Question 1

According to Bushman, the Greek root of catharsis means ________ in English.&#10;A) decrease&#10;B) cleanse&#10;C) remove&#10;D) vent

Accepted Answer

According to Bushman, the Greek root of catharsis means "cleansing" in English.

Question 2

Bushman's experiment involved asking clients to think about either (1) a person with whom they are angry, or (2) getting physically fit. Subjects were instructed to think these thoughts while they were:

A) running on a treadmill.
B) hammering nails into a board.
C) carrying heavy bags from one side of a room to the other.
D) punching a punching bag.

D

Accepted Answer

Bushman's experiment involved subjects thinking about anger or fitness while punching a punching bag to study the effects of venting anger through physical activity.

Question 3

Rather than supporting the catharsis theory, Bushman's results that indicated that anger increases when preceded by physical activity suggests support for which of the following theories?&#10;A) Neo-catharsis&#10;B) misattribution of arousal&#10;C) excitation transfer&#10;D) dissonance theory

Accepted Answer

Bushman's results are consistent with the excitation transfer theory, which argues that physical arousal from one situation can transfer to a subsequent situation and amplify the emotional response to it. In this case, physical activity prior to the experience of anger leads to greater levels of arousal that can then fuel the intensity of anger. This theory is distinct from the catharsis theory, which suggests that releasing anger through physical activity will reduce its intensity.

Question 4

In his investigation into the validity of catharsis theory, what did Bushman find about the effect on a person of venting his or her anger?&#10;A) Venting anger actually increases aggressive behaviors.&#10;B) Venting anger is a healthy way to decrease negative feelings.&#10;C) Venting anger is useful for some people, but this usefulness depends on specific aspects of their personalities.&#10;D) Venting anger is recommended by the author, who views it to be part of constructive and healthful anger-management therapy interventions.

Accepted Answer

Bushman's investigation found that venting anger actually increases aggressive behaviors, which contradicts the catharsis theory.

Deck 23: A: Reading