Deck 4: Personal Stress Management

Question 1

A relaxed, peaceful state of being can be achieved with which of the following activities?

A) an aerobic exercise class
B) playing a computer game
C) meditating for 15 minutes
D) attending a rap concert

Answer 1

There are some ways to find a peaceful state where you are relaxed.
(a)Aerobic exercise is good for you but since there is an increase in physiological activity, you will not arrive in a peaceful state.
Therefore(a)is proven false.
(b)Playing games such as those on a computer can cause eustress and still keep you from reaching a peaceful state.
Therefore(b)is considered false.
(c)Meditating for all of 15 total minutes can help reset the mind and place yourself in a peaceful state. Meditation works but takes some practice.
Therefore(c)is proven true.
(d)Attending a load concert, such as rap, can raise stress hormones even though it is fun. Therefore you will not be in a peaceful state.
Therefore(d)is proven false.

Question 2

Stress levels in college students

A) may be high due to stressors such as academic pressures, financial concerns, learning disabilities, and relationship problems.
B) are usually low because students feel empowered living independently of their parents.
C) are typically highest in seniors because their self-esteem diminishes during the college years.
D) are lower in minority students because they are used to stressors such as a hostile social climate and actual or perceived discrimination.

Answer 2

College students all feel their own levels of stress and there are different levels from minor to oppressive.
(a)Students deal with stressors such as learning disabilities like ADHD for some. They also deal with academic pressures including deadlines and tests. There are also financial concerns such as student loans.
Therefore(a)is completely correct.
(b)Students do not feel low stress levels as the norm. It is in fact a very small minority are not.
Therefore(b)is false.
(c)Self-esteem and confidence take the greatest hit during student's freshmen years since they are getting used to the college grind. Seniors are much better adjusted.
Therefore(c)is proven false.
(d)It has been shown that minorities suffer from higher stress levels if they are faced with the possibility of discrimination or the social climate is hostile.
Therefore(d)is proven false.

Question 3

Identify three stressful situations in your life and determine whether they are examples of eustress or distress. Describe both the positive and negative aspects of each situation.

Answer 3

Different situations can cause eustress or distress. Many prople have had the experience of a family member dying such as a grandparent. This causes distress. A positive eustress can be going to a concert and enjoying the experience. Many students deal with distress when it comes to their academic requirements. They deal with test stress, deadlines, and many times do not have a balance that lets them recuperate.

Question 4

In this text we define stress as

A) a negative emotional state related to fatigue and similar to depression.
B) the physiological and psychological response to any event or situation that either upsets or excites us.
C) the end result of the general adaptation syndrome.
D) a motivational strategy for making life changes.

Question 5

Can you think of any ways in which your behavior or attitudes might create stress for others? What changes could you make to avoid doing so?

Question 6

Which of the following illustrates the defense mechanism of displacement?

A) You have a beer in the evening after a tough day.
B) You act as if nothing has happened after you have been laid off from your job.
C) You start an argument with your sister after being laid off from your job.
D) You argue with your boss after he lays you off from your job.

Question 7

What advice might you give an incoming freshman at your school about managing stress in college? What techniques have been most helpful for you in dealing with stress? Suppose that this student is from a different ethnic group than you. What additional suggestions would you have for this student?

Question 8

An effective technique for dealing with test stress is

A) planning ahead.
B) going on a study blitz the night before the test.
C) going out for a few beers with friends the night before the test.
D) talking with friends about everything but the test.

Question 9

A person suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder may experience which of the following symptoms?

A) procrastination
B) constant thirst
C) drowsiness
D) terror-filled dreams

Question 10

According to the general adaptation syndrome theory, how does the body typically respond to an acute stressor?

A) The heart rate slows, blood pressure declines, and eye movement increases.
B) The body enters a physical state called eustress and then moves into the physical state referred to as distress.
C) If the stressor is viewed as a positive event, there are no physical changes.
D) The body demonstrates three stages of change: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

Question 11

Burnout is

A) the aftermath of extreme anger triggered by stress.
B) a feeling of complete defeat.
C) the feeling that comes after a long evening of partying.
D) a state of exhaustion brought on by constant or repeated emotional pressure.

Question 12

To develop an efficient studying style:

A) Schedule your study time on a calendar or planner, have a friend go to class and take notes for you, and join the chess club.
B) Schedule your study time on a calendar or planner, write notes or questions about the material in the margins of the book, and give yourself a small break after every study hour.
C) Read assignments before class, call a friend before studying, and plan on working for four continuous hours.
D) Read assignments before class, skip class when studying for an exam, and have snacks on hand.

Question 13

Over time, increased levels of stress hormones have been shown to increase a person's risk for which of the following conditions?

A) high blood pressure, memory loss, and skin disorders
B) stress fractures, male pattern baldness, and hypothyroidism
C) hemophilia, AIDS, and hay fever
D) none of the above