Question 1

Which of the following claims about the relationship between stress and the immune system is MOST accurate?

Accepted Answer

Research has consistently shown that prolonged or chronic stress can lead to impaired immune system functioning, making individuals more susceptible to infections and diseases. Depressed individuals are particularly vulnerable to this effect, as depression is associated with high levels of stress hormones that can suppress the immune system. Option A is incorrect as even low levels of stress can affect the immune system. Option C is also incorrect as stress has been found to decrease the number of natural killer cells, not increase them. Option D is incorrect as chronic stress can lead to immune system dysfunction rather than stimulation.

Question 2

The second stage of the general adaptation syndrome is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

The second stage of the general adaptation syndrome is the resistance stage, where the body continues to use resources to cope with the stressor.

Question 3

Which of the following is true about the association between depression and immune system functioning?

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that depression can have a direct impact on immune system functioning, independent of other lifestyle factors such as poor sleep, diet, and exercise habits. This is thought to be due to the effects of chronic stress on the body, which can lead to inflammation and other immune system dysregulation.

Question 4

One of the MOST dangerous consequences of an activated general adaptation syndrome over the long term is:

Accepted Answer

The formation of plaque in the arteries is the most dangerous consequence of an activated general adaptation syndrome over the long term. This can lead to cardiovascular disease, which is a leading cause of death worldwide. Elevated blood sugar, faster bleed time, and arrhythmia may also occur as part of the body's stress response, but the formation of plaque in the arteries is the most concerning in terms of long-term health outcomes.

Question 5

The general adaptation syndrome is most beneficial when dealing with:

Accepted Answer

The general adaptation syndrome, also known as the stress response, is a physiological response that helps in dealing with immediate emergencies. The three stages of GAS - alarm, resistance, and exhaustion - prepare the body to either fight or flee from the stressor. This response is most beneficial in dealing with situations that require an immediate response, such as a physical threat or accident.

Question 6

Which of the following types of negative events would be the MOST stressful?

Accepted Answer

Events that are unpredictable and uncontrollable tend to be the most stressful because they leave individuals feeling helpless and without any sense of control over the situation. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and a lack of ability to cope with the stressor.

Question 7

The third stage of the general adaptation syndrome is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

The third stage of the general adaptation syndrome is the exhaustion stage, where the body's resources are depleted after a prolonged period of stress. This can lead to physical and psychological health problems if the stressor is not removed or managed effectively.

Question 8

Juno,a rookie police officer,and Ham,an experienced police officer,are chasing a suspect down the highway? How severe will their stress reactions likely be?

Accepted Answer

Juno, the rookie police officer, is likely to experience more stress than Ham, the experienced officer, as he has less experience with high-speed highway chases. The lack of experience in such high-pressure situations can cause Juno to be more stressed and overwhelmed. Ham, on the other hand, has already experienced such situations before and may have developed coping mechanisms to deal with stress.

Question 9

Rats were exposed to a series of electrical shocks.The rats in Group A could turn a wheel to avoid an anticipated shock or to turn off a shock.The rats in Group B had no control over the shocks.What was the outcome of this study?

Accepted Answer

The study suggests that the rats in Group B, who had no control over the shocks, were more likely to develop ulcers and lose weight as a result of the stress. The rats in Group A, who had some control over the shocks, were able to avoid or turn off the shocks and did not experience significant detrimental effects. Option A and B are not supported by the information given, and option C is incorrect as the study suggests that Group B rats did experience negative effects.

Question 10

Research on stress suggests that if you are going to try to give up a bad habit,you should:

Accepted Answer

Using the buddy system and quitting the habit with another person provides accountability, support, and encouragement during times of stress or temptation. It also creates a sense of teamwork, making it more likely for individuals to stick to their commitment to quitting the bad habit.

Question 11

Of the following stressors,which one tends to be the MOST stressful?

Accepted Answer

Unfamiliar or surprising stressors tend to be the most stressful as they catch individuals off guard and they may not have the necessary coping mechanisms in place to manage that stressor. Predictable stressors, on the other hand, can often be prepared for and managed more easily, while self-induced stressors and stressors that are ignored may be within an individual's control to some extent.

Question 12

Nyiah says,"This is my fifth pregnancy.I've been through all of this before." Which factor will account for the fact that Nyiah will handle her stress more efficiently in this pregnancy than in her other pregnancies?

Accepted Answer

Nyiah's prior experience with pregnancy means that she has developed coping mechanisms and has greater knowledge of what to expect, allowing her to handle her stress more efficiently.

Question 13

It has been noted that elderly men have more detrimental health effects following the death of a family member (other than other their spouse)than do women.What factor MOST likely accounts for this difference?

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that elderly men tend to have fewer social supports, which makes them more vulnerable to negative health effects following a family member's death. Women, on the other hand, typically have stronger social networks and greater social support, which may buffer against the negative effects of stress. The other options (estrogen, planning for losses, and perception of control) are not likely to be the primary factors contributing to this gender difference.

Question 14

Having friends or family to tell about one's problems:

Accepted Answer

Having a support system in the form of friends or family to talk to about one's problems has been shown to decrease the effects of stress. This is because it allows individuals to share their emotions and get things off their chest, which can help them process and cope with their stressors more effectively.

Question 15

In the study by Cohen (1996),stressful life events were significantly associated with an increased risk of:

Accepted Answer

Cohen's 1996 study found a significant association between stressful life events and an increased risk of catching a cold, highlighting the impact of stress on the immune system.

Question 16

With early exposures to negative events,being able to predict the event ____________ the level of stress experienced;having control over it ____________ the level of stress experienced.

Accepted Answer

The question is asking about the effect of predicting and having control over an event on the level of stress experienced when exposed to early negative events. It can be inferred that if one is able to predict the event, they may be able to mentally prepare or cope with it better, leading to a decrease in stress levels. Similarly, having control over the event may give a sense of agency, which can also reduce stress levels. Therefore, the best answer is D, as predicting the event and having control over it both decrease the level of stress experienced.

Question 17

The finding that young widows and widowers experience more prolonged depression than do older widows and widowers illustrates the importance of ____________ in predicting individual reactions to stress.

Accepted Answer

Developmental factors, such as age, can have an impact on how individuals respond to stress and trauma. Younger widows and widowers may have less experience dealing with loss and may face additional challenges, such as raising children alone, which can contribute to prolonged depression. Control, prior experience, and social support are also important factors in predicting individual reactions to stress, but they are not specifically illustrated by this finding.

Question 18

Clint just got fired.This is going to create so many problems that he cannot even begin to count them all.In addition to beginning an active job search,what should Clint do to reduce his stress?

Accepted Answer

Venting frustrations and seeking support from a trusted friend can help reduce stress and provide emotional relief after experiencing job loss. Options A, B, and C are not helpful or healthy ways to cope with the situation and may potentially cause more problems.

Question 19

In studies of adolescents who were sexually abused,how many developed suicidal thoughts?

Accepted Answer

According to studies, around 41% of adolescents who were sexually abused reported experiencing suicidal ideation or thoughts. This highlights the serious mental health consequences that can result from sexual abuse and the need for appropriate support and intervention for survivors.

Question 20

Which of the following factors have been correlated with depression?

Accepted Answer

All of these factors have been correlated with depression. Poor sleeping and eating habits, excessive drinking, smoking, and lack of exercise can contribute to the development of depression. Additionally, a disturbance in the autonomic and endocrine systems, which regulate bodily functions and hormones, can also be linked to depression. Therefore, all of these factors can contribute to the development and exacerbation of depression.

Quiz 13: Stress and Health