Deck 14: Health Psychology

Question 1

What is the main difference between the theory of reasoned action and the theory of planned behavior?

A)The theory of reasoned action includes the stages of change model.
B)The theory of planned behavior includes the stages of change model.
C)The theory of reasoned action includes the idea that perceptions of control over the outcome are important.
D)The theory of planned behavior includes the idea that perceptions of control over the outcome are important.

Answer 1

The theory of planned behavior includes the idea that perceptions of control over the outcome are important.

Question 2

Which of the following is the first stage in the stages of change model?

A)preparation/determination
B)precontemplation
C)action/willpower
D)contemplation

Answer 2

precontemplation

Question 3

During the _____ stage, individuals are not yet genuinely thinking about changing.

A)preparation
B)maintenance
C)precontemplation
D)contemplation

Answer 3

precontemplation

Question 4

Which of the following statements is true of people in the precontemplation stage of change?

A)They ideally start preparing for a plan of action to change their behavior.
B)They are actively thinking toward changing their behavior.
C)They usually refuse or deny that their behavior is a problem.
D)They are typically planning on various methods to combat relapse of behavior.

Question 5

Raising one's consciousness about a problem is the key component of which of the following stages of change?

A)precontemplation
B)contemplation
C)preparation/determination
D)action/willpower

Question 6

The stages of change model describes the process by which individuals

A)evolve to think about others before themselves.
B)develop physically and mentally in adolescence.
C)give up bad habits and adopt healthier lifestyles.
D)give up their inhibitions and behave against the norms of society.

Question 7

Which of the following lists the stages of the stages of change model in the correct order?

A)preparation, precontemplation, contemplation, action, maintenance
B)preparation, action, precontemplation, contemplation, maintenance
C)precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance
D)precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, maintenance, action

Question 8

Suzanne wants to lose 20 pounds before her honeymoon to Hawaii.Although she realizes that being thinner will make her feel stronger and healthier, she has a weakness for ice cream.She's not sure that she will be able to give up the short-term pleasure of indulging in an ice-cream cone for dessert today in exchange for the long-term benefits of weight loss.Suzanne appears to be in which of the following stages of change?

A)maintenance
B)contemplation
C)preparation/determination
D)action/willpower

Question 9

In the stages of change model, a key factor that differentiates the _____ is awareness that a particular behavior is problematic.

A)contemplation stage from the action stage
B)contemplation stage from the preparation stage
C)preparation stage from the action stage
D)precontemplation stage from the contemplation stage

Question 10

Which of the following stages follows the action/willpower stage in the stages of change model?

A)resolution
B)resistance
C)preparation/determination
D)maintenance

Question 11

Which of the following statements is true of the theory of reasoned action and theory of planned behavior?

A)The theory of reasoned action is an extension of the theory of planned behavior.
B)The theory of planned behavior is a contradiction of the theory of planned action.
C)The theory of planned behavior and the theory of reasoned action require individuals to hold positive attitudes about a new behavior.
D)The theory of reasoned action includes a person's perception of control, while the theory of planned behavior excludes it.

Question 12

Your roommate has been engaging in risky sexual behavior all semester, yet she denies that anything is wrong.She is likely in the _____ stage of the stages of change model.

A)preparation/determination
B)contemplation
C)termination
D)precontemplation

Question 13

An alcoholic who believes that he is just being a typical college student and does not think his drinking is a problem is most likely to be classified as being in the _____ stage of change.

A)determination
B)contemplation
C)precontemplation
D)preparation

Question 14

The theory of planned behavior includes the basic ideas of the theory of reasoned action but adds another important variable to the model.This variable is

A)genetic health history.
B)a person's perception of control over the outcome of the situation.
C)level of introversion.
D)cognitive ability.

Question 15

According to _____, effective change requires individuals to have specific intentions about their behaviors, as well as positive attitudes about a new behavior, and to perceive that their social group looks positively on the new behavior as well.

A)the stages of change model
B)the theory of reasoned action
C)the general adaptation syndrome
D)Lazarus's model of stress and coping

Question 16

You are having fun at a New Year's Eve party when your friend Dominic tells you that he really wants to quit smoking.He asks you to share what you know about health psychology so that he can use your advice to help him to successfully quit.If you apply the theory of reasoned action to Dominic's situation, which of the following statements best represents the advice you should offer?

A)"Dominic, you should make an explicit commitment.If you are really serious about quitting, you should make a New Year's resolution to stop smoking."
B)"Dominic, you should envision quitting smoking as a form of punishment for your previous behavior.Think of quitting as a negative behavior."
C)"Dominic, you should make sure you surround yourself with friends who smoke and who don't support your goal of quitting.Having a little adversity from your social network will keep you motivated."
D)"Dominic, you should give in to the 'higher power' and realize that you can't truly control your smoking behavior.Just hope and pray for the best."

Question 17

Some of the characteristics that distinguish people who are in the _____ stage of change are that they possess a beginning awareness of their problem behavior but they are not yet ready to change it.

A)action/willpower
B)contemplation
C)maintenance
D)preparation/determination

Question 18

Lawrence was just told by his doctor that his recent weight gain has placed him at risk for type II diabetes.Lawrence chooses to ignore his doctor's diagnosis.According to the stages of change model, Lawrence is at which of the following stages?

A)precontemplation
B)contemplation
C)preparation/determination
D)action/willpower

Question 19

Although the concerns of behavioral medicine and health psychology overlap, behavioral medicine primarily focuses on _____ factors, whereas health psychology primarily focuses on _____ factors.

A)behavioral and biomedical/behavioral and cognitive
B)behavioral and cognitive/behavioral and biomedical
C)conscious/unconscious
D)unconscious/conscious

Question 20

Claire is a chain smoker.Since she is unaware of her problem, her friends plan to inform her about the dangers of continuing her unhealthy behavior.According to the stages of the change model, Claire is in which of the following stages?

A)contemplation
B)preparation
C)action
D)precontemplation

Question 21

Mathew is addicted to marijuana.He starts taking surfing lessons hoping that it will give him the same rush that marijuana does.According to the stages of change model, Mathew is in the _____ stage.

A)contemplation
B)preparation
C)precontemplation
D)action

Question 22

According to the stages of change model, a key element in the preparation stage is

A)raising one's consciousness about the problem.
B)the amount of information that individuals have collected about their problematic behavior.
C)whether individuals truly feel they are ready to change.
D)the cost involved in changing one's behavior.

Question 23

Which of the following statements is true of the maintenance stage of the change model?

A)It involves more focus and effort than the other stages.
B)It involves individuals preparing to take action.
C)In this stage, people become skilled at anticipating tempting situations.
D)In this stage, individuals become aware that they have a problem.

Question 24

One challenge during the maintenance stage is to avoid

A)relapse.
B)boredom.
C)stagnancy.
D)denial.

Question 25

Bob decided that he was a bit overweight and in order to do something about it, he created a new exercise program, something he'd never tried before.Though he initially had some difficulty setting it up and sticking with it, he has consistently done his exercise workout for the last eight months.Though it is becoming more habitual, the program is still not yet automatic for him and he reinforces himself with new CDs each month if he has successfully completed his workouts.According to the stages of change model, Bob would most likely be in the

A)contemplation stage.
B)maintenance stage.
C)termination stage.
D)preparation/determination stage.

Question 26

Which of the following statements is true of relapse during the maintenance stage of the stages of change model?

A)Relapse is an uncommon aspect of change.
B)Real change occurs in a single attempt with no relapse.
C)Relapse is considered normal by individuals who are experts in changing health behavior.
D)If a person has more than two relapses, he or she cannot reach his or her goal.

Question 27

According to the stages of change model, during the _____ stage, individuals commit to making a real behavioral change and enact a plan for effective change.

A)action/willpower
B)contemplation
C)maintenance
D)preparation/determination

Question 28

Dan has a problem with smoking.If Dan were in the _____ stage of change, the best stage-matched intervention would be to inform him about the dangers of continuing this unhealthy behavior.However, if he were in the _____ stage, you would do well to provide him with training in specific skills that can help him to actually stop smoking.

A)contemplation/precontemplation
B)precontemplation/contemplation
C)preparation/contemplation
D)precontemplation/preparation

Question 29

When Wendy first started trying to eat healthier it felt like she was a "dieter." She was constantly thinking about how to eat healthy.After several months of successfully opting to eat nutritious food as opposed to her old fast-food favorites, Wendy does not feel like a dieter anymore.She no longer has to consciously think about trying to eat healthy foods; rather, her new lifestyle has become a part of who she is.Wendy is in which of the following stages of change?

A)preparation/determination
B)maintenance
C)action/willpower
D)contemplation

Question 30

Which of the following statements would be most typical of someone in the preparation/determination stage of change?

A)"Problem? What problem? I don't have a problem."
B)"I am going to continue pursuing these new alternative healthy behaviors."
C)"I know that my behavior is problematic, but I'm just not ready to change it yet."
D)"I'm going to do something about this problem, starting first thing next week."

Question 31

In the stages of change model, _____ means that individuals are no longer consciously engaged in maintaining their healthy lifestyle; rather, the lifestyle has become a part of who they are.

A)determination
B)transcendence
C)relapse
D)resistance

Question 32

Madison is addicted to drugs.According to the stages of the change model, if she is in the contemplation stage of changing her habit, which of the following will occur during this stage?

A)She will re-evaluate the role of this addiction in her life.
B)She will deny or refuse that her addiction is real.
C)She will stop doing drugs immediately.
D)She will join a rehabilitation center.

Question 33

Mia began a running routine to lose weight.After a year from starting the routine, she runs for the joy of running.Mia has

A)reached self-actualization.
B)become resistant to change.
C)reached transcendence.
D)adapted to her weight problem.

Question 34

Self-belief and especially beliefs about one's ability to "see it through" is characteristic of which of the following stages of change model?

A)preparation/determination
B)maintenance
C)action/willpower
D)contemplation

Question 35

Mark has decided that it is finally time to quit smoking.He started using nicotine patches to help him control the craving to smoke.He is in the _____ stage of the change model.

A)preparation/determination
B)contemplation
C)action/willpower
D)maintenance

Question 36

Leo quit smoking two months ago.He is hoping that he can continue to stay tobacco-free so he has been trying to find ways to support his new, healthy behavior pattern.He eats mint whenever he gets a craving to smoke.Leo seems to be in the _____ stage of the stages of change model.

A)preparation/determination
B)contemplation
C)action/willpower
D)precontemplation

Question 37

According to the stages of change model, when conscious attention is no longer required to maintain the new, healthy behaviors and such behaviors simply are part of the individual's lifestyle, _____ has been achieved.This occurs during the _____ stage of change.

A)determination/action-willpower
B)transcendence/maintenance
C)optimistic appraisal/contemplation
D)hardiness/preparation

Question 38

You are trying to change your exercise routine in order to have a healthier lifestyle.You develop a new exercise schedule and plan to implement it starting next month.You are in the _____ stage of the stages of change model.

A)precontemplation
B)contemplation
C)preparation/determination
D)action/willpower

Question 39

During the _____ stage individuals acknowledge the problem but may not be ready to commit to change.

A)preparation/determination
B)maintenance
C)action/willpower
D)contemplation

Question 40

Which of the following occurs in the contemplation stage of the change model?

A)Individuals prepare to take action.
B)Individuals actively think about change.
C)Individuals commit to make a behavioral change.
D)Individuals enact a plan.

Question 41

When Samantha's father passed away, Ronnie got food for Samantha's family.The giving of food after the death of a loved one is an example of

A)extrinsic motivation.
B)emotional support.
C)implementation intentions.
D)tangible assistance.

Question 42

Your co-worker Christina was just laid off.You immediately inform her about a relevant job opening that you recently heard about.In the context of benefits of social support, you have tried to help Christina by offering

A)tangible assistance.
B)emotional support.
C)an important source of information.
D)affirmation.

Question 43

_____ is the power of belief in yourself.

A)Conscientiousness
B)External locus of control
C)Self-efficacy
D)Self-identity

Question 44

_____ are specific strategies for dealing with the challenges of making a life change.

A)Intrinsic motivators
B)Attribution strategies
C)Implementation intentions
D)Extrinsic motivators

Question 45

A number of studies have linked religious participation to

A)increased loneliness and isolation.
B)a longer and healthier life.
C)greater self-esteem.
D)anxiety and depression.

Question 46

Andrea was just fired from a job she really loved.You are her best friend so you try to offer her all the support that she needs.In the context of benefits of social support, giving Andrea a hug when she is down and telling her that you will "be there for her" is an example of _____, whereas loaning her money and telling her that she can stay with you until she finds another job is an example of _____.

A)tangible assistance/emotional support
B)emotional support/tangible assistance
C)psychological support/physical support
D)physical support/psychological support

Question 47

Turning to others who act as a sounding board or a willing ear is referred to as

A)social loafing.
B)social sustainability.
C)social sharing.
D)social stratification.

Question 48

Which of the following is an advantage of the stages of change model?

A)It can be used to develop realistic expectations of the change process.
B)Individuals do not skip any stage and always move from one to another sequentially.
C)It refers more to attitudes that change than to behaviors.
D)All stages of the change model are mutually exclusive.

Question 49

According to Seligman, optimists explain the causes of bad events as _____, whereas pessimists explain them as _____.

A)internal, stable, and global/external, unstable, and specific
B)external, unstable, and specific/internal, stable, and global
C)internal, unstable, and global/external, stable, and specific
D)external, stable, and global/internal, unstable, and specific

Question 50

Which of the following statements about optimism is FALSE?

A)Optimism is associated with how an individual explains the causes of life events.
B)Optimists expect that good things are more likely and that bad things are less likely to occur in the future.
C)Optimism is something that you are born with, and it cannot be learned or cultivated.
D)Optimists generally are physically and mentally healthier than pessimists.

Question 51

Individuals who have high self-efficacy are least likely to do which of the following?

A)persist in the face of obstacles
B)expend effort in coping with stress
C)experience less stress in challenging situations
D)perceive that they have little control over the situation

Question 52

In the long run, writing about traumatic life events

A)is harmful because one relives the trauma over and over again.
B)increases distress among men but not among women.
C)is associated with physical and psychological health benefits.
D)has no impact on reducing stress.

Question 53

The general adaptation syndrome describes the

A)steps taken during cognitive appraisal.
B)body's response to stressors.
C)frustration created by conflict.
D)top three stressful personality types.

Question 54

Pauline is responsible and reliable.She likes structure and always sees a task through until it is completed.She exercises, eats healthy foods, and always wears her seatbelt.Pauline would score high on which of the following personality traits?

A)extraversion
B)conscientiousness
C)agreeableness
D)openness to new experiences

Question 55

Self-efficacy is the belief that you can

A)teach others to be self-reliant.
B)show unconditional positive regard for others.
C)be empathetic to your own problems.
D)master a situation and produce positive outcomes.

Question 56

Self-efficacy influences

A)whether an individual tries to develop healthy habits.
B)whether a person uses emotion-focused or problem-focused coping strategies.
C)a person's level of intelligence.
D)the precontemplation stage of the stages of change model.

Question 57

The body's first reaction to a stressor, in the _____, is a temporary state of shock during which resistance to illness and stress falls below normal limits.

A)alarm stage
B)resistance stage
C)exhaustion stage
D)irritability phase

Question 58

Which of the following is a criticism of the stages of change model?

A)It is not effective in predicting psychotherapy outcomes.
B)It refers more to attitudes that change than to behaviors.
C)It doesn't capture the ways individuals make positive life changes.
D)It is relevant only to individuals trying to quit smoking and lose weight.

Question 59

Amber shifted to a new apartment.She is finding it difficult to adapt to the new place, so her friends help her out by arranging all her furniture.This makes Amber feel less stressful.This scenario exemplifies which type of benefit of social support?

A)tangible assistance
B)information
C)emotional support
D)cognitive support

Question 60

In the context of personality characteristics, _____ is associated with taking the right steps toward a long, healthy life.

A)an external locus of control
B)a sense of personal control
C)strong extrinsic motivation
D)Type-A behavior

Question 61

According to Selye's general adaptation syndrome, in which stage do glands throughout the body manufacture different hormones that protect the individual?

A)alarm stage
B)resistance stage
C)contemplation stage
D)precontemplation stage

Question 62

Which of the following statements is true of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) axis?

A)The activity of the HPA axis is the same for all individuals.
B)When the brain detects a threat in the environment, it signals the adrenal gland.
C)Under chronic stress, the HPA axis can remain activated over the long haul.
D)It regulates all but immune system responses.

Question 63

Which of the following accurately describes the sequence of the general adaptation syndrome?

A)alarm, resistance, and challenge
B)primary appraisal, alarm, secondary appraisal
C)challenge, frustration, and exhaustion
D)alarm, resistance, and exhaustion

Question 64

According to the general adaptation syndrome (GAS), once the body's all-out effort to combat stress fails and the stress persists, the individual moves into

A)resistance-coping stage.
B)exhaustion stage.
C)alarm and mobilization stage.
D)irritability phase.

Question 65

Which of the following statements is true of the preliminary hypotheses about the interaction that causes vulnerability to disease?

A)Stressful experiences increase the efficiency of the immune system.
B)Stressful situations make individuals more susceptible to diseases.
C)Stressful experiences cause the deactivation of dormant viruses.
D)Stress directly promotes disease-fighting processes.

Question 66

Which body system in Seyle's general adaptation syndrome (GAS) model is responsible for regulating various body processes, including digestion, immune-system responses, emotion, and energy expenditure?

A)plasma immunoreactive somatostatin (IRS)
B)hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis)
C)systemic glucagon regulation (SGR)
D)β-endorphin and prolactin (PRL)

Question 67

According to the general adaptation syndrome (GAS,) biological damage (e.g., weakened immune system, heart attack, or death) can occur during the

A)exhaustion stage.
B)resistance stage.
C)coping stage.
D)alarm and mobilization stage.

Question 68

A key hormone shared by the central nervous system and the immune system is _____, which is produced in the hypothalamus and unites the stress and immune responses.

A)oxytocin
B)testosterone
C)estrogen
D)corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)

Question 69

Which of the following statements concerning the relationship between the immune system and stress is FALSE?

A)Acute stressors produce superior immune-system functioning.
B)Acute stressors can produce immunological changes.
C)Chronic stressors are associated with an increasing downturn in immune-system responsiveness.
D)Chronic emotional stress is associated with high blood pressure, heart disease, and early death.

Question 70

When a rat is first introduced to an over-crowded cage, it will most likely enter the _____ stage of the general adaptation syndrome.

A)alarm
B)resistance
C)exhaustion
D)action/willpower

Question 71

Which of the following statements is true of stress and the immune system?

A)Unlike the central nervous system, the immune system possesses "sensory" elements, which receive information from the environment and other parts of the body.
B)Unlike the immune system, the central nervous system possesses "motor" elements, which carry out an appropriate response.
C)The immune system and the central nervous system are similar in their modes of receiving, and integrating, stress signals from the external environment.
D)Corticotropin-releasing hormone released by the central nervous system works against the immune system, thus disintegrating the unity between the stress and immune responses.

Question 72

Rosemary is interested in studying the relationships among emotion, the nervous system, and the immune system.Given these interests, she will probably want to pursue future study in the field of

A)cognitive psychology.
B)psychopharmacology.
C)psychoneuroimmunology.
D)anatomy and physiology.

Question 73

A fundamental premise of the general adaptation syndrome is that

A)alarm, resistance, and exhaustion are the common effects of the stressful demands on the body.
B)some people are immune to stress.
C)most individuals experience a temporary state of shock during the exhaustion stage, which causes resistance to illness and stress to fall below normal limits.
D)stress acts on the parasympathetic nervous system.

Question 74

Two years ago, Walter's business went bankrupt.Two months ago, his wife left him.Two days ago, Walter began having panic attacks.Selye would say that Walter is in which stage of the general adaptation syndrome?

A)alarm
B)reaction
C)contemplation
D)exhaustion

Question 75

Katie has been diagnosed with breast cancer and is under significant stress.She is undergoing a series of chemotherapy treatments.According to Hans Selye, Katie is currently in the _____ stage of the general adaptation syndrome (GAS).

A)preparation
B)acceptance
C)resistance
D)deferred optimism

Question 76

The immune system and the central nervous system both rely on _____ mediators for communication.

A)electrical
B)chemical
C)symbolic
D)cognitive

Question 77

According to the general adaptation syndrome, serious, wear and tear takes a toll on the individual during the _____ stage.

A)exhaustion
B)resistance
C)coping
D)alarm

Question 78

Once you get over the initial stress associated with your first exam of finals week, the fact that you have several more exams will likely lead your body to enter the _____ stage of the general adaptation syndrome.

A)alarm
B)resistance
C)exhaustion
D)action/willpower

Question 79

Denise has just finished a stressful week of final exams and she now feels as though she is coming down with the flu.According to the general adaptation syndrome, Denise's reaction to stress suggests that she is now in the _____ stage.

A)alarm
B)resistance
C)exhaustion
D)primary appraisal

Question 80

Emma is shocked when her teacher announced that there is a pop quiz on the reading material that was assigned the day before.Which of the following stages of the general adaptation syndrome will Emma be experiencing first?

A)exhaustion
B)secondary
C)resistance
D)alarm