Question 1

Because Peter is an optimist, which excuse would he most likely use for failing his psychology exam?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Because Peter is an optimist, which excuse...

Question 2

Claire, a die-hard Cubs fan, explains to a close friend that her beloved Cubs will win the World Series next year. Claire would be considered _______ ?

Accepted Answer

Claire's belief that her favorite team, the Cubs, will win the World Series next year demonstrates optimism, as she is hopeful and confident about the future success of her team.

Question 3

All of the following would be excuses that a pessimist might use after losing a tennis match EXCEPT?

Accepted Answer

The answer of All of the following would be excuses...

Question 4

Based on this chapter, which of the following is NOT a way that optimism has been described?

Accepted Answer

Optimism is characterized by expecting positive outcomes and explaining bad events in a way that does not undermine self-esteem, such as attributing them to external, unstable, and specific causes. Option C describes a pessimistic explanatory style, not an optimistic one.

Question 5

A researcher asked two participants to explain the cause for their most recent argument with their mother. Bill explained, "she just never sees my side of things", whereas Jason said, "I can be tough to get along with - I am quite stubborn". A few years later, the researcher checked back with the health records of both Bill and Peter. According to what you learned in this chapter, who is more likely to have a poorer health record?

Accepted Answer

Bill's statement reflects a more external attribution for the disagreement, suggesting a pessimistic outlook which is associated with poorer health outcomes.

Question 6

According to Eysenck, ________ tend to seek a high level of stimulation, and like to take risks.

Accepted Answer

Eysenck's theory suggests that extraverts have a lower baseline level of cortical arousal and therefore seek higher levels of stimulation and are more inclined to take risks to increase their level of arousal.

Question 7

Sheryl is considered to be an introvert. Based on this personality characteristic, which job would she mostly likely like to pursue?

Accepted Answer

Introverts often prefer jobs that allow for independence, focus, and less social interaction. Accounting fits these criteria well, as it involves working with numbers, detailed analysis, and often allows for solitary work or small team interactions, making it a suitable choice for someone with an introverted personality.

Question 8

Which of the following personality characteristics is associated with the healthiest life?

Accepted Answer

Extroversion is associated with the healthiest life because extroverts are more likely to engage in social activities, maintain larger social networks, and seek support when needed, all of which can contribute to better mental and physical health outcomes.

Question 9

Based on a longitudinal study performed by Friedman et al. (1993), ________ is the best predictor of longer lives

Accepted Answer

Conscientiousness was found to be the best predictor of longer lives according to the longitudinal study by Friedman et al. (1993). This trait involves being responsible, organized, and able to delay gratification, which can contribute to healthier lifestyles and better stress management.

Question 10

People who have a strong _______ locus of control believe that their decisions and behaviors impact their outcomes, and people with such a belief generally experience ________ physical and psychological health.

Accepted Answer

People with a strong internal locus of control believe that they have control over their own lives and their actions influence their outcomes, which is associated with better physical and psychological health.

Question 11

Britney has managed to stay healthy despite the stress of med school. Based on your knowledge of personality variables and health, all of the following should describe her personality EXCEPT.

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is D because individuals who maintain good health despite stress often have a positive outlook, seeing challenges rather than threats, and possess a sense of control and commitment. However, constantly taking blame for failures can be a negative trait associated with stress and poor coping mechanisms, not a healthy personality attribute.

Question 12

Based on research, who is most likely to experience the highest frequency of illness. Someone who has experienced ________ stressful events and who is ________ in hardiness.

Accepted Answer

Individuals who have experienced many stressful events and who are low in hardiness are most likely to experience the highest frequency of illness. This is because high levels of stress, combined with a low capacity to cope (low hardiness), can weaken the immune system, making one more susceptible to illness.

Question 13

People high in ________ describe themselves as having a greater number of physical symptoms as well as more severe and uncomfortable symptoms.

Accepted Answer

Individuals high in neuroticism often report more physical symptoms and perceive their symptoms as more severe and uncomfortable, due to their tendency towards anxiety, depression, and negative emotional states.

Question 14

All of the following characterize Type A behavior EXCEPT?

Accepted Answer

Type A behavior is characterized by a strong competitive drive, high levels of time urgency, and experiencing anger and hostility, but not by a strong sense of calmness.

Question 15

People who are ________ believe that other people are motivated by selfish concerns and expect that other people will deliberately try to hurt them.

Accepted Answer

Hostile individuals often expect that others are motivated by selfish concerns and are likely to harm them, reflecting a general mistrust and negative outlook towards others' intentions.

Question 16

People who experience higher levels of ________ are three times as likely to suffer a heart attack as those who rarely experience it.

Accepted Answer

Anger is associated with increased physiological arousal and stress, which can contribute to heart problems, including heart attacks. Studies have shown that individuals who frequently experience anger are at a higher risk of cardiovascular events.

Question 17

People who are high in all of the following EXCEPT perceive potentially stressful events as less threatening, perhaps because they view these events as challenging as opposed to threatening and tend to focus on the positive features of the situation

Accepted Answer

Type A personality is characterized by a high level of competitiveness, impatience, and a sense of urgency, which can actually increase the perception of stress rather than decrease it. In contrast, hardiness, extraversion, and optimism are traits that can help individuals perceive stressful events as less threatening.

Question 18

Which coping strategy are people high in optimism, extraversion, and internal control most likely?

Accepted Answer

People high in optimism, extraversion, and internal control are more likely to adopt positive coping strategies such as acceptance. They tend to believe they can influence outcomes and are more likely to face and accept challenges rather than avoid them.

Question 19

Which of the following characteristics is associated with the greatest levels of social support?

Accepted Answer

Extraversion is associated with greater levels of social support because extraverted individuals tend to be more outgoing and sociable, which helps them build and maintain social networks.

Question 20

Ben has been asked to give a speech at this year's graduation. Assuming that Ben is high in hostility, under which condition would he experience less stress prior to giving the speech?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Ben has been asked to give a...

Quiz 5: Managing Stress: The Role of Personality and Social Support