Question 1

As Jim was walking through a party, someone suddenly punched him. Jim was very startled, and immediately experienced a series of physiological reactions including increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and a clenching in his gut (as his digestive process stopped). What is illustrated by this example?

Accepted Answer

The physiological reactions described (increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and a clenching in the gut) are all symptoms of the fight-or-flight response, which is the body's automatic response to a perceived threat or danger.

Question 2

James has an important job interview tomorrow morning and he obviously wants to do a good job of selling himself to the interviewer. What is James most likely experiencing?

Accepted Answer

James is likely feeling pressure as he wants to do well in the job interview. Conflict, change, and frustration do not necessarily fit the situation described.

Question 3

What has a major influence on the type of emotion someone will feel as a result of stress?

Accepted Answer

The subjective appraisal of the event, or the individual's perception and interpretation of the stressor, has a major influence on the type of emotion that they will feel as a result of stress. This is because different people may perceive the same event in different ways, leading to varied emotional responses. Factors such as past experiences, personality, and coping strategies can also play a role in how a person appraises a stressor and the resulting emotional response.

Question 4

What types of events are included on the Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS)?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What types of events are included on...

Question 5

According to results of current research, what does the Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS) assess?

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to results of current research, what...

Question 6

Theresa and her husband Matt were having a picnic with their children when they noticed smoke coming from the woods. Both of them became somewhat afraid that there was a brush fire that could spread to where they were sitting. According to a recent evolutionary hypothesis, which response is more likely to be expressed by Theresa than by Matt?

Accepted Answer

The tend and befriend response, which is typically expressed more frequently by females, refers to an evolutionary adaptation in which individuals respond to stress by seeking out social support and nurturing relationships with others. In this scenario, Theresa’s concern for her family's safety may lead her to seek comfort and support from her husband and children or to seek out others nearby for help and guidance. On the other hand, the fight-or-flight response is a more generalized stress response that is typically marked by increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and a heightened state of arousal, and is expressed by both males and females in response to perceived threats. However, given the specific nature of the scenario described, the tend and befriend response is probably more relevant in this case. The other two options (comfort and gather response and general adaptation response) are not widely recognized terms within the field of stress and coping.

Question 7

What tends to be true of people with higher scores on the Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS)?

Accepted Answer

The Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS) measures the amount of stress a person has experienced due to major life events in the past year. Research has shown that individuals with higher scores on the SRRS are more vulnerable to developing physical illnesses such as heart disease, ulcers, and respiratory infections. This is likely due to the negative effects of chronic stress on the immune system and overall health. Thus, the correct answer is D - they are more vulnerable to developing physical illness.

Question 8

Many emotions are experienced by people who are under stress. According to recent research, which type of emotions appear to play a key role in helping people bounce back from the difficulties associated with stress?

Accepted Answer

Positive emotions appear to play a key role in helping people bounce back from the difficulties associated with stress. Research has shown that experiencing positive emotions such as joy, gratitude, and hope can help individuals build resilience and cope with stress more effectively.

Question 9

According to Fredrickson's broaden-and-build theory, which outcome is predicted for someone who experiences positive emotions when dealing with a stressor?

Accepted Answer

According to Fredrickson's broaden-and-build theory, experiencing positive emotions broadens an individual's mindset and builds personal resources, such as creativity and problem-solving abilities. Therefore, someone who experiences positive emotions when dealing with a stressor is predicted to engage in creative problem-solving.

Question 10

Which of the following describes the relationship between level of arousal and performance?

Accepted Answer

The inverted-U hypothesis suggests that performance increases with arousal up to a certain point, but beyond that point, further increases in arousal will actually decrease performance. This relationship is depicted as an inverted-U shaped curve, where the peak of the curve represents the optimal level of arousal for peak performance.

Question 11

What is the fight-or-flight response?

Accepted Answer

The fight-or-flight response is a physiological reaction to threat involving the autonomic nervous system. This response triggers the release of adrenaline and cortisol, which prepare the body to either fight the threat or flee from it.

Question 12

Chad is an excellent golfer, very good at basketball, competent at tennis, and has just started to play rugby. If Chad wants to perform as well as possible, for which sport should his arousal level be lowest?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Chad is an excellent golfer, very good...

Question 13

What is described by the general adaptation syndrome?

Accepted Answer

The general adaptation syndrome is a physiological response to stress, consisting of three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

Question 14

Selena looked down at her feet and was startled to see a large poisonous snake. Which stage of the general adaptation syndrome would Selena be experiencing at that moment?

Accepted Answer

The alarm reaction stage of the general adaptation syndrome is characterized by the "fight or flight" response to a stressor. In this case, Selena's encounter with a poisonous snake would likely trigger this response, causing physiological changes such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, as well as feelings of fear or anxiety.

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT one of the stages of the general adaptation syndrome?

Accepted Answer

The general adaptation syndrome has three stages: alarm reaction, resistance, and exhaustion. Recovery is not considered one of the stages in the general adaptation syndrome.

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of a stressful situation that involves pressure?

Accepted Answer

Meeting a significant other's parents and wanting to make a good impression can create pressure and stress to perform well in a high-stakes social situation.

Question 17

Which of the following does NOT reflect Hans Seyle's description of physiological responses to stress?

Accepted Answer

Hans Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome suggests that physiological responses to stress are nonspecific and follow a predictable pattern, regardless of the type of stressor.

Question 18

On the Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS), which life event has the highest change score associated with it?

Accepted Answer

Divorce has the highest change score on the SRRS, with a score of 73. This indicates a high level of stress associated with divorce. The other options listed have lower change scores, indicating less stress associated with those life events.

Question 19

What is the correct order of the stages of the general adaptation syndrome?

Accepted Answer

The correct sequence of stages for the general adaptation syndrome is alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. During the alarm stage, the body prepares itself to deal with the stressor. In the resistance stage, the body tries to adapt to the stressor and cope with its effects. If the stressor persists for a prolonged period, the body may enter the exhaustion stage, where it is no longer able to cope, and physiological functions start to break down.

Question 20

Janice is working on a group project for class, and the other members of her group really need her to finish her section of the work so that they can complete their work. Her deadline is today, and she's not quite finished yet. Which type of stress is Janice experiencing?

Accepted Answer

Janice is experiencing pressure because she has a deadline to meet and her group members are depending on her to complete her portion of the project.

Quiz 13: B: Stress, Coping, and Health