final approach through heavy fog,
and when he finally broke through the fog cover at 150 feet, he realized that the runway was
20 yards to his left. For an instant he experienced a sensation of total panic, but he quickly
took action. With his heart still pounding, he gave the plane full throttle in an attempt to clear
the rapidly approaching trees. What was Travis experiencing as he took action, according to
Selye’s general adaptation syndrome?
a. physiological exhaustion
b. autonomic rebound
c. a resistance reaction
d. an alarm reaction

Answer 74

c. a resistance reaction

Question 75

What is the final stage of Hans Selye’s general adaptation syndrome, in which the organism’s
resources for fighting stress may be depleted?
a. fatigue
b. alarm
c. resistance
d. exhaustion

Answer 75

d. exhaustion

Question 76

Bryce is an army field surgeon who has been operating on wounded soldiers for the past 24
hours, without a break. It seems as if he will never be able to deal with all the wounded
soldiers who are already at the field hospital, and more wounded are arriving every hour.
Meanwhile, the sound of heavy artillery is getting closer all the time. At this point, Bryce feels
completely worn out. His overall energy reserves are totally depleted, and his body just wants
to give up. What is Bryce experiencing according to Selye’s general adaptation syndrome?
a. a resistance reaction
b. autonomic rebound
c. physiological exhaustion
d. an alarm reaction

Answer 76

c. physiological exhaustion

Question 77

Brooke had been battling the rising floodwaters around her home for more than 72 hours. It
seemed that no matter how many sandbags she stacked, it wasn’t enough. At this point she
just feels that there is nothing else that she can do. Her overall energy reserves are totally
depleted, and her body just wants to give up. What is Brooke experiencing according to
Selye’s general adaptation syndrome?
a. an alarm reaction
b. physiological exhaustion
c. a resistance reaction
d. autonomic rebound

Answer 77

b. physiological exhaustion

Question 78

What happens when the adrenal medulla is stimulated?
a. Corticosteroids are absorbed by the adrenal glands.
b. Large amounts of catecholamines are released into the bloodstream.
c. The parasympathetic nervous system is activated.
d. The hormone AH is secreted.

Answer 78

b. Large amounts of catecholamines are released into the bloodstream.

Question 79

Dionne is trapped in an elevator that is stuck between the third and fourth floors of an office
building. As maintenance workers try to restart the elevator, it suddenly drops ten feet before
becoming stuck once more. As the elevator drops, Dionne’s sympathetic nervous system is
activated. What happens next?
a. The adrenal cortex will begin to release large amounts of catecholamines.
b. The adrenal medulla will begin to release corticosteroids.
c. The amygdala will slow the release of acetylcholine.
d. The adrenal medulla will begin to release large amounts of catecholamines

Answer 79

d. The adrenal medulla will begin to release large amounts of catecholamines

Question 80

Which of the following is NOT a consequence associated with the release of catecholamines
in the body?
a. heart rate increases
b. digestive processes speed up
c. oxygen consumption increases
d. visual sensitivity increases

Answer 80

b. digestive processes speed up

Question 81

Nora has just noticed a big scary dog running toward her. What is happening in her brain?
a. Her pituitary gland activates the hypothalamus.
b. Her cerebellum activates the autonomic nervous system.
c. Her thalamus activates the pituitary gland.
d. Her hypothalamus activates the sympathetic nervous system

Answer 81

d. Her hypothalamus activates the sympathetic nervous system

Question 82

Nora is being chased by a big scary dog. Which hormones are being pumped into her
bloodstream??
a. catecholamines and endorphins
b. endorphins and serotonin
c. endorphins and corticosteroids
d. catecholamines and corticosteroids

Answer 82

d. catecholamines and corticosteroids

Question 83

In a stress reaction, the pituitary gland releases the hormone AHigher orderH. What does
AHigher orderH then stimulate?
a. adrenal cortex
b. gonads
c. medulla
d. hypothalamus

Answer 83

a. adrenal cortex

Question 84

Ivan’s car began to slip sideways on the rain-slick road. As his car spun out of control, and
into the path of oncoming traffic, his pituitary gland began to secrete adrenocorticotropic
hormone (AHigher orderH). What happens next?
a. The adrenal cortex will begin to release corticosteroids.
b. The adrenal cortex will begin to release catecholamines.
c. The amygdala will slow the release of acetylcholine.
d. The adrenal medulla will begin to release corticosteroids.

Answer 84

a. The adrenal cortex will begin to release corticosteroids.

Question 85

What are the two major pathways by which the brain may signal the endocrine system?
a. circulatory and muscular systems
b. autonomic and skeletal nervous systems
c. pituitary gland and the autonomic nervous system
d. parasympathetic and sympathetic systems

Answer 85

c. pituitary gland and the autonomic nervous system

Question 86

What is the term used to describe active efforts to master, reduce, or tolerate the demands
created by stress?
a. coping
b. resisting
c. defending
d. aggressing

Answer 86

a. coping

Question 87

Which of the following is true of coping responses in dealing with stress?
a. They are not “coping” unless they are adaptive.
b. They are typically maladaptive.
c. They are typically adaptive.
d. They may be adaptive or maladaptive.

Answer 87

d. They may be adaptive or maladaptive

Question 88

What is learned helplessness?
a. a release of emotional tension that often accompanies stress
b. protecting oneself from unpleasant situations by refusing to acknowledge them
c. passive behaviour produced by exposure to unavoidable aversive events
d. atoning for unacceptable unconscious drives or impulses in socially acceptable
ways

Answer 88

c. passive behaviour produced by exposure to unavoidable aversive events

Question 89

What do people typically experience if they use behavioural disengagement as a coping
strategy?
a. catastrophic thinking and self-blame
b. release of negative emotional tension
c. increased, rather than decreased, distress
d. overcompensation or intellectualization

Answer 89

c. increased, rather than decreased, distress

Question 90

Scott and Victoria are arguing about whether learned helplessness is a more productive coping
style than behavioural disengagement. If you wanted to settle this argument, what should you
tell them?
a. Both styles are adaptive, and lead to reduced stress.
b. They are merely two terms for the same coping style.
c. Both styles are maladaptive, and lead to more stress.
d. Neither style has been studied enough to have conclusive evidence.

Answer 90

b. They are merely two terms for the same coping style.

Question 91

What is most likely to happen when people who are confronted by stressful situations engage
in self-blame?
a. They show evidence of catharsis or displaced aggression.
b. They aggravate and perpetuate problematic emotional reactions to stress.
c. They find that their social support networks are strengthened.
d. They experience a decrease in their overall level of autonomic arousal

Answer 91

b. They aggravate and perpetuate problematic emotional reactions to stress.

Question 92

Which of the following represents the original frustration-aggression hypothesis put forth by
Dollard and his colleagues?
a. Aggression is always caused by frustration.
b. Frustration is always a consequence of aggression.
c. Frustration is a factor only in aggressive behaviour for nonhuman species.
d. Frustration causes males to be more aggressive than females.

Answer 92

a. Aggression is always caused by frustration.

Question 93

A police officer gives you a speeding ticket, and you take out your frustration and anger on
your roommate. What is the term for this diversion of anger to a substitute target?
a. reaction formation
b. displacement
c. catharsis
d. overcompensation

Answer 93

b. displacement

Question 94

Julie’s father borrowed her car to run some errands. When he returned the car, the taillight
was broken. Julie was angry, but she didn’t say anything to her father. Later, when her son
dropped cookie crumbs on the floor, Julie yelled at him and sent him to his room with no
supper. Which of the following concepts does Julie’s behaviour toward her son illustrate??
a. displacement
b. self-indulgence
c. undoing
d. overcompensation

Answer 94

a. displacement

Question 95

. Which of the following terms represents the idea that emotional tension can be released
through behaviour, in an adaptive manner?
a. catharsis
b. an unconditioned response
c. the safety-valve effect
d. displacement

Answer 95

a. catharsis

Question 96

Garret is frustrated and angry when his request for a pay raise is turned down. After work,
Garret goes to his gym and hits the punching bag for 10 minutes. Garret finds that he feels less
tense and wound up after his workout. What concept does this example illustrate?
a. undoing
b. overcompensation
c. denial
d. catharsis

Answer 96

d. catharsis

Question 97

Tim is feeling very frustrated and angry with his roommate, and thinks that he will feel better
if he and his roommate fight it out with boxing gloves. What could you tell him about his
plan?
a. It will initially increase tension but in the long run it will lead to a better
relationship.
b. It will cause his roommate to experience learned helplessness.
c. It will lead to catharsis and reduce his frustration.
d. It will probably just fuel more anger and aggression

Answer 97

d. It will probably just fuel more anger and aggression

Question 98

When final exam time rolls around, Murray finds himself eating all the time. What is the term
for this type of reaction to stress?
a. learned helplessness
b. reaction formation
c. constructive coping
d. self-indulgence

Answer 98

d. self-indulgence

Question 99

Francis finished writing her Economics final and was convinced that she had failed the exam
and would have to repeat the course. She was so stressed out by the thought of taking the
course a second time that she drank four glasses of wine when she got home. What method
did Francis use to cope with her stress?
a. self-indulgence
b. undoing
c. learned helplessness
d. overcompensation

Answer 99

a. self-indulgence

Question 100

Whenever Paris feels particularly stressed or frustrated, she tends to engage in what she calls
“retail therapy” where she heads to the mall and spends a great deal of money on a wide
variety of clothes, jewellery, and other treats for herself. What is Paris’s favourite coping
method called?
a. displacement
b. self-indulgence
c. behavioural disengagement
d. catharsis

Answer 100

b. self-indulgence

Question 101

What is the term for unconscious reactions for dealing with unpleasant emotions such as
anxiety or guilt?
a. rationalizations
b. neurosis
c. constructive coping
d. defence mechanisms

Answer 101

d. defence mechanisms

Question 102

There is one week left in the semester, and Andre has put off working on his five term papers
until the very last minute. Although it has always taken him three to four days to write a single
term paper, Andre is convinced that he can write all five papers in the week that remains.
What coping strategy does Andre engage in, in this instance?
a. intellectualization
b. denial of reality
c. self-indulgence
d. overcompensation

Answer 102

b. denial of reality

Question 103

Webb’s teacher has told him that there is really no way for him to earn a passing grade in his
statistics class, even if he earns 100 percent on all the work that remains. However, Webb has
convinced himself that he will still pass the course if he just works really hard for the rest of
the semester. What coping mechanism is Webb using in this instance?
a. undoing
b. overcompensation
c. displacement
d. denial of reality

Answer 103

d. denial of reality

Question 104

Jan’s husband hardly ever comes home in the evening, and on days when he does get in just
after midnight, he often smells of perfume and his clothes are dishevelled. Several of Jan’s
friends have told her she should divorce her husband because he is obviously having an affair.
However, Jan is convinced he is working late at the office every night so that they will have
enough money to buy their dream house. Which coping mechanism does this illustrate?
a. overcompensation
b. undoing
c. denial of reality
d. displacement

Answer 104

c. denial of reality

Question 105

Bella is majoring in English literature, and she has applied for over 100 scholarships during
the last year. However, she hasn’t received any of the scholarships because her grades are
quite low. When she received the latest letter notifying her that a scholarship had gone to
someone else, she imagined how humiliated the committee members would be if she were to
get one of her short stories published. What coping mechanism does this illustrate?
a. intellectualization
b. overcompensation
c. use of fantasy
d. displacement

Answer 105

c. use of fantasy

Question 106

Alan is a socially inept man who imagines that he is secretly admired by women who all wish
he would seduce them. What defence mechanism does this illustrate?
a. substitution
b. denial of reality
c. fantasy
d. intellectualization

Answer 106

c. fantasy

Question 107

Bertram was on death row awaiting execution. He refused to allow any appeals on his behalf,
and he insisted that the law be followed exactly. Which coping mechanism does this
illustrate?
a. overcompensation
b. fantasy
c. intellectualization
d. undoing

Answer 107

c. intellectualization

Question 108

According to Freud, what defence mechanism is being used when an individual copes with
stressful situations by trying to atone for unacceptable desires or behaviours?
a. intellectualization
b. undoing
c. overcompensation
d. fantasy

Answer 108

b. undoing

Question 109

A teenager who regularly engages in masturbation, but feels very guilty about it, touches a
religious icon exactly ten times after each act of masturbation. Which coping mechanism
would Freud suggest is being used in this example?
a. fantasy
b. undoing
c. overcompensation
d. denial

Answer 109

b. undoing

Question 110

Thelma goes to a nightclub and flirts with dozens of men whenever she feels neglected and
ignored by her husband. What coping mechanism would Freud suggest that Thelma is using,
in this example?
a. overcompensation
b. undoing
c. fantasy
d. intellectualization

Answer 110

a. overcompensation

Question 111

What is the purpose of defence mechanisms according to Freudian theory?
a. to constructively cope with stress
b. to work through problems
c. to enhance self-insight
d. to deceive oneself

Answer 111

d. to deceive oneself

Question 112

Which of the following is NOT constructive coping?
a. reliance on the use of defence mechanisms
b. making reasonably realistic appraisals of your coping resources
c. confronting a problem directly
d. inhibiting emotional reactions to stress

Answer 112

a. reliance on the use of defence mechanisms

Question 113

Shannon has a big deadline coming up and is feeling a lot of pressure. She knows she has
barely enough time to complete the project, so she asks her mother to watch her kids for the
weekend in order to give her more peace and quiet in which to work. Which of the following
does this example illustrate?
a. overcompensation
b. intellectualization
c. constructive coping
d. self-indulgent coping

Answer 113

c. constructive coping

Question 114

According to Baumeister, the pressure to perform can elevate self-consciousness. How does
self-consciousness lead to impaired performance?
a. It causes us to perform too automatically.
b. It creates an approach-avoidance conflict.
c. It activates our autonomic nervous system.
d. It diverts attention from the demands of the task.

Answer 114

d. It diverts attention from the demands of the task

Question 115

Harry is an excellent basketball player who seldom misses a shot during practice. After
yesterday’s practice, Harry’s coach told him that some scouts from a big college would be at
today’s practice. What will happen to Harry as a consequence of the increase in pressure,
based on the research by Baumeister?
a. He will experience burnout, causing him to make a lot of mistakes.
b. He will be more self-conscious and that will facilitate his performance.
c. He will be more self-conscious and that will interfere with his performance.
d. He will experience catharsis, causing him to play even better.

Answer 115

c. He will be more self-conscious and that will interfere with his performance.

Question 116

Which of the following does NOT seem to be one of the effects of stress, according to studies
that have examined effects of stress on decision making?
a. It increases your tendency to jump to conclusions too quickly.
b. It decreases your overall level of self-consciousness.
c. It increases your tendency to be disorganized in reviewing available options.
d. It decreases your ability to suppress competing thoughts and focus attention

Answer 116

b. It decreases your overall level of self-consciousness.

Question 117

Mei is studying very hard for exams and feels quite stressed. She is finding it difficult to focus
and pay attention. Which area of her brain is likely underactive as a consequence of stress?
a. limbic system
b. brain stem
c. prefrontal cortex
d. hypothalamus

Answer 117

c. prefrontal cortex

Question 118

Which of the following is the most accurate statement about burnout?
a. It is most apt to result from long-term or chronic stress.
b. It usually develops in individuals with untreated post-traumatic stress disorder.
c. It is typically the precursor to full-blown post-traumatic stress syndrome.
d. It results mainly from a few highly traumatic events.

Answer 118

a. It is most apt to result from long-term or chronic stress.

Question 119

Kelsey works as an emergency dispatcher. She thought the job would be exciting, but it has
turned out to be more stressful than exciting. She works long hours and seldom receives any
recognition. The only time people seem to notice what she does is when the emergency units
are slow in responding. She has become disillusioned with her job, and she often calls in sick.
What is Kelsey experiencing in this case?
a. post-traumatic stress disorder
b. amotivational syndrome
c. general adaptation syndrome
d. burnout

Answer 119

d. burnout

Question 120

Wayne was a highly motivated teacher who really tried to make a difference in the lives of his
students. However, the constant budget cutbacks and the long hours that he puts in have taken
their toll. He has become disillusioned with teaching, and he often calls in sick. What is
Wayne experiencing in this case?
a. burnout
b. general adaptation syndrome
c. amotivational syndrome
d. post-traumatic stress disorder

Answer 120

a. burnout

Question 121

What is the term for disturbed behaviour that occurs after a major stressful event?
a. burnout
b. a psychosomatic condition
c. hypochondriasis
d. post-traumatic stress disorder

Answer 121

d. post-traumatic stress disorder

Question 122

Jack was recently involved in a very serious car accident, in which he narrowly avoided being
killed by an oncoming car. Which of the following disorders would Jack most likely develop
symptoms of after recovering from the accident?
a. schizophrenia
b. post-traumatic stress disorder
c. antisocial personality disorder
d. depression

Answer 122

b. post-traumatic stress disorder

Question 123

Stress often contributes to the onset of full-fledged psychological disorders. Which of the
following disorders has NOT been linked to stress?
a. schizophrenia
b. antisocial personality disorder
c. eating disorders
d. depression

Answer 123

b. antisocial personality disorder

Question 124

Which of the following is true about the frequency and effects of traumatic events?
a. They are somewhat common, but because there is no psychological response to
most traumas, it goes unreported.
b. They are very rare, and healthy individuals will recover quickly from them.
c. They are somewhat common and may lead to problems like insomnia or poor
academic performance.
d. They are relatively unusual, but always result in flashbacks

Answer 124

c. They are somewhat common and may lead to problems like insomnia or poor
academic performance

Question 125

Stein conducted an interview study of 1000 individuals in Winnipeg regarding their
experiences with trauma. What did he find?
a. A majority of men had experienced at least one highly traumatic event, typically a
natural disaster.
b. A minority of individuals had experienced at least one highly traumatic event.
c. A majority of women had experienced at least one highly traumatic event,
typically a robbery.
d. A majority of individuals had experienced at least one highly traumatic event.

Answer 125

d. A majority of individuals had experienced at least one highly traumatic event.

Question 126

Which of the following statements concerning the effects of stress is most accurate?
a. Stress can promote personal growth and self-improvement.
b. Compared to women, men are more vulnerable to the effects of chronic stress.
c. People show positive stress reactions only when they have strong social support.
d. The effects of stress are uniformly negative.

Answer 126

a. Stress can promote personal growth and self-improvement.

Question 127

Prior to the 1970s, what did the term “psychosomatic disease” refer to?
a. unconscious faking of physical illness
b. misinterpretation of minor bodily changes as symptoms of serious illness
c. genuine physical illness caused at least partly by psychological factors
d. conscious faking of physical illness

Answer 127

c. genuine physical illness caused at least partly by psychological factors

Question 128

Prior to the 1970s, what was the term used to describe physical ailments that were caused in
part by psychological factors?
a. neurotic conditions
b. psychosomatic diseases
c. hypochondriacal conditions
d. anxiety disorders

Answer 128

b. psychosomatic diseases

Question 129

Which of the following is NOT one of the classic psychosomatic illnesses?
a. appendicitis
b. migraine headaches
c. ulcers
d. hypertension

Answer 129

a. appendicitis

Question 130

Lola saw her family doctor last week because she had experienced a number of asthma attacks
in the preceding month. Her family doctor told Lola that her asthma was a psychosomatic
disease. What did Lola’s doctor mean by that statement?
a. Her asthma has an organic basis, but that it was caused in part by psychological
factors.
b. The attacks she was having were entirely self-induced.
c. Her asthma will disappear if she is able to reduce her level of stress.
d. The problem was all in her head, and she will need to see a psychologist, rather
than a doctor, to receive effective treatment

Answer 130

a. Her asthma has an organic basis, but that it was caused in part by psychological
factors.

Question 131

What is the principle cause of coronary heart disease?
a. atherosclerosis
b. burnout
c. diabetes
d. perinatal damage

Answer 131

a. atherosclerosis

Question 132

Which of the following statements about risk factors for atherosclerosis is least accurate?
a. High blood pressure is one of the established risk factors for atherosclerosis.
b. Having elevated cholesterol levels increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis.
c. Atherosclerosis is more prevalent in women than in men.
d. The risk for developing atherosclerosis increases with age.

Answer 132

c. Atherosclerosis is more prevalent in women than in men.

Question 133

David is driven, ambitious, competitive, and his doctor says that he is at risk for having a
heart attack. Which of the following terms describes David?
a. external personality
b. Type A personality
c. Type B personality
d. internal personality

Answer 133

b. Type A personality

Question 134

Which of the following is NOT characteristic of Type A individuals?
a. They are easygoing and sociable.
b. They feel there’s never enough time to get everything done.
c. They are strongly achievement motivated.
d. They are competitive.

Answer 134

a. They are easygoing and sociable.

Question 135

Jim always comes to the office early, argues his position aggressively during meetings, and
frequently feels frustrated when things don’t go his way. Which of the following describes
Jim?
a. Type II self-punishment pattern
b. Type B personality
c. Type I cardiac risk
d. Type A personality

Answer 135

d. Type A personality

Question 136

Kyle is extremely ambitious. He has been in his current job for 12 months, and he has told
everyone that if he doesn’t get a promotion at his next evaluation he will move on. He is
always in a hurry and impatient with coworkers who don’t have their work done on time. He
spends long hours at work, coming in early and staying late. Which of the following best
describes Kyle?
a. antisocial personality disorder
b. dependent personality disorder
c. Type A personality
d. Type B personality

Answer 136

c. Type A personality

Question 137

Mickey is an impatient, highly competitive individual who is easily provoked into angry
confrontations. He is suspicious and distrusting of most of the people he works with. What is
Mickey at risk for, according to research conducted by Friedman and Rosenman?
a. ulcers and stomach disorders
b. asthma and other respiratory ailments
c. high blood pressure and coronary heart disease
d. a number of different types of cancer

Answer 137

c. high blood pressure and coronary heart disease

Question 138

Christine is relatively relaxed, patient, easygoing, and amicable. Which of the following
would Christine be classified as having?
a. internal locus of control
b. external locus of control
c. Type A personality
d. Type B personality

Answer 138

d. Type B personality

Question 139

Emily is easygoing and relaxed. She doesn’t tend to rush through her work, but she always
gets things done. She’s very even-tempered and doesn’t anger very easily. Which of the
following best describes Emily?
a. Type B personality
b. Type A personality
c. constructive personality
d. prosocial personality

Answer 139

a. Type B personality

Question 140

Which of the following is the most accurate conclusion one can draw about Type A behaviour
and the risk of coronary heart disease?
a. The Type A person is six times more likely to suffer from coronary heart disease
than the Type B person.
b. The Type A person is more resistant to coronary heart disease than the Type B
person.
c. The relationship between the two seems more modest than originally thought, with
Type A behaviour increasing coronary risk only for some.
d. As it turns out, there is actually very little connection between stress and coronary
heart disease

Answer 140

c. The relationship between the two seems more modest than originally thought, with
Type A behaviour increasing coronary risk only for some.

Question 141

Which component of Type A personality is most strongly linked to the risk of coronary heart
disease?
a. low self-esteem
b. anger and hostility
c. competitiveness
d. impatience and time urgency

Answer 141

b. anger and hostility

Question 142

What is the effect of brief periods of mental stress, based on laboratory experiments with
cardiology patients?
a. They have little, or no, impact on overall cardiac function.
b. They can intensify chronic symptoms of heart disease, such as arteriosclerosis.
c. They can trigger acute symptoms of heart disease, such as myocardial ischemia.
d. They can trigger emotional responses such as depression and feelings of despair

Answer 142

c. They can trigger acute symptoms of heart disease, such as myocardial ischemia.

Question 143

What percentage of patients with stable coronary disease will have cardiac symptoms elicited
by mental stress?
a. between 30 and 70 percent
b. fewer than 2 percent
c. over 90 percent
d. approximately 20 percent

Answer 143

a. between 30 and 70 percent

Question 144

Which of the following has been supported by recent research evidence from studies that
investigated the link between depression and heart disease?
a. The stress of living with heart disease may cause the onset of depression.
b. Depression and heart disease are both caused by the negative effects of smoking.
c. Depression and heart disease are not correlated with each other.
d. The emotional dysfunction of depression may cause heart disease.

Answer 144

d. The emotional dysfunction of depression may cause heart disease.

Question 145

What type of research design did the researchers use in the Featured Study that examined the
relationship between depression and heart disease?
a. longitudinal
b. case study
c. cross-sectional
d. experimental

Answer 145

a. longitudinal

Question 146

Which of the following relationships did the researchers find in the Featured Study that
examined the relationship between depression and heart disease?
a. Heart disease increases the risk of depression.
b. Trauma increases the risk of both depression and heart disease.
c. Depression increases the risk of cardiac mortality.
d. Depression causes heart disease.

Answer 146

c. Depression increases the risk of cardiac mortality

Question 147

Which of the following symptoms should be most disconcerting in a patient with pre-existing
symptoms of heart disease, based on the results of the Featured Study that examined risk
factors for death related to heart disease?
a. hunger
b. agitation
c. insomnia
d. depression

Answer 147

d. depression

Question 148

In the Featured Study on the relationship between depression and heart disease, what evidence
did the authors use to support their assertion that depression increases the risk of heart disease,
rather than suggesting that it is heart disease that causes depression?
a. Depression was a stronger predictor of mortality than was heart disease.
b. In many cases, depression preceded development of heart disease.
c. Depression was associated with greater mortality only among those without preexisting heart problems.
d. Symptoms of depression were found only in people who did not have heart
disease

Answer 148

b. In many cases, depression preceded development of heart disease.

Question 149

Which of the following statements is supported by stress and health research?
a. Stress effects influence only specific illnesses.
b. Stress is very specific in its effects on health.
c. Stress relates to physical illness only in predisposed individuals.
d. Stress may relate to the incidence of physical illness in general

Answer 149

d. Stress may relate to the incidence of physical illness in general

Question 150

What is the term for the body’s defensive reaction to invasion by bacteria, viral agents, and
other foreign substances?
a. body’s stress reaction
b. disease coping response
c. immune response
d. general adaptation syndrome

Answer 150

c. immune response

Question 151

What effects do stressors like crowding or restraint have on the immune systems of animals?
a. They can lead to increased levels of immune system activity.
b. They can activate the release of aggressive pheromones.
c. They can reduce various aspects of immune system activity.
d. They can increase levels of serotonin and dopamine

Answer 151

c. They can reduce various aspects of immune system activity.

Question 152

What effect does stress appear to have on the human immune system?
a. It can lead to decreased levels of immune activity.
b. It decreases autonomic nervous system function.
c. It can lead to increased levels of immune activity.
d. It has very little effect on immune activity.

Answer 152

a. It can lead to decreased levels of immune activity.

Question 153

A number of students often develop colds and other minor illnesses during final exam week.
Why does this happen based on the research into the physical responses to stress?
a. Stress raises the level of cholesterol in the students’ blood.
b. Stress lowers the level of cortisol in the students’ blood.
c. Stress reduces the level of immune system activity.
d. Stress raises the level of neuropeptides and amino acids.

Answer 153

c. Stress reduces the level of immune system activity.

Question 154

What is the term used to describe having someone to rely on, provide you with emotional
support, and help you preserve your health?
a. optimism
b. locus of control
c. social support
d. therapy

Answer 154

c. social support

Question 155

Which of the following has been demonstrated by studies on the effects of social support on
immune functioning?
a. Social support may improve stress reactions, but not physiological reactions.
b. Social support leads individuals to perceive that they are less stressed than they
really are, and they will underestimate the damage done to their immune systems.
c. Strong negative correlations have been found between social support and immune
functioning.
d. Individuals with high levels of social support have higher levels of certain
antibodies that are important for immune functioning

Answer 155

d. Individuals with high levels of social support have higher levels of certain
antibodies that are important for immune functioning

Question 156

Which of the following statements regarding the connection between social support and
wellness is most accurate?
a. Social support provides more benefits for the elderly.
b. Social support typically has negative effects in the absence of stress.
c. Social support is a buffer only for people with stress-related illnesses.
d. Social support can serve as a buffer in times of high stress.

Answer 156

d. Social support can serve as a buffer in times of high stress.

Question 157

Marcy exhibits effective problem-focused coping and seeks the help of others when
necessary. Which of the following terms best describes Marcy?
a. optimist
b. pessimist
c. Type A personality
d. Type B personality

Answer 157

a. optimist

Question 158

Which of the following coping strategies is more likely to be expressed by a pessimist?
a. taking action
b. denial
c. persistence
d. fantasy

Answer 158

b. denial

Question 159

. Which of the following is a personality characteristic that is correlated with good physical
health?
a. extraversion
b. conscientiousness
c. agreeableness
d. openness

Answer 159

b. conscientiousness

Question 160

Which of the following has been shown to increase the risk of such chronic diseases as lung
cancer, emphysema, and stroke?
a. obesity
b. poor nutrition
c. lack of exercise
d. smoking

Answer 160

d. smoking

Question 161

Which of the following happens when people give up smoking?
a. Their risk of pulmonary disease declines, but their risk of cardiovascular disease
increases.
b. Their health risks never decline to the level of those who never smoked.
c. Their overall health risks decline reasonably quickly.
d. Their risk of cardiovascular disease declines, but their risk of pulmonary disease
increases.

Answer 161

c. Their overall health risks decline reasonably quickly

Question 162

What are the approximate long-term success rates for those who quit smoking?
a. 15 percent
b. 25 percent
c. 50 percent
d. 75 percent

Answer 162

b. 25 percent

Question 163

What is the average amount of time that Canadian children spend in after-school physical
activity?
a. 14 minutes
b. 45 minutes
c. 1.4 hours
d. 1 hour and 45 minutes

Answer 163

a. 14 minutes

Question 164

Which of the following is NOT among the advantages of regular exercise?
a. reduced cancer risk
b. lowered physiological reactivity to stress
c. reduced risk of bacterial infection
d. enhanced cardiovascular fitness

Answer 164

c. reduced risk of bacterial infection

Question 165

Len is worried about his heart and also about the effects of stress. Which of the following
would you recommend for both of those concerns?
a. regular exercise
b. vitamin A supplements
c. hypnosis
d. low-carb diet

Answer 165

a. regular exercise

Question 166

Which of the following healthy interventions promotes neurogenesis?
a. low-fat diets
b. regular exercise
c. reducing alcohol consumption
d. quitting smoking

Answer 166

b. regular exercise

Question 167

Which one of the following is NOT an effect associated with recreational drug use?
a. increased risk for cardiovascular disease
b. increased risk for neurological disorders
c. increased gastrointestinal problems
d. increased risk for muscle atrophy

Answer 167

c. increased gastrointestinal problems

Question 168

Prior to 1996–97, what was the average length of survival for people after the onset of AIDS?
a. less than 6 months
b. 18 to 24 months
c. 36 to 48 months
d. just over 60 months

Answer 168

b. 18 to 24 months

Question 169

Which of the following is true of HIV transmission in heterosexual relationships?
a. Male-to-female transmission of the virus is most prevalent.
b. Neither partner is at risk for being infected by the virus.
c. The virus will be transmitted only if one of the partners shows telltale signs of HIV
infection.
d. Female-to-male transmission of the virus is most prevalent

Answer 169

a. Male-to-female transmission of the virus is most prevalent.

Question 170

Which of the following statements is most accurate regarding HIV and AIDS?
a. Many highly sexually active heterosexuals underestimate their risk for HIV
infection.
b. Due to recent efforts to educate the public, misconceptions about AIDS have all
but disappeared.
c. Many people naïvely underestimate the risk of contracting the HIV virus through
casual contact with infected individuals.
d. Taking high doses of immunosuppressants can successfully treat HIV infections
and prevent full-blown AIDS from developing

Answer 170

a. Many highly sexually active heterosexuals underestimate their risk for HIV
infection

Question 171

Contracting the AIDS virus involves exchange of infected body fluids. Which of the
following has NOT been suggested as a means for reducing such risk?
a. use of condoms
b. abstinence
c. reducing the number of partners
d. anal intercourse

Answer 171

d. anal intercourse

Question 172

. Sonja used to work out five days a week when she was in her late teens. In her twenties, she
worked out three days a week. Now she is in her forties, and she seems to work out only when
she has the time. Which of the following trends does Sonja’s pattern of behaviour illustrate?
a. Many health-impairing habits creep up on us.
b. People often underestimate the risks associated with their own health-impairing
behaviours.
c. The risks associated with health-impairing habits tend to lie in the distant future.
d. Many health-impairing habits involve activities that are quite pleasant at the time.

Answer 172

a. Many health-impairing habits creep up on us.

Question 173

Sylvester used to keep track of his calorie consumption and fat grams on a daily basis when he
was in his early twenties. When he was in his thirties he still counted calories during the week,
but he tended to pay less attention to what he ate on weekends. Now that he is in his forties,
Sylvester no longer keeps track of the number of calories or fat grams in the foods that he
eats. Which trend is illustrated by Sylvester’s pattern of behaviour?
a. The risks associated with health-impairing behaviours are often overstated in the
media.
b. Men are more likely than women to develop health-impairing habits.
c. Many health-impairing habits creep up on people.
d. The risks associated with health-impairing behaviours tend to lie in the distant
future

Answer 173

c. Many health-impairing habits creep up on people.

Question 174

Martin knows that excessive exposure to the sun can increase a person’s risk of skin cancer
and cataracts. However, he can’t resist getting out and enjoying a sunny day, and putting on
sunblock seems to him to be a major inconvenience. Which trend does Martin’s current
pattern of behaviour illustrate?
a. The risks associated with health-impairing habits tend to lie in the distant future.
b. People tend to rationalize high-risk behaviours by pointing out healthy habits that
offset their unhealthy habits.
c. People often overestimate the risks associated with their own health-impairing
behaviours.
d. Many health-impairing habits creep up on us.

Answer 174

a. The risks associated with health-impairing habits tend to lie in the distant future.

Question 175

Luigi knows that research has determined that smoking increases the risk of various types of
cancers, however he is sure he won’t develop cancer. What does Luigi’s pattern of behaviour
illustrate?
a. People often underestimate the risks associated with their own health-impairing
behaviours.
b. Many health-impairing habits creep up on us.
c. People tend to rationalize high-risk behaviours by pointing out healthy habits that
offset their unhealthy habits.
d. People believe the risks associated with health-impairing habits are overstated by
media sources

Answer 175

a. People often underestimate the risks associated with their own health-impairing
behaviours.

Question 176

Beryl has dated ten different men in the past two years, and with each of them she often had
unprotected sex. Even though she has read numerous articles about the dangers of unprotected
sexual intercourse, Beryl is not concerned because she has convinced herself that she won’t
contract any diseases. What does Beryl’s behaviour illustrate?
a. Many people underestimate the risks associated with their own health-impairing
behaviours.
b. Women are more likely than men to engage in health-impairing habits.
c. The risks associated with many health-impairing behaviours tend to be overstated
by the media.
d. Many people compensate for health-impairing behaviours by engaging in
offsetting low-risk behaviours

Answer 176

a. Many people underestimate the risks associated with their own health-impairing
behaviours.

Question 177

Steve has a headache and some muscle stiffness, but he shrugs these symptoms off as a minor
inconvenience. Micah has a headache and some muscle stiffness and is so concerned he
rushes himself to the urgent care centre of the local medical clinic. How would Steve likely
score, relative to Micah, on tests of anxiety and neuroticism?
a. higher in anxiety and neuroticism
b. lower in anxiety and neuroticism
c. lower in anxiety and higher in neuroticism
d. higher in anxiety and lower in neuroticism

Answer 177

b. lower in anxiety and neuroticism

Question 178

Why is it a problem that some individuals tend to delay medical assessment?
a. It reduces the rapport between physicians and patients.
b. It leads to backlogs in emergency rooms when people finally do seek consultation.
c. It reduces the likelihood of early diagnosis and effective treatment.
d. It leads to an increase in the use of homeopathic therapies that are dangerous

Answer 178

c. It reduces the likelihood of early diagnosis and effective treatment.

Question 179

Which of the following is least likely to be a barrier to effective provider-patient
communication?
a. the health care provider’s use of technical terminology
b. time constraints on the length of the provider-patient interaction
c. patient evasiveness about real health concerns
d. consulting a health care provider who is not the same sex as the patient

Answer 179

d. consulting a health care provider who is not the same sex as the patient

Question 180

Natasha has typically found when she sees her doctor she doesn’t think of important questions
until after she leaves, and she feels as if her doctor doesn’t understand her concerns. What
should Natasha do in order to improve her communication with her doctor?
a. Avoid being overly candid in replying to the doctor’s questions.
b. Be more passive in her use of medical services.
c. Prepare her questions in advance and not be embarrassed about getting
clarification.
d. Find another doctor who is the same age as Natasha

Answer 180

c. Prepare her questions in advance and not be embarrassed about getting
clarification

Question 181

Which of the following is NOT typically a reason for noncompliance with medical advice?
a. having a negative attitude toward physicians
b. the degree of difficulty associated with following advice or instructions
c. failing to understand advice or instructions
d. the cost of the medical treatment program

Answer 181

d. the cost of the medical treatment program

Question 182

Which of the following is the most important reason to improve the communication skills of
health care professionals?
a. Patients often do not speak English, and this prevents them from seeking health
care.
b. Physicians with excellent communication skills are particularly proficient in the
use of medical jargon.
c. Patients who understand their instructions and feel that their doctors interact with
them in a positive manner are more likely to comply with health care advice or
instructions.
d. The better the communication skills of the health care provider, the faster patients
can be treated.

Answer 182

c. Patients who understand their instructions and feel that their doctors interact with
them in a positive manner are more likely to comply with health care advice or
instructions.

Question 183

What is the approximate occurrence of noncompliance with medical advice?
a. 5 to 10 percent
b. 30 to 60 percent
c. 65 to 75 percent
d. 80 to 90 percent

Answer 183

b. 30 to 60 percen

Question 184

Which of the following themes associated with your text is illustrated by the number of
variables involved in the experience of stress?
a. psychology in a sociohistorical context
b. empiricism
c. multifactorial causation
d. subjectivity of experience

Answer 184

c. multifactorial causation

Question 185

. Your text emphasizes that one’s physical health and illness is influenced by a complex array
of psychological, biological, and social factors. Which of your text’s unifying themes does
this reality illustrate?
a. Our experience of the world is highly subjective.
b. Psychology is theoretically diverse.
c. Behaviour is determined by multiple causes.
d. Psychology evolves in a sociohistorical context.

Answer 185

c. Behaviour is determined by multiple causes

Question 186

Which of the following themes associated with your text does the fact that stress lies in the
eye of the beholder illustrate?
a. multifactorial causation
b. empiricism
c. psychology in a sociohistorical context
d. subjectivity of experience

Answer 186

d. subjectivity of experience

Question 187

Mary and John are teaming up to make an important sales presentation to 15 executives from
a Fortune 500 company. Mary finds the challenge exhilarating, but John is a nervous wreck
over the presentation. Which of your text’s unifying themes is illustrated by their differing
reactions?
a. Psychology is empirical.
b. Psychology is theoretically diverse.
c. Behaviour is determined by multiple causes.
d. Our experience of the world is highly subjective

Answer 187

d. Our experience of the world is highly subjective

Question 188

Which therapeutic technique focuses on altering a client’s patterns of irrational thinking to
reduce maladaptive emotions and behaviour?
a. self-monitoring therapy
b. constructive coping therapy
c. behavioural therapy
d. rational-emotive therapy

Answer 188

d. rational-emotive therapy

Question 189

You tell yourself that you will never be happy again now that your significant other has ended
the relationship. What would Albert Ellis call this type of thinking?
a. catharsis
b. catastrophic thinking
c. primary appraisal
d. calamitous thinking

Answer 189

b. catastrophic thinking

Question 190

What is involved in catastrophic thinking?
a. exaggeration of the magnitude of one’s problems
b. personality-disordered type of thinking
c. focusing on major stressors and ignoring the impact of minor frustrations
d. thinking associated with neuroticism

Answer 190

a. exaggeration of the magnitude of one’s problems

Question 191

. Valerie is doing homework for her statistics class. When she checks the answer she has just
calculated for the problem she has been working on, she finds it is incorrect. She is frustrated,
and tells her roommate: “I don’t know why I’m even trying, I’ll never catch on in this course. I
should just give up now.” What would Albert Ellis say that Valerie is engaged in?
a. defensive coping
b. mental disengagement
c. reality-based coping
d. catastrophic thinking

Answer 191

d. catastrophic thinking

Question 192

What is the key to making realistic appraisals of stress, according to Albert Ellis?
a. disputing irrational assumptions
b. focusing on what you should be doing
c. ignoring your feelings
d. avoiding examining your self-talk too closely

Answer 192

a. disputing irrational assumptions

Question 193

Which of the following is true of finding humour in a stressful situation?
a. It is an irrational reaction to a serious situation that requires a rational response.
b. It is a counterproductive way of reducing stress.
c. It can help to reduce stress by discharging pent-up emotions.
d. It ignores the reality of the situation and makes it difficult to combat stress

Answer 193

c. It can help to reduce stress by discharging pent-up emotions.

Question 194

What is the role of humour in times of stress?
a. It is used as a defence mechanism by neurotics when dealing with stress.
b. It typically follows catastrophic thinking.
c. It is an example of counterproductive coping.
d. It can relieve stress in most people.

Answer 194

d. It can relieve stress in most people.

Question 195

Sherman’s house was almost completely destroyed by fire last week. As he walked through
the charred remains with the insurance adjuster, Sherman joked and said, “It’s too bad that the
only thing that wasn’t destroyed is that ugly painting that my brother-in-law gave me for my
birthday.” How would researchers like McCrae characterize Sherman’s use of humour in this
situation?
a. It is an example of overcompensation and intellectualization.
b. It will likely cause him to experience stress-rebound in the future.
c. It can help to redefine the situation in a less threatening way.
d. It will prevent post-traumatic stress disorder

Answer 195

c. It can help to redefine the situation in a less threatening way.

Question 196

Which of the following has been linked to psychological inhibition of anger and other
emotions?
a. Type A personalities
b. successful coping with stress-related events
c. hardy personalities
d. increase in health problems

Answer 196

d. increase in health problems

Question 197

What have Pennebaker and his colleagues demonstrated about the acts of talking or writing
about stressful experiences?
a. Talking or writing about stress leads to a sense of well-being in the short term, but
leads to rumination in the long term.
b. Talking about stress events has beneficial effects, but writing about them has no
impact.
c. Talking or writing about traumatic events increases overall stress levels.
d. Talking or writing about traumatic events can have beneficial effects.

Answer 197

d. Talking or writing about traumatic events can have beneficial effects.

Question 198

Fiona was recently divorced from her husband after he had an extramarital affair. What should
Fiona do in order to experience lower levels of anxiety and depression, based on research of
hostility management?
a. Remarry within 12 months of her divorce.
b. Forgive her former husband.
c. Openly confront her former husband about her feelings of betrayal.
d. Avoid all further contact with her former husband

Answer 198

b. Forgive her former husband.

Question 199

After Mike was cut off in traffic, he followed the person who cut him off and put a dent in her
car. Which of the following will Mike likely experience after this action?
a. rumination and negative emotions
b. catharsis and emotional release
c. reduction in residual feelings of hostility
d. increased life satisfaction

Answer 199

a. rumination and negative emotions

Question 200

What is the term used by Benson to describe what you will feel if you settle yourself
comfortably in a distraction-free environment, focus your attention on a constant stimulus,
and adopt a passive attitude?
a. hypnotic trance
b. relaxation response
c. psychological disinhibition
d. altered state of consciousness

Answer 200

b. relaxation response

Question 201

Herbert Benson devised a simple procedure, called the relaxation response, which can have
beneficial health effects. When should it be practised to experience the full benefits?
a. on a daily basis
b. when traditional medical treatments produce no improvement
c. whenever a person has to deal with a major stressor
d. for a minimum of 50 minutes a day, three days per week

Answer 201

a. on a daily basis

Question 202

Which of the following was NOT cited in the text as a factor that promotes relaxation?
a. being in a comfortable position
b. focusing on a constant stimulus
c. fantasizing about future accomplishments
d. developing a passive attitude

Answer 202

c. fantasizing about future accomplishments

Question 203

Which of the following is supported by evidence on the benefits of exercise for reduction of
disease risk?
a. Competitive sports are best, because the focus on winning leads to the most
adaptive responses.
b. High amounts of exercise will make you immune to stress.
c. Maintaining an exercise regimen is important for young adults, but the benefits
decline as we age.
d. Moderate amounts of exercise reduce your overall risk of disease

Answer 203

d. Moderate amounts of exercise reduce your overall risk of disease

Question 204

Mika is helping her grandmother choose a new apartment complex. There are two, in
particular, that are at the top of her list. Whispering Pines has a weekly poker tournament, a
low-impact aerobics class, and a dance every Friday night. Riverbend Hollow has a pottery
class, a choir, and a book club. Which one would be best for reducing her stress levels and
risk of disease, according to research by King, Taylor, and Haskell?
a. Whispering Pines, because of all the exercise opportunities.
b. Both are equally good, because they have social opportunities.
c. Riverbend Hollow, because of all the artistic opportunities.
d. Neither. Mika’s grandmother would be better off living with family

Answer 204

a. Whispering Pines, because of all the exercise opportunities.

Question 205

Imagine that a researcher publishes the results from a study, and the results indicate that there
is a statistically significant association between sleep deprivation and coronary disease. What
does it mean to say that the results are statistically significant?
a. Sleep deprivation causes coronary disease.
b. The findings are not likely to be due to chance fluctuations.
c. The effect of sleep deprivation on coronary disease is larger than the effect of any
other factor.
d. Coronary disease causes sleep deprivation

Answer 205

b. The findings are not likely to be due to chance fluctuations

Question 206

In one study of sodium intake and cardiovascular disease, researchers found a statistically
significant association between high sodium intake and the prevalence of hypertension among
normal-weight subjects. The prevalence of hypertension in the group with the lowest sodium
intake was 19.8 percent; the prevalence of hypertension in the group with the highest sodium
intake was 20.5 percent. What do these data suggest?
a. The finding has both practical and statistical significance, and should be reviewed
in more detail.
b. Even though the finding was statistically significant, it may not have much
practical importance.
c. Individuals with hypertension are prone to high sodium intake.
d. One of the main causes of hypertension is a high intake of sodium.

Answer 206

b. Even though the finding was statistically significant, it may not have much
practical importance.

Question 207

A friend shows you an article in the newspaper that indicates a researcher found the
prevalence of a specific health disorder increased by 70 percent in individuals who consumed
calcium-enhanced milk products. After reading this article, your friend has decided to stop
purchasing any products that contain calcium. What should you tell your friend, based on the
information provided in the Critical Thinking application at the end of the chapter?
a. She has made an excellent choice, because 70 percent is a statistically significant
increase in risk.
b. The reported increase may not be important if the base rate of the disorder is quite
low.
c. The reported increase probably excludes a number of factors, so the risk may
actually be greater than 70 percent.
d. It is necessary only to cut out milk products, but there is no need to cut out other
products that might also contain calcium.

Answer 207

b. The reported increase may not be important if the base rate of the disorder is quite
low

Question 208

Pete is the lead prosecution attorney in a murder case. So far the case has not been going well
for him, and the defence attorneys have presented effective rebuttals for most of the points he
has raised. The judge adjourned the case for the weekend, and Pete will have to present his
closing arguments first thing Monday morning. While he is trying to write his closing
statement, he daydreams about a surprise eyewitness to the crime suddenly stepping forward
and clinching the case for him. Which processes are illustrated by this example?
a. He is experiencing conflict, and he is using undoing to deal with the anxiety the
conflict has generated.
b. He is experiencing frustration, and he is using fantasy to deal with the anxiety the
frustration has generated.
c. He is experiencing frustration, and he is using intellectualization to deal with the
anxiety the frustration has generated.
d. He is experiencing conflict, and he is using overcompensation to deal with the
anxiety the conflict has generated

Answer 208

b. He is experiencing frustration, and he is using fantasy to deal with the anxiety the
frustration has generated.

Question 209

Janet’s husband just lost his high-paying job, and they are about to lose their house and
savings. Janet refuses to acknowledge this obvious reality so she acts as if everything is just
fine. Which processes are illustrated by this example?
a. Janet deals with conflict by engaging in fantasy.
b. Janet deals with burnout by engaging in overcompensation.
c. Janet deals with pressure by engaging in reaction formation.
d. Janet deals with frustration by engaging in denial

Answer 209

d. Janet deals with frustration by engaging in denial

Question 210

Jim is on the brink of flunking out of school. Instead of increasing his studying, he spends his
time daydreaming about how he’ll win the lottery so he won’t need a degree. Which processes
are illustrated by this example?
a. Jim is experiencing pressure and is engaging in vacillation.
b. Jim is experiencing burnout and is engaging in overcompensation.
c. Jim is experiencing frustration and is engaging in fantasy.
d. Jim is experiencing conflict and is engaging in denial

Answer 210

c. Jim is experiencing frustration and is engaging in fantasy

Question 211

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

Answer 211

Students should accurately classify their examples according to the major types (frustration,
conflict, change, and pressure). In better answers, students will recognize that some of their
examples contain elements of more than one type. Regarding responses to their examples of
stress, patterns of responses described should be somewhat different for each example, and
each response pattern should include elements from each of the response domains (emotional,
physiological, and behavioural).

Question 212

Describe Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome, using an example of a situation that might be
expected to lead to such a response. In addition, describe two constructive coping methods
that would allow an individual in that situation to deal with the stressor.

Answer 212

Examples will vary among students, but important details include (1) the alarm phase, which
is essentially a fight-or-flight response, very physiological; (2) the resistance phase when
physiological changes stabilize as coping sets in and performance, or dealing with the stressor,
may appear to be completely under control, and (3) the exhaustion phase, where the body’s
resources are depleted and the individual cannot function properly or fight off illness.
Constructive coping methods include (1) being action oriented, or confronting problems
directly; (2) being relatively realistic about your stress and your options/resources rather than
being unrealistically positive OR negative; (3) learning to recognize and sometimes inhibiting
disruptive emotional responses to stress and (4) making efforts to ensure that your body is not
vulnerable to the damaging effects of stress (healthy diet, get enough sleep, etc.)

Question 213

Do you have any favourite or habitual techniques for coping with stress? Explain how your
techniques are examples of the categories of coping from this chapter’s application
(reappraisal, humour, emotional release, relaxation, lessening physiological vulnerability). Do
you use any methods that don’t seem to fit into any of these categories?

Answer 213

Ideally students will provide an example from each, or several, of the coping categories, and
their descriptions will reflect accurate understanding of the categories. Some examples should
be identified as containing elements of more than one category. For example, a student might
describe talking with a friend as a way of coping with stress. This method could be seen as a
vehicle for emotional release, and it could also lead to reappraisal. Quite likely the mechanism
of humour enters into this technique as well. In order to come up with a technique that doesn’t
fit any of the categories, a student will probably need to be quite creative. Often when
students claim that a particular technique doesn’t fit into one of the categories, it will be
because they don’t thoroughly understand the categories

Question 214

Many people believe that suicide represents the ultimate failure to cope with life’s stresses.
Others feel that suicide is, itself, a coping response. What do you think? Is one type of stress
more likely to lead to suicide than others?

Answer 214

Students should refer to the application on coping with stress and attempt to establish whether
suicide fits the bill as an example of constructive coping. To most, the answer will be
“obviously not.” So the best answers will be those that go further in a creative and insightful
way to explore possible arguments for suicide as a coping response, and/or those that
thoughtfully explore the notion that suicide is the ultimate failure to cope. Answers should
demonstrate understanding of the four types of stress, and provide well-reasoned arguments
for one or more types being more likely (or not) to lead to suicide.