Deck 5: Stress and Physical and Mental Health

Question 1

1-19. The development of new methods of coping

A) may be an outcome of a crisis.
B) always occurs when adaptive capabilities are exceeded.
C) increases the expectation of future failures.
D) is continuously needed as we face new stressors on a daily basis.

Answer 1

may be an outcome of a crisis.

Question 2

1-11. Stress tolerance is

A) a biological attribute.
B) a pressure.
C) a person's ability to withstand stress without becoming seriously impaired.
D) a crisis for most people.

Answer 2

a person's ability to withstand stress without becoming seriously impaired.

Question 3

1-20. The Social Readjustment Rating Scale

A) examines the role that coping plays in dealing with life changes.
B) did not acknowledge that happy events create life changes and, as a consequence, stress.
C) is an imperfect means of quantifying the level of stress experience over a period of time.
D) has been used to demonstrate that life events and health are not related.

Answer 3

is an imperfect means of quantifying the level of stress experience over a period of time.

Question 4

1-10. Which of the following factors is linked to a person's ability to cope better?

A) Intelligence.
B) Social support.
C) Absence of the 5HT-TLPR gene.
D) Early life stress.

Question 5

Coping strategies are

A) efforts to deal with stress.
B) efforts to avoid conflict.
C) the same thing as eustress.
D) the dynamic interaction between the types of stressors and the person.

Question 6

1-14. What is a not key factor in making a stressor more serious?

A) How long it lasts
B) How severe it is
C) Its type or category
D) How expected it is

Question 7

1-12. Crisis is

A) a double avoidance conflict.
B) when the individual cannot make a decision.
C) an internal pressure.
D) when a stressful situation overwhelms the individual.

Question 8

Which of the following psychological disturbances does not occur in response to an identifiable experience?

A) adjustment disorder.
B) acute stress disorder.
C) depression.
D) post-traumatic stress disorder.

Question 9

According to the text, the term "stress" will be used to refer to

A) only those external events in our lives that challenge us.
B) any positive demand made on an organism.
C) the effects of external stressors.
D) anything that makes us unhappy.

Question 10

1-16. The term "crisis" refers to:

A) any time when a stressful situation exceeds one's ability to cope.
B) encountering a number of stressors simultaneously.
C) a period of especially acute stress.
D) any encounter that requires a readjustment of self concept.

Question 11

1-15. In order to be considered a severe stressor, the stressor must

A) be considered severe by most people in the population.
B) involve death or serious injury.
C) cause significant disruption to a person's functioning.
D) continue on for a long time.

Question 12

In DSM-IV-TR, psychosocial stressors

A) are not specified.
B) are specified on Axis II.
C) are specified on Axis III.
D) are specified on Axis IV.

Question 13

Distress is

A) seen when a situation is ambiguous.
B) a response to a happy life event.
C) the same thing as eustress.
D) a response to a negative event.

Question 14

What do positive and negative stressors have in common?

A) They usually last indefinitely.
B) Both occur without warning.
C) They have an equivalent potential for causing lasting damage.
D) Both tax one's resources and coping skills.

Question 15

Selye

A) recognized that both happy and sad life events can be sources of stress.
B) conducted extensive research on the effects of stress on the immune system.
C) failed to acknowledge the role of the environment in adapting to stress.
D) focused on the cognitive component of the stress response.

Question 16

1-18. What is the difference between a stressor and a crisis?

A) There is no difference, these are just two words for the same thing.
B) While all crises are stressors, not all stressors are crises.
C) There is a biological response to stress, but not to crisis.
D) A stressor is an unexpected crisis.

Question 17

1-17. Who is likely to have the most severe stress?

A) Anne, who is planning her wedding
B) Bill, who has a deadline the next day for an important project
C) Lauren, who sees the aftermath of an accident and finds out later it involved one of her friends
D) Josh, who has just been told he has cancer and whose wife announces she is leaving him when he tells her the news

Question 18

1-13. Which of the following is not considered a life change?

A) Being promoted
B) Being diabetic
C) Getting pregnant
D) A death in the family

Question 19

According to your textbook, which of the following is most stressful to people and animals?

A) Constant stressors
B) Predictable stressors
C) Uncontrollable stressors
D) Physical stressors

Question 20

Which of the following terms refers to efforts to deal with stress?

A) Coping strategies
B) Compensatory strategies
C) Sublimation
D) Projection

Question 21

1-34. What is the term for the biological cost of adapting to stress?

A) Allostatic load
B) Homeostatic load
C) Sympathetic load
D) Parasympathetic load

Question 22

1-36. Psychoneuroimmunology is the study of the interaction between the __________________.

A) nervous system and the immune system
B) psychological system and the nervous system
C) psychological system and the immune system
D) nervous system and the hypothalamic system

Question 23

1-38. Which of the following is the biological cascade that is activated with prolonged stress?

A) The adrenal-hypothalamic-prefrontal axis
B) The cortical-thalamic-neural axis
C) The psycho-neuro-biological axis
D) The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis

Question 24

1-26. An individual with a high stress tolerance

A) can function well in the face of a high level of stress.
B) is likely to be particularly vulnerable to slight frustration.
C) may feel threatened more readily than those with low stress tolerance.
D) is particularly vulnerable to acute stress disorder.

Question 25

1-30. The stress glucocorticoid that is produced in humans is called

A) adrenalin
B) estrogen
C) cortisol
D) repression

Question 26

1-33. What is the name of the system that is designed to mobilize resources and prepare a fight-or-flight response?

A) The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal system
B) The cortex-thalamus cortisol system
C) The sympathetic-adrenomedullary system
D) The parasympathetic prefrontal cortex system

Question 27

1-21. According to research on the Social Readjustment Rating Scale,

A) individuals with lower life change unit scores are more likely to develop a serious illness.
B) death of a spouse is equally stressful for men and women.
C) stress does not accumulate over time.
D) there is a positive correlation between life change unit scores and the likelihood of developing a serious illness.

Question 28

1-23. Which of the following is a criticism of the life event scales?

A) They do not recognize that joyful events can be stressful.
B) They limit the kind of events that can be reported.
C) They do not recognize that multiple life changes will produce greater stress.
D) No relationship has been found between illness and scores on these scales.

Question 29

1-35. I often find that when I am ill, I am not able to cope effectively with the normal hassles of life. I find myself becoming irritated by things that I would usually be able to ignore. Which of the following would explain this phenomenon?

A) When using resources to deal with one stressor, the ability to tolerate additional stressors may be compromised.
B) Major life changes may impair the ability to cope effectively with daily hassles.
C) During the exhaustion phase of the general adaptation syndrome illness becomes likely.
D) Allostatic load leads to psychological and biological vulnerability.

Question 30

1-28. According to your textbook, which of the following is a factor that increases resilience?

A) Being female
B) Being older
C) Being African American
D) Being Latino

Question 31

1-24. The Life Event and Difficulty Schedule

A) provides a quick way to assess stress responses and coping skills.
B) includes cognitive factors in its examination of the impact of life events.
C) focuses on how difficult life events are handled.
D) provides a timeline for describing the stress response.

Question 32

1-37. Which of the following can cause stress-induced immunosuppression?

A) Serotonin
B) Adrenaline
C) GABA
D) Glucocorticoids

Question 33

1-29. Which of the following parts has not been linked to the stress response?

A) the hypothalamus
B) the cerebellum
C) the adrenal medulla
D) the pituitary

Question 34

1-39. B-cells are

A) cells that engulf antigens.
B) cells that produce antibodies.
C) cells that harm the immune system.
D) cells that are antigens.

Question 35

1-27. Healthy psychological and physical functioning after a potentially traumatic event is called:

A) coping
B) resilience
C) compensation
D) adaptation

Question 36

1-32. Which of the following statements about stress is correct?

A) the response an individual will have to a stressor can be readily predicted.
B) cognitive factors do not play a role in determining the severity of stress.
C) some people are predisposed to respond poorly to demands.
D) changes in the level of external supports one has are unrelated to stress reactions.

Question 37

1-31. Cortisol

A) is always stable in humans.
B) does not respond to stress.
C) prepares the body for fight or flight.
D) prepares the body for sleep.

Question 38

1-25. Which of the following will lessen the impact of a stressful situation?

A) Holding unrealistic expectations about the stressor
B) Minimizing the use of social support
C) Preparing for the stressor
D) Being uncertain as to how long the stressor will persist

Question 39

1-22. The Life Events and Difficulty Schedule

A) is another name for the Social Readjustment Rating Scale.
B) allows the rater to consider the person's unique circumstances.
C) was developed prior to the Social Readjustment Rating Scale.
D) does not provide any more information than the Social Readjustment Rating Scale.

Question 40

1-40. Which type of cells release interleukin?

A) B-cells
B) Macrophages
C) Red blood cells
D) Neurons

Question 41

1-59. What is the term for the procedure that aims to make a patient more aware of such things as their heart rate, level of muscle tension, or blood pressure?

A) Relaxation
B) Meditation
C) Hypnosis
D) Biofeedback

Question 42

1-54. What is risk factor?

A) A variable that can occur within 6 months of a stressor
B) A variable that increases the risk of a specific negative outcome
C) A biological factor that increases resistance to disease
D) A reaction to a normal event

Question 43

1-53. Clyde is unmarried and has few friends. Why is he at greater risk for developing coronary heart disease than the general population?

A) He is unlikely to seek help if he notices problems.
B) Social isolation has been associated with increased risk of the disease.
C) He has no knowledge of his problems.
D) He is socially awkward and thus has increased risks for disease.

Question 44

1-42. Which cytokine has been associated with depression and caring for family members with Alzheimer's disease?

A) HIV
B) Adrenaline
C) GABA
D) Interleukin-6

Question 45

1-46. Prolonged stress leads to suppression of the immune system. What might explain the evolution of such a seemingly flawed reaction?

A) There is no reasonable explanation for this.
B) Susceptibility to disease would increase the likelihood of an early death.
C) Immune suppression has no lasting effects on overall health.
D) Such immune suppression might prevent the development of autoimmune illnesses.

Question 46

1-55. A risk factor is

A) something about the nature of a stressor that makes it worse for most people.
B) something in a person's history that makes that person more vulnerable to stress.
C) something in a person's learning experiences that makes that person a thrill seeker.
D) something in a person's genetic makeup that makes that person respond well to stress.

Question 47

1-41. Which is not a stressor linked to immunosuppression, according to the text?

A) Vacation
B) Sleep deprivation
C) Spaceflight
D) Death of a spouse

Question 48

1-60. For an adjustment disorder, the symptoms must appear within __________ months of the stressor?

A) two
B) nine
C) three
D) six

Question 49

1-56. People with heart disease are ____ times more likely than healthy people to be depressed.

A) two
B) three
C) four
D) five

Question 50

1-50. Work-related stress can elevate risk of coronary heart disease by which key factors?

A) A highly demanding job and little opportunity for advancement
B) A highly demanding job and little decision-making control
C) A highly demanding job and Type B personality
D) A highly demanding job and introversion

Question 51

1-49. What is a symptom of hypertension?

A) A person is always light-headed.
B) A person may show no symptoms of it.
C) A person's skin feels unusually warm.
D) A person has persistent indigestion.

Question 52

1-51. What is Type D personality type?

A) The "depressed" type
B) The "dysfunctional" type
C) The "distressed" type
D) The "detached" type

Question 53

1-44. The pituitary gland

A) controls the release of hormones by the hypothalamus.
B) is part of the immune system.
C) produces adrenalin.
D) releases hormones that regulate many bodily functions.

Question 54

1-57. Sudden cardiac death is ______ times higher in men with high levels of anxiety.

A) two
B) four
C) six
D) eight

Question 55

1-58. Which was not an effective treatment for stress-related disorders, according to your text?

A) Psychoanalysis
B) Emotional Disclosure
C) Meditation
D) Biofeedback

Question 56

1-47. Stress slows the healing of wounds by as much as ___ to ___ percent.

A) 5; 10.
B) 12; 15.
C) 24; 40.
D) 55; 70.

Question 57

1-43. Who is most likely to get a cold?

A) Those who had negative events and a small social network
B) Those who had positive events and a small social network
C) Those with negative events and a highly diverse social network
D) Events and social networks were not related to colds

Question 58

1-52. What seems to be the most important component for coronary heart disease in the Type A behavior pattern?

A) Hostility
B) Time urgency
C) Competitiveness
D) Work commitment

Question 59

1-48. Which of the following represents normal blood pressure?

A) 140/100
B) 140/80
C) 120/80
D) 120/100

Question 60

1-45. The field of psychoneuroimmunology

A) focuses on the relationship between stress and mental illness.
B) explores the neurological basis of autoimmune conditions.
C) seeks to establish a link between psychological functioning and vulnerability to illness.
D) examines the effects of stressors on the immune system.

Question 61

1-61. Although divorce is now far more acceptable than it was in previous years, why do those going through a divorce still find it extremely stressful?

A) Few friends find it easy to accept.
B) The person is likely to make more money than previously.
C) Religious leaders support it.
D) Economic uncertainties are difficult to predict.

Question 62

1-78. Which is an individual risk factor for developing PTSD?

A) Higher levels of social support
B) Having no family history of depression
C) Believing that their symptoms are a sign of personal strength
D) Being neurotic

Question 63

1-62. Estimates of the prevalence of PTSD

A) have not been made.
B) indicate that most people who experience a traumatic event develop PTSD.
C) demonstrate that it is more commonly seen in women.
D) find that it rarely exists as a comorbid condition.

Question 64

1-72. It is believed that the incidence of combat exhaustion during WWII has been underestimated because

A) there was a debate as to how to differentiate between combat exhaustion and PTSD.
B) many men were treated in the field and never formally diagnosed.
C) those who were discharged for medical reasons were not counted when estimates were made.
D) many men who were diagnosed with the brain disorder "shell shock" were probably suffering from combat exhaustion.

Question 65

1-79. The impact of torture

A) is always a severe level of PTSD.
B) can vary depending on the type of torture used.
C) can vary depending on if the torture was perceived as uncontrollable or not.
D) depends on whether the person previously had another psychological disorder.

Question 66

1-71. During WWII, the descriptors of the traumatic reactions seen to combat conditions

A) emphasized that these were a product of organic processes.
B) placed too much emphasis on physical exhaustion.
C) did not differentiate these reactions from other psychological problems, such as drug abuse.
D) were comparable to what is now called acute stress disorder.

Question 67

1-63. PTSD

A) rarely occurs with other disorders.
B) develops in about 20% of those who report having experienced a traumatic event.
C) symptoms vary considerably depending on the characteristics of the trauma and the victim.
D) must develop within four weeks of the precipitating event in order for a diagnosis to be made.

Question 68

1-70. What was not a result of the psychological stress following being a prisoner of war?

A) Higher death rate
B) More diabetes
C) Overwhelming anger at minor events
D) Frequent alcohol or drug dependence

Question 69

1-65. In the DSM-5, PTSD will become a part of a new diagnostic category called ________.

A) Anxiety Disorders
B) Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders
C) Depressive Disorders
D) Transient- and Chronic Distress Disorders

Question 70

1-77. When POWs first return,

A) their PTSD symptoms are at their worst.
B) their PTSD symptoms are mild and gradually get worse over time.
C) their relief and joy at being released often masks the trauma's effects.
D) they show little symptoms from stress, then or later.

Question 71

1-69. According to your textbook, what percentage of Army soldiers and Marines in Iraq report that they have been attacked or ambushed?

A) 56%
B) 63%
C) 77%
D) 92%

Question 72

1-73. "Combat exhaustion" is known as ________ today.

A) acute stress disorder
B) shell shock
C) PTSD
D) war neurosis

Question 73

1-64. A main symptom of PTSD is

A) development of stress-related diseases.
B) re-experiencing of the traumatic event.
C) panic attacks when remembering the trauma.
D) depression.

Question 74

1-68. Approximately ____ percent of women develop PTSD over the course of their lives.

A) 5
B) 10
C) 15
D) 20

Question 75

1-74. Why should we study the causal factors in PTSD, since we already know traumatic events cause it?

A) Because if we do not study it, we will not diagnose it.
B) Political lobbying requires the study of it.
C) Victims often feel guilt about their reaction to the trauma.
D) Because not everyone who is exposed to a trauma develops PTSD.

Question 76

1-67. PTSD

A) is rarely seen in the victims of disasters.
B) usually develops in the shock stage of what has been called the "disaster syndrome."
C) symptoms characterize the suggestible stage of the "disaster syndrome."
D) may develop in the recovery stage of the "disaster syndrome."

Question 77

1-75. Why is there such a high likelihood of long-lasting psychological problems resulting from active combat experiences?

A) Research has revealed that those who enlist are more likely to be emotionally unstable.
B) When task-oriented coping strategies are ineffective, emotional breakdown is inevitable.
C) Combat situations present highly stressful situations for which there may be no truly effective coping mechanisms.
D) Basic training is ineffective at preparing new recruits for any of the challenges they will likely face.

Question 78

1-80. Having a history of psychological problems before going into combat

A) will make a soldier much more likely to develop PTSD.
B) will make a soldier much more likely to develop PTSD only if the combat situation is extreme.
C) sometimes increases risk of PTSD, but may lower it because the person is used to anxiety and copes automatically with it.
D) doesn't have an impact on developing PTSD.

Question 79

1-76. Feelings of control over stressors

A) do not make a difference when it comes to extremely severe stressors like torture.
B) can make a difference even for victims of torture - if the person feels he or she has some control, he or she tends to be less affected by the stressor over the long term.
C) can make people feel worse because they believe they should have been able to change what happened.
D) can make a difference even for victims of torture - if the person feels he or she has some control, he or she tends to be more affected by the stressor over the long term.

Question 80

1-66. Acute stress disorder becomes PTSD when

A) the trauma is an event out of the realm of normal life experience.
B) the symptoms last for more than 2 weeks.
C) the symptoms last for more than 4 weeks.
D) the symptoms begin within 6 months of the trauma.