Question 1

An especially strong stress reaction follows whenever a stressor

Accepted Answer

When a stressor is appraised as a threat, it triggers a strong stress reaction because the individual perceives it as potentially harmful and beyond their control or ability to manage. This can result in a heightened state of arousal and the activation of the body's stress response systems. Additionally, if a stressor is controllable or manageable, an individual may be better equipped to cope with it and experience less of a stress response. However, becoming externalized (D) does not typically have a direct impact on the level of stress reaction.

Question 2

Which psychologist stated that there are two important steps in managing a threat, which are primary appraisal and secondary appraisal?

Accepted Answer

It was Richard Lazarus who developed the theory of cognitive appraisal, which includes two important steps in managing a threat: primary appraisal and secondary appraisal. Primary appraisal involves evaluating an event as either irrelevant, benign-positive, or stressful. Secondary appraisal involves evaluating one's own resources and ability to cope with the event.

Question 3

Primary and secondary appraisal are the steps that occur when a person is

Accepted Answer

Primary and secondary appraisal are cognitive processes that occur in response to a potentially threatening situation, where the individual evaluates both the potential threat and their ability to cope with it. Therefore, managing threatening situations is the most appropriate answer. The other options are not related to the appraisal process.

Question 4

Stress and negative emotions raise our vulnerability to infections, worsen illnesses, and delay recovery because they

Accepted Answer

Stress and negative emotions are known to lower immune system activity, making individuals more vulnerable to infections, worsen illnesses, and delay recovery. They do so by increasing the production of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can reduce the activity of immune cells such as T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells. At the same time, stress and negative emotions also increase inflammation as a result of the immune response, further weakening the immune system and exacerbating illnesses. Therefore, the best choice is B, which states that stress and negative emotions lower immune system activity and increase inflammation.

Question 5

Regarding subjective well-being, which of the following statements is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

A positive state of subjective well-being cannot be simply defined as the absence of disease. Well-being involves much more than just physical health and involves aspects such as happiness, contentment, and satisfaction with life. Therefore, option A is false. Options B, C, and D are true statements about subjective well-being.

Question 6

Marian would be described as physically and psychologically healthy.She is happy, optimistic, and self-confident and is able to bounce back emotionally from adversity.According to health psychologists, Marian is in a state of

Accepted Answer

Marian's description matches the characteristics of subjective well-being, which is a state of positive evaluations and experiences of one's life. Health psychologists recognize this as an important aspect of overall health and wellness.

Question 7

When a stressful event happens, our emotions will be affected most by

Accepted Answer

How we appraise a situation or perceive it to be can greatly affect our emotions. If we perceive a situation to be threatening, for example, we may experience fear or anxiety. On the other hand, if we perceive a situation to be challenging or manageable, we may experience excitement or anticipation. Other factors such as the duration of the situation, arousal of the somatic nervous system, and feelings of pressure or frustration may also play a role, but they are not as directly related to our emotional response as our appraisal of the situation.

Question 8

When Selye examined animals in the last stage of the general adaptation syndrome, he found that many of the animals had

Accepted Answer

Selye found that animals in the last stage of the general adaptation syndrome often developed stomach ulcers due to prolonged stress.

Question 9

In which stage of the general adaptation syndrome would one find animals with enlarged and discolored adrenal glands, stomach ulcers, and intense shrinkage of the thymus and spleen?

Accepted Answer

The symptoms of enlarged and discolored adrenal glands, stomach ulcers, and intense shrinkage of the thymus and spleen are typically seen in the stage of exhaustion, which is the third and final stage of the general adaptation syndrome. In this stage, the body has depleted its resources and is no longer able to maintain its response to stress, leading to physical and emotional exhaustion and a range of physiological symptoms.

Question 10

When Selye examined animals in the last stage of the general adaptation syndrome, he found which of their organs to be enlarged and discolored?

Accepted Answer

Selye found that in the last stage of the general adaptation syndrome, the adrenal glands were enlarged and discolored. This is because the adrenal glands produce hormones such as cortisol, which are released in response to stress. Prolonged stress can cause the adrenal glands to become overworked and enlarged, leading to the characteristic symptoms of the third stage of the general adaptation syndrome, also known as exhaustion.

Question 11

When Selye examined animals in the last stage of the general adaptation syndrome, he found intense shrinkage of all of the following organs EXCEPT for the

Accepted Answer

Selye found intense shrinkage of the thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes in animals in the last stage of the general adaptation syndrome. However, he did not find intense shrinkage of the adrenal glands, which actually increase in size during this stage due to their increased production of cortisol.

Question 12

Ultimately, stress depends upon

Accepted Answer

Stress is a psychological response to a situation, which means it depends on how an individual perceives the situation. This perception can vary based on past experiences, personal values, beliefs, and expectations. Thus, option A is correct. B, C, and D are incorrect as they are not the primary determinants of stress. While the involvement of the somatic nervous system and the limbic system can contribute to stress responses, they are not the sole contributors. Similarly, while Type A/Type B personality theory can influence stress levels, it does not apply to all individuals and situations.

Question 13

Prolonged stress can result in

Accepted Answer

Prolonged stress can lead to a range of negative health outcomes, including psychosomatic illnesses, serious physical health issues, and complete collapse or burnout. Therefore, all of the options provided are correct.

Question 14

Regarding stress and the general adaptation syndrome, which of the following statements is FALSE?​

Accepted Answer

This statement is false. Animals in the later stages of the general adaptation syndrome actually tend to have significant enlargement of the adrenal glands and shrinkage of the thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes.

Question 15

Morgan finds riding rollercoasters thrilling and fun, while her friend Abby finds this activity distressing and terrifying.Thus, to know if an activity causes a person eustress or distress depends on

Accepted Answer

The way a person perceives and places meaning on events is a key determinant in whether an activity causes eustress or distress for them. Morgan finds rollercoasters thrilling and fun because she perceives them as exciting and enjoyable, while her friend Abby finds them distressing and terrifying because she perceives them as scary and dangerous.

Question 16

A specific condition or event in the environment that challenges or threatens a person is known as a(n)

Accepted Answer

A stressor is a specific condition or event in the environment that challenges or threatens a person. The other options are not accurate definitions of a stressor.

Question 17

A person who has a positive state of subjective well-being has all of the following EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

While a genetic predisposition for wellness may contribute to an individual's overall health and well-being, it is not a necessary requirement for a positive state of subjective well-being. The other options, such as supportive relationships, meaningful work, and a clean environment, have been consistently found to be important factors in promoting overall well-being.

Question 18

A person who is both physically and psychologically healthy, enjoys supportive relationships with others, does meaningful work, and lives in a clean environment has attained

Accepted Answer

The combination of physical and psychological health, supportive relationships, meaningful work, and a clean environment are all factors that contribute to an individual's overall subjective well-being. This term refers to how happy, satisfied, and fulfilled a person feels in their life as a whole. Option A is incorrect because self-actualization refers specifically to the process of fulfilling one's potential and achieving personal goals, and while it may contribute to subjective well-being, it is not the same thing. Option C, incongruence, refers to a lack of alignment between a person's ideal self and their actual self-concept, which is a different concept altogether. Option D, stress management, is a narrower and more specific term that refers to the ability to cope effectively with stressors in one's life, and while it may contribute to subjective well-being, it is not as comprehensive as the combination of factors described in the question.

Question 19

People who enjoy a positive state of subjective well-being are characterized by all of the following EXCEPT being

Accepted Answer

People who enjoy a positive state of subjective well-being are typically characterized as physically healthy, self-confident, and able to bounce back emotionally. However, they are not typically overly cautious regarding risks.

Question 20

Your mother would find it very stressful to listen to five of her son's hip-hop CDs in a row, while the son would find it stressful to listen to his mother's opera CDs.Thus, to know if a person is stressed, you must know

Accepted Answer

The meaning a person places on events can greatly impact their stress levels. In the given scenario, the mother and son have different preferences in music which can cause stress for both of them. This highlights the importance of subjective interpretation and how it can influence stress levels.

Quiz 13: Health, Stress, and Coping.