Deck 13: The Role of Health Psychology in Seeking and Obtaining Health Care

Question 1

Which patient would be least likely to benefit from being given procedural or sensory information regarding a stressful medical procedure?

A) women, who tend to rely on problem-focused coping
B) men, who tend to rely on active coping strategies
C) sensitizers
D) repressors

Answer 1

repressors

Question 2

The new model of health care that combines the efforts of physicians, psychologists, and other health care providers is called:

A) palliative care.
B) primary care.
C) collaborative care.
D) multidimensional care.

Answer 2

collaborative care.

Question 3

Which of these is NOT a component(s) of illness representation?

A) identity of the illness
B) causes
C) timeline
D) previous experiences

Answer 3

previous experiences

Question 4

Empirical studies have shown that hospitalization and medical treatments can be very stressful for some patients. Discuss and describe what types of patient-centered interventions are most effective in helping people prepare for hospitalization and stressful medical treatments.

Question 5

People who cope with health problems by ignoring them are called:

A) repressors.
B) sensitizers.
C) malingerers.
D) overregulators.

Question 6

Liza, who specializes in adherence and nonadherence counseling, has recently been hired as a patient advocate by a patient-centered health care organization. Her first clients are an elderly couple who appear to be noncompliant with their treatment regimen. Describe in detail how her consultation with the patients and physician would proceed. Be sure to describe specific patient and provider variables that may contribute to the problem and how to best rectify them to the benefit of all parties.

Question 7

Using illustrative examples, identify and describe the various stages of delay in seeking medical treatment.

Question 8

Problems in patient-provider communication can significantly impact patient care and overall satisfaction with health service. Discuss and describe, using illustrative examples, some of the problems miscommunication can create. In your descriptions consider the ways both provider behaviors and patient behaviors contribute to the problem. Also describe what improvements have generally been introduced in recent years to improve communication and the reasons why these improvements were necessary.

Question 9

People who have a generally positive outlook on life:

A) are more in tune with their physical symptoms.
B) are more likely to ignore physical symptoms.
C) worry more about their health.
D) have higher self-reported health.

Question 10

Sensitizers are people who cope with health problems by:

A) closely scanning their bodies and environments for information.
B) ignoring stressful information.
C) distancing themselves from aversive events.
D) looking at life through rose-colored glasses.

Question 11

Differentiate the major types of health care delivery systems around the world with respect to cost, efficiency, and overall patient satisfaction.

Question 12

The disorder of the lower intestinal tract that involves cramping, pain, and abnormal bowel movements is:

A) irritable bowel syndrome.
B) fibromyalgia.
C) chronic fatigue syndrome.
D) metabolic syndrome.

Question 13

Some skeptics believe that the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and restless leg syndrome is partly the result of:

A) direct-to-consumer drug advertising.
B) increasing obesity.
C) antibiotic resistance.
D) sedentary lifestyles.

Question 14

Describe in detail the impact of hospitalization on patients, and discuss the role of the hospitalized patient.

Question 15

People who score high on measures of _______ are more likely to perceive symptoms such as cramping and painful bowel movements as signs of an illness.

A) repression
B) malingering
C) neuroticism
D) depression

Question 16

A person's characteristic style of monitoring his or her overall well-being is called his or her:

A) locus of control.
B) appraisal style.
C) attentional focus.
D) perceptual bias.

Question 17

How a person views the symptoms, perceived causes, controllability, and consequences of an illness refers to that person's:

A) illness representation.
B) neuroticism.
C) social construction.
D) explanatory style.

Question 18

Discuss the problems of the underuse and overuse of health services, using specific illustrative examples. What factors may significantly influence the tendency to overuse health care services? To underuse them?

Question 19

In one study, people who were told that they had high blood pressure:

A) reported significantly more physical symptoms commonly associated with this illness than did control participants.
B) reported fewer physical symptoms than did control participants.
C) reported fewer psychological symptoms than did control participants.
D) were less likely than control participants to exaggerate ambiguous physical sensations.

Question 20

Which individual is most likely to quickly detect and report health symptoms?

A) Miguel, who is socially isolated and bored with his job
B) Seth, who has a large circle of friends, an exciting job, and a very active life
C) Jane, who has a generally positive outlook on life
D) Ted, who tends to psychologically blunt his reactions to stressful events

Question 21

People at the lowest socioeconomic levels have the highest rates of:

A) medical literacy.
B) emotional support.
C) morbidity and mortality.
D) treatment adherence.

Question 22

Although she knows she needs to see a doctor for her symptoms, Sandra keeps putting it off. Sandra's behavior is an example of:

A) appraisal delay.
B) illness delay.
C) behavioral delay.
D) scheduling delay.

Question 23

Of all patients hospitalized for physical illness, a substantial number also suffer from diagnosable psychological disorders. This phenomenon is called:

A) comorbidity.
B) psychosomatic illness.
C) hypochondriasis.
D) Stockholm syndrome.

Question 24

For as long as she can remember, Cara's father has worried excessively over his health, often experiencing imaginary symptoms. Cara's father likely suffers from:

A) illness anxiety disorder.
B) comorbidity.
C) malingering.
D) chronic fatigue syndrome.

Question 25

In general, health services are most often used by:

A) the very young.
B) the very old.
C) middle-aged adults.
D) the very young and the very old.

Question 26

Carl didn't seek medical treatment for a mole on his back that had changed appearance because he didn't notice it. Carl's behavior is an example of:

A) appraisal delay.
B) illness delay.
C) behavioral delay.
D) scheduling delay.

Question 27

Compared to women, men are:

A) less likely to report symptoms or to use health services.
B) more likely to report symptoms but less likely to use health services.
C) more likely to report symptoms and to use health services.
D) exposed to more illness.

Question 28

People in lower socioeconomic groups:

A) are underrepresented among those who are hospitalized.
B) are less likely to use outpatient clinics.
C) are more likely to rely on emergency medical care.
D) are more likely to seek treatment for ambiguous physical symptoms.

Question 29

Diagnoses of low blood pressure are most prevalent in:

A) the United States.
B) France.
C) the United Kingdom.
D) Germany.

Question 30

The informal network of family and friends that some people consult for advice regarding their symptoms is called the:

A) lay referral system.
B) macrosystem.
C) mesosystem.
D) attribution network.

Question 31

Which of these is NOT true regarding cultural factors and seeking treatment?

A) Ethnic groups differ widely in the degree to which they believe that human intervention in health outcomes is possible or desirable.
B) People whose parents sought regular health care are likely to do so themselves.
C) People whose parents were suspicious of doctors may feel the same way.
D) Throughout the world, people react to pain in virtually the same manner.

Question 32

Some people avoid seeking medical care because the perceived benefits do not outweigh the perceived costs. This is called:

A) appraisal delay.
B) illness delay.
C) scheduling delay.
D) treatment delay.

Question 33

The symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are treated with the greatest intensity in:

A) Germany.
B) the United Kingdom
C) the United States.
D) Japan.

Question 34

Most experts consider chronic fatigue to be:

A) malingering.
B) hypochondriasis.
C) a form of hysteria.
D) a multifactorial syndrome.

Question 35

Although Kendra has a small rash on her abdomen, she hasn't seen a doctor because she is generally healthy and sickness seems unlikely. Kendra's behavior is an example of:

A) appraisal delay.
B) illness delay.
C) behavioral delay.
D) scheduling delay.

Question 36

During _______, thinking is typically distorted by a(n) _______, in which people believe they will never be seriously harmed by dangerous actions.

A) early childhood; illusion of invulnerability
B) adolescence; optimistic bias
C) emerging adulthood; halo effect
D) late adulthood; feeling of generativity

Question 37

Bill hasn't seen a doctor for the physical symptoms he's been experiencing because he doesn't think professional help is necessary. Bill's behavior is an example of:

A) appraisal delay.
B) illness delay.
C) behavioral delay.
D) treatment delay.

Question 38

Malingering refers to:

A) experiencing abnormal anxiety over one's health.
B) experiencing imaginary symptoms.
C) making believe one is ill.
D) exaggerating the symptoms of an organic disease.

Question 39

The correlation between income and the number of health symptoms reported is likely to be:

A) positive.
B) negative.
C) nonexistent.
D) stronger for men than for women.

Question 40

Which reason was NOT offered in the text as a reason that women seek health care more often than men?

A) Women are more sensitive to internal bodily symptoms.
B) Health care is more fragmented for women.
C) Many women are exposed to more illness.
D) Men are, in general, healthier than women until late adulthood.

Question 41

Hospitalized patients often feel a sense of:

A) depersonalization.
B) increased information control over their health condition.
C) increased behavioral control.
D) increased cognitive control.

Question 42

Which of these is NOT attributed to patient difficulties with health literacy?

A) making treatment and medication errors
B) more frequent hospital visits
C) higher personal health care costs
D) higher patient satisfaction

Question 43

Motivational interviewing includes all of these as core principles for success EXCEPT:

A) patient autonomy.
B) patient-provider partnership.
C) ambivalence.
D) physician authority.

Question 44

Studies of patient-provider consultations have found that:

A) the more time physicians spend with their patients, the more satisfied the patients are.
B) patients are usually satisfied with the consultations and treatment they receive.
C) the harm that stems from poorly delivered bad news usually is not long-lasting.
D) health care providers are more verbally dominant with female patients.

Question 45

Dr. Gelding meets with each of his patients for eight minutes each. While meeting with his white patients he listens carefully to their symptoms and asks follow-up questions. When he meets with his Asian patients, however, he often interrupts their recitation of symptoms, voices objections to their specific requests for medications and treatments, and often does not order the same lab tests as he would for his white patients with the same symptoms. What term best exemplifies Dr. Gelding's behavior?

A) institutionalized racism
B) institutionalized bias
C) personally mediated racism
D) personally moderated bias

Question 46

Which of these is NOT one of the central elements of the patient-provider relationship?

A) continuity of care
B) communication
C) quality of consultations
D) frequency of consultations

Question 47

Which behavior would be considered an example of nonadherence?

A) eating an unhealthy diet
B) exercising excessively
C) failing to continue taking prescription medication once symptoms disappear
D) chewing tobacco

Question 48

Research studies have reported that patients with high health literacy are more likely to:

A) adhere to treatment instructions.
B) report the lowest levels of confidence in their doctors.
C) take a passive, deferential role in their treatment.
D) have less accurate perceptions of the risk and benefits of health screening.

Question 49

Kristin, a newly graduated black medical student, has been assigned to work in an urban free clinic in a lower income area of a large city. She has been warned by coworkers that a number of the homeless residents in the area frequent the clinic for medication and services. On her first night a young black man in a torn shirt and pants comes in complaining of severe stomach pains and vomiting; he requests painkillers to reduce the pain. Kristin hesitates and only gives him care after a series of in-depth and probing questions and only after she has treated a number of other white and Asian patients first. Kristin's behavior seems to represent what concept?

A) personally mediated racism
B) institutionalized racism
C) medical bias
D) institutionalized discrimination

Question 50

Which of these is NOT true regarding chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)?

A) CFS is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus.
B) There is no diagnostic test for CFS.
C) CFS is more common in women than in men.
D) There is no generally accepted drug treatment for CFS.

Question 51

Research studies indicate that telemedicine is:

A) becoming part of every health care provider's training.
B) too impersonal and mechanical for most physicians and their patients.
C) a limited and infrequent vehicle for health care.
D) practical only for people living in major urban areas.

Question 52

Which of these was NOT identified as a factor that predicts patient adherence?

A) being in a good mood
B) having trust in one's care provider
C) having the support of family and friends
D) a complex treatment regimen

Question 53

Some skeptics view chronic fatigue syndrome as merely a culturally fashionable collection of symptoms; that is, they view it as an example of:

A) a hysterical epidemic.
B) neuroticism.
C) morbidity.
D) malingering.

Question 54

Motivational interviewing has been seen as effective in motivating change in a variety of target behaviors; however, not all of the empirical trials have been successful and positive. Which behavioral intervention has motivational interviewing been viewed as unsuccessful with?

A) diabetes management
B) problem drinking
C) infection-risk reduction
D) hypertension

Question 55

In Irving Janis's study of surgical patients, those who displayed ______ had the fewest postoperative problems.

A) the lowest levels of fear
B) moderate levels of fear
C) high levels of reactance
D) low levels of reactance

Question 56

The interventions for helping patients prepare for hospitalization that describe the particular procedures and physical sensations that might be expected are focused on increasing:

A) informational control.
B) cognitive control.
C) sensory control.
D) behavioral control.

Question 57

The average rate of patient nonadherence is estimated to be about _______ percent.

A) 10
B) 25
C) 50
D) 75

Question 58

Marina recently visited a psychologist to receive help with formulating questions for the next time she visits the doctor. Herspecific focus was on having a clear sense of her goals, sharing her concerns and symptoms without anxiety, and being sure to get more information. The psychologist is engaged in what type of intervention in her case?

A) motivational interviewing
B) telemedicine
C) assertiveness coaching
D) depersonalization

Question 59

In recent years, the average number of days per hospital stay in the United States _______, and the average cost per stay _______.

A) decreased slightly; increased substantially
B) decreased substantially; increased substantially
C) increased slightly; did not change
D) increased slightly; increased substantially

Question 60

Which factor promotes a patient's adherence to a prescribed treatment regimen?

A) being in a good mood
B) being a female
C) having a college education
D) having a good income

Question 61

Interventions that teach techniques for controlling pain and speeding recovery during and after a medical procedure are called:

A) behavioral control.
B) cognitive control.
C) informational control.
D) social control.

Question 62

A managed-care network of physicians, hospitals, and other health care providers that agree to charge pre-established rates for specific services is:

A) accountable care organization.
B) a fee-for-service system.
C) the preferred-provider organization.
D) a health maintenance organization.

Question 63

Conrad is a health care provider who has completed graduate training in advanced-practice nursing and primary care. Conrad is most likely a(n):

A) registered nurse.
B) nurse practitioner.
C) physician's assistant.
D) social worker.

Question 64

Interventions aimed at increasing behavioral control are most beneficial for medical procedures in which:

A) the patient's participation has no effect on the progress of the procedure.
B) the patient's participation can assist progress.
C) the procedure is not painful.
D) the procedure is quite painful.

Question 65

Which of these is NOT one of the basic types of health care delivery systems around the world?

A) single-provider system
B) National Health Insurance
C) mandated insurance
D) private sector model

Question 66

A payment model in which health care services are paid for by patients, out of pocket, at the time of treatment is:

A) managed care.
B) fee-for-service.
C) the preferred-provider organization.
D) a health maintenance organization.

Question 67

Janice is a health care provider who completed the first year of medical school, followed by a second year of clinical rotations. She performs many of the routine tasks of medical care, including taking medical histories and prescribing medications. Janice is most likely a(n):

A) registered nurse.
B) nurse practitioner.
C) physician's assistant.
D) social worker.

Question 68

Commonly called "Obamacare," the _______ brought about significant changes in how health care is paid for and provided in the United States.

A) Managed Care Act
B) Fee-for-Service Act
C) Affordable Care Act
D) Crossing the Quality Chasm Act

Question 69

A major part of health care reform under the Affordable Care Act was the creation of:

A) managed care.
B) accountable care organizations.
C) fee-for-service organizations.
D) health maintenance organizations.

Question 70

A health care organization in which individuals pay a fixed monthly rate and use services as needed is:

A) managed care.
B) fee-for-service.
C) the preferred-provider organization.
D) a health maintenance organization.

Question 71

Cognitive control refers to interventions that:

A) teach techniques for controlling pain.
B) speed recovery during and after a medical procedure.
C) direct the patient's attention to the positive aspects of a procedure.
D) increase patients' knowledge regarding a medical procedure.