Deck 17: Health Psychology

Question 1

Lifestyle choices, behaviors, and psychological characteristics are the main focus of ________ psychology.

A) cognitive
B) behavioral
C) health
D) social

Answer 1

health

Question 2

Your roommate has been engaging in risky sexual behavior all semester, yet she denies that anything is wrong. She is likely in the ________ stage of the stages of change model.

A) preparation/determination
B) contemplation
C) termination
D) precontemplation

Answer 2

precontemplation

Question 3

People who are in the ________ stage of change possess a beginning awareness of their problem behavior but they are not yet ready to change it.

A) action
B) contemplation
C) maintenance
D) preparation

Answer 3

contemplation

Question 4

Which of the following would NOT be classified under health behaviors?

A) exercising
B) drinking lots of water
C) getting a breast exam
D) studying

Question 5

Vince is overweight and wants to start an exercise program. According to the theory of reasoned action, which of the following is a critical factor in regards to Vince's chances of effective change?

A) avoiding specific intentions in terms of the exercise program
B) having the belief that his friends will like what he is doing
C) avoiding specific goals
D) having the ability to control the outcome

Question 6

Sam has a problem with alcohol. He gets drunk at parties four to five nights a week and it is not uncommon for him to experience blackouts. Despite his friends' concerns, Sam does not think he has a problem and believes that he is just being a typical college student. Sam would most likely be classified as being in the ________ stage of change.

A) preaction
B) contemplation
C) precontemplation
D) preparation

Question 7

Dr. Saline is testing the water supplies of small villages in a remote region of Africa to ascertain the water's purity. Dr. Saline is interested in

A) public health.
B) health promotion.
C) charity work.
D) lifestyle changes.

Question 8

In the stages of change model, a key factor that differentiates the ________ is awareness that a particular behavior is problematic.

A) contemplation stage from the action stage
B) contemplation stage from the preparation stage
C) preparation stage from the action stage
D) precontemplation stage from the contemplation stage

Question 9

Ginny was not really aware of her body odor until one of her friends made a comment about how bad someone in her carpool smelled. According to the stages of change model, Ginny is at the ________ stage.

A) precontemplation
B) contemplation
C) preparation/determination
D) action/willpower

Question 10

Jack has started a new diet program. He wants to lose thirty pounds. His wife is supporting him and he feels that the weight loss is under his control. His change in behavior reflects the theory of

A) planned behavior.
B) health promotion.
C) changed behavior.
D) reasoned action.

Question 11

Shirley is talking to a group of third graders about the importance of drinking plenty of water every day. She is focused on

A) public health.
B) planned behavior.
C) precontemplation.
D) health promotion.

Question 12

Pete was surprised how quickly he became short of breath while playing a pick-up game of basketball with his co-workers. He has been smoking for several years and is finally thinking about quitting, but is uncertain as how to go about it. Pete is at which stage in the stages of change model?

A) precontemplation
B) contemplation
C) preparation/determination
D) action/willpower

Question 13

Lawrence was just told by his doctor that his recent weight gain has placed him at risk for Type II diabetes. Lawrence chooses to ignore his doctor's advice. Lawrence is at which stage in the stages of change model?

A) precontemplation
B) contemplation
C) preparation/determination
D) action/willpower

Question 14

The main difference between health psychology and behavioral medicine is that in addition to behavioral and social influences, health psychology focuses on ________ influences, while behavioral medicine focuses on ________ influences.

A) cognitive; emotional
B) biomedical; cognitive
C) cognitive; biomedical
D) biomedical; emotional

Question 15

How is the theory of planned behavior different from the theory of reasoned action?

A) It focuses on planning the steps that will lead towards attaining the stated goal.
B) It places importance on maintaining a positive attitude.
C) It emphasizes the importance of developing specific goals.
D) It includes the idea that perceptions of control over the outcome are important.

Question 16

Who is NOT engaged in what psychologists refer to as health behaviors?

A) Mary is eating an apple.
B) Jim is studying his history notes.
C) Alice is walking with a friend.
D) Little Melanie is brushing her teeth.

Question 17

The element of ________ separates the theory of reasoned action from the theory of planned behavior.

A) confidence
B) control
C) caring
D) creativity

Question 18

Which of the following is the first stage in the stages of change model?

A) preparation/determination
B) precontemplation
C) action/willpower
D) contemplation

Question 19

Kevin knows that he needs to start an exercise program. He has begun to check the programming offered by a number of the fitness centers in his area. According to the stages of change model, Kevin is at the ________ stage.

A) precontemplation
B) contemplation
C) preparation/determination
D) action/willpower

Question 20

Ryan has started lifting weights so he can try out for the football team next year. He is excited and feels his peers will support him. However, he still does not know if he will make the team. His change in behavior reflects the theory of

A) planned behavior.
B) reasoned action.
C) changed behavior.
D) healthy behavior.

Question 21

Missy has decided to start eating healthier. She has even been to the grocery store and purchased a bunch of fruit and vegetables to begin her new nutritional program. Missy is at which stage of the stages of change model?

A) precontemplation
B) contemplation
C) preparation/determination
D) action/willpower

Question 22

In the stages of change model, how is the maintenance stage different from the preparation and action stages?

A) It involves more focus and effort than the other two stages.
B) It is the one stage that requires stage-matched interventions.
C) In the maintenance stage, the new behavior has become routine.
D) In the maintenance stage, there is awareness that there is a problem.

Question 23

If you are involved in the process of trying to change a maladaptive behavior, you would most likely expend the largest amount of energy and effort during the ________ stage.

A) preparation
B) contemplation
C) action
D) maintenance

Question 24

Stacy has lost ten of the twenty pounds she intends to lose. She has promised herself that if she loses the twenty pounds, she will buy the pair of designer jeans she has wanted for over a year. According to the stages of change model, Stacy is at the ________ stage.

A) precontemplation
B) contemplation
C) preparation/determination
D) action/willpower

Question 25

Which of the following lists the stages of the stages of change model in the correct order?

A) preparation/determination, precontemplation, contemplation, action/willpower, maintenance
B) preparation/determination, action/willpower, precontemplation, contemplation, maintenance
C) precontemplation, contemplation, preparation/determination, action/willpower, maintenance
D) precontemplation, contemplation, preparation/determination, maintenance, action/willpower

Question 26

Mia began a running routine to help her lose weight. Now she runs for the joy of it. Mia has

A) reached self-actualization.
B) become resistant to change.
C) reached transcendence.
D) adapted to her weight problem.

Question 27

Carlos' parents want him to do better in school. The best predictor of improved school performance is whether or not

A) his friends encourage him.
B) his parents encourage him.
C) his teachers encourage him.
D) he decides he needs to work harder.

Question 28

You are trying to change your exercise routine in order to have a healthier lifestyle. You develop a new exercise schedule and plan to implement it starting next month. You are in the ________ stage of the stages of change model.

A) precontemplation
B) contemplation
C) preparation/determination
D) action/willpower

Question 29

Bob decided that he was a bit overweight so he created a new exercise program, something he had never tried before. Though he initially had some difficulty setting it up and sticking with it, he has consistently done his workouts for the last eight months. While it is becoming more habitual, the program is still not yet automatic for him so he reinforces himself with new music CDs each month. Bob is most likely in the ________ stage of the stages of change model.

A) action
B) maintenance
C) termination
D) preparation

Question 30

Harry is committed to abstaining from drinking. He has joined a running club and meets with them after work. Now when his co-workers ask him to join them for drinks after work, he has a built-in excuse not to accompany them. Harry is most likely in the ________ stage of the stages of change model.

A) action/willpower
B) contemplation
C) preparation/determination
D) maintenance

Question 31

Claire has a problem with smoking. If she were in the ________ stage of change, the best stage-matched intervention would be to inform her about the dangers of continuing this unhealthy behavior. However, if she were in the ________ stage, you would do well to provide her with training in specific skills that can help her to actually stop smoking.

A) contemplation; preparation
B) preparation; action
C) preparation; contemplation
D) precontemplation; preparation

Question 32

Which of the following is the last stage in the stages of change model?

A) resolution
B) resistance
C) action/willpower
D) maintenance

Question 33

Your uncle has decided that it is finally time to quit smoking. He stopped last week and is hoping that he can continue to stay tobacco-free. He is in the ________ stage of the stages of change model.

A) preparation/determination
B) contemplation
C) action/willpower
D) maintenance

Question 34

According to the text, a key element in predicting whether Barry will change his drinking behavior is

A) how long he has thought about changing the behavior.
B) how much information he has collected about the problematic behavior.
C) how ready he is to change the behavior.
D) the cost involved in changing the behavior.

Question 35

Who is most likely going to achieve their desired weight loss?

A) Billy's mother made him begin a martial arts program.
B) Florence's husband bought her a gym membership.
C) Stan wants to make the track team.
D) Felicity's boyfriend bought her a new tennis racket.

Question 36

After changing her eating habits, Kelsey does not even think about ordering anything but whole wheat bread for her submarine sandwich. Kelsey has reached

A) transcendence.
B) resistance.
C) self-actualization.
D) adaptation.

Question 37

Which of the following statements would be most typical of someone in the preparation stage of change?

A) "Problem? What problem? I don't have a problem."
B) "All right! I'm actually taking steps to change this problematic behavior."
C) "I know that my behavior is problematic, but I'm just not ready to change it yet."
D) "I'm going to do something about this problem, starting first thing next week."

Question 38

In the stages of change model, a person is experiencing ________ when conscious attention is no longer required to maintain the new, healthy behavior.

A) determination
B) transcendence
C) cognitive appraisal
D) willpower

Question 39

Ginger has not smoked a cigarette for four months. However, after hearing about the death of a close friend, she went to the store, purchased a new pack, and smoked several cigarettes on the way home. Ginger is at which stage of the stages of change model?

A) maintenance
B) action/willpower
C) contemplation
D) preparation/determination

Question 40

Receiving support from friends, family, and even members of a support group is associated with which stage of the stages of change model?

A) precontemplation
B) contemplation
C) preparation/determination
D) action/willpower

Question 41

Who is experiencing the benefits of social support?

A) Marcy is volunteering at a hospice center.
B) Chet is listening to music.
C) Ava joined a weight-watchers club.
D) Jim is reading a book.

Question 42

Jennie's father comes home after a long day of work and has a couple of strong drinks to help him relax. His motive for drinking would be characterized as

A) social.
B) coping.
C) enhancement.
D) All of these.

Question 43

According to your text, the stages of change model has successfully predicted change in which of the following?

A) smoking
B) exercise
C) safe-sex practices
D) All of these.

Question 44

Lisa has just given birth to a baby boy. While assuring her that she will be a good parent, Lisa' mother shows her how to breast feed. Lisa is thankful that her mother is also taking care of the household chores. What kind of social support is Lisa's mother providing?

A) tangible assistance
B) information
C) emotional support
D) All of these.

Question 45

The connection between religion and a healthy lifestyle is

A) causal.
B) doubtful.
C) non-existent.
D) correlational.

Question 46

Which of the following is NOT true when speaking of the relationship between religion and health?

A) Religious involvement causes an improvement in health according to research.
B) Religion can provide a buffer against stress and help people cope with difficulties.
C) Religious thoughts play a role in maintaining hope and stimulating motivation.
D) Religious involvement promotes social connections and can prevent isolation.

Question 47

Maurice is desperately attempting to study for his first test in psychology. However, the book store has run out of textbooks. He loaned his notes to the good looking girl who sits behind him, and she has not returned them. The test is scheduled for tomorrow morning and he has a headache. Maurice is experiencing

A) acute stress disorder.
B) stress.
C) daily hassle.
D) cataclysmic stress.

Question 48

Selye's three-stage pattern of reaction to stress is known as the

A) factor theory of stress.
B) stress response syndrome.
C) personal adjustment system.
D) general adaptation syndrome.

Question 49

Ryan is sad because his girlfriend just broke up with him. Ryan's father assures him that he has lots of desirable traits and that he will be okay. Ryan's father is primarily providing what kind of social support?

A) tangible assistance
B) information
C) emotional support
D) All of these.

Question 50

The circumstances that threaten a person or tax his/her coping abilities are called

A) mental blocks.
B) transactions.
C) emotion generators.
D) stressors.

Question 51

Your heart begins to race as your teacher announces that there is a pop quiz on the reading material that was assigned last night. What stage of the GAS are you experiencing?

A) exhaustion
B) secondary
C) resistance
D) alarm

Question 52

A fundamental premise of the general adaptation syndrome is that

A) a stressor produces the same physical symptoms in all people.
B) some people are immune to stress.
C) all stress responses will result in exhaustion.
D) stress acts on the parasympathetic nervous system.

Question 53

When a rat is first introduced to an over-crowded cage, it will likely enter the ________ stage of the general adaptation syndrome.

A) curious
B) alarm
C) resistance
D) exhaustion

Question 54

There is a distinct physiological pattern that emerges when people are exposed to strong and prolonged stress. Hans Selye labeled this response pattern the

A) transactional stress response.
B) two-factor theory of stress.
C) general adaptation syndrome.
D) chronic stress response.

Question 55

The general adaptation syndrome refers to the

A) steps taken during cognitive appraisal.
B) body's response to stressors.
C) frustration created by conflict.
D) the stages of behavioral change.

Question 56

Brittany loves the rush she gets after a couple of shots of vodka. Brittany's motive for drinking would be characterized as

A) social.
B) coping.
C) enhancement.
D) All of these.

Question 57

Jeanne only drinks alcohol when she is playing bridge with her friends. Her motive for drinking would be characterized as

A) social.
B) coping.
C) enhancement.
D) All of these.

Question 58

Which of the following accurately describes the sequence of stages in the general adaptation syndrome?

A) alarm, resistance, and challenge
B) primary appraisal, alarm, secondary appraisal
C) challenge, frustration, and exhaustion
D) alarm, resistance, and exhaustion

Question 59

A situation, circumstance, or event that challenges the individual and requires some form of coping mechanism best defines the term

A) conflict.
B) stressor.
C) mental block.
D) pressure.

Question 60

You walk into your biology class and unexpectedly see a quiz waiting for you on your desk. If you are not prepared for the quiz, you are likely to experience the ________ stage of the general adaptation syndrome.

A) alarm
B) resistance
C) exhaustion
D) secondary

Question 61

Which of the following statements is NOT one of the preliminary hypotheses in regards to the relationship between stress and the immune system?

A) Stressful experiences lower the efficiency of immune system, making individuals more susceptible to disease.
B) Stress directly promotes disease-producing processes.
C) Stressful experiences may cause the activation of dormant viruses that diminish the individual's ability to cope with disease.
D) Stressful experiences interact with other environmental factors causing a decrease in the efficiency of the immune system.

Question 62

After studying all week for final exams, eating poorly, and not getting enough sleep, Shelly woke up the day after her last exam with the flu. She is in which stage of the GAS?

A) alarm
B) deferred optimism
C) exhaustion
D) resistance

Question 63

According to Selye, in which stage of the GAS does the person exert an all-out effort to combat stress?

A) alarm
B) resistance
C) primary
D) exhaustion

Question 64

If Jason decides that the snake he sees is dangerous, he has made a

A) cognitive appraisal.
B) resistance plan.
C) mobilizing observation.
D) metacognitive decision.

Question 65

Maria was just told that her husband has cancer. Instead of dealing with the threat of cancer, Maria decides to sign her and her husband up for a cruise. Maria is engaging in ________ coping.

A) problem-focused
B) avoidance
C) task-focused
D) emotion-focused

Question 66

Who is most likely to catch the flu?

A) Harry just started a new job.
B) Janice has been working on a high-stakes project for nearly six months.
C) Chris got married last week.
D) Kala just got a promotion with a lot more responsibilities.

Question 67

Which statement is NOT correct concerning the relationship between the immune system and stress?

A) Acute stressors produce enhanced immune system functioning.
B) Stress hormones suppress functioning of the immune system.
C) Chronic stressors are associated with inhibited immune system response.
D) Positive social circumstances are associated with an increased ability to fight cancer.

Question 68

Katie has been diagnosed with breast cancer and is under significant stress. She is now undergoing a series of chemotherapy treatments to attempt to treat the cancer. According to Selye, Katie is in the ________ stage of GAS.

A) exhaustion
B) acceptance
C) resistance
D) deferred optimism

Question 69

Once you get over the initial stress associated with your first exam of finals week, the fact that you have several more exams will likely lead your body to enter the ________ stage of the general adaptation syndrome.

A) alarm
B) resistance
C) exhaustion
D) primary

Question 70

The affect of stress on physical health tends to result in

A) short-term problems.
B) long-term problems.
C) acute problems.
D) All of these.

Question 71

Rosemary is interested in studying the relationships between emotion, the nervous system, and the immune system. She would be most interested in the field of

A) cognitive psychology.
B) psychopharmacology.
C) psychoneuroimmunology.
D) neurology.

Question 72

A surge in ________ caused by severe emotional distress may contribute to one's risk of a heart attack.

A) dopamine
B) adrenaline
C) sodium
D) testosterone

Question 73

According to the general adaptation syndrome, possible serious biological damage may occur during the ________ stage.

A) exhaustion
B) resistance
C) coping
D) alarm

Question 74

Two years ago, Walter's business went bankrupt. Two months ago, his wife left him. Two days ago, Walter had a nervous breakdown. According to Selye's GAS, Walter is in the ________ stage.

A) alarm
B) reaction
C) resistance
D) exhaustion

Question 75

Josh was just in an automobile accident. The first thing he does is call his insurance company and begin the claim process. Josh is engaging in ________ coping.

A) problem-focused
B) avoidance
C) task-focused
D) emotion-focused

Question 76

The immune system and the central nervous system both rely on ________ mediators for communication.

A) electrical
B) chemical
C) symbolic
D) cognitive

Question 77

After a long week of final exams is over, many students end up getting sick the following week. This is most likely an illustration of the ________stage of the general adaptation syndrome.

A) alarm
B) resistance
C) exhaustion
D) secondary

Question 78

Based on the text, which of these is an accurate description of the relationship between stress and the immune system and cancer?

A) The physiological effects of stress cause smoking, which then causes cancer.
B) The physiological effects of stress inhibit immune responses to cancer.
C) The physiological effects of stress temporarily slow the progression of cancer.
D) The physiological effects of stress provide resistance to cancer.

Question 79

If the body's all-out effort to combat stress fails and the stress persists, the individual moves into the ________ stage of the GAS.

A) resistance
B) exhaustion
C) alarm and mobilization
D) coping

Question 80

The body system that plays the greatest role in Selye's GAS is called the

A) parasympathetic system.
B) hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
C) cingulate gyrus.
D) prefrontal cortex.