Question 1

People are most likely to adopt a problem-focused coping strategy when they perceive the stressors as:

Accepted Answer

People are most likely to use problem-focused coping strategies when they perceive the stressor as something they can control or influence. This approach involves actively trying to change the situation, such as seeking information, making plans, or taking action. If the stressor is perceived as uncontrollable, people may instead use emotion-focused coping strategies which focus on managing emotional distress rather than the problem itself. Therefore, option C is the correct choice.

Question 2

An important change in the health of people over the last 100 years involves:

Accepted Answer

Over the last 100 years, technological advancements have led to the prevention and management of many infectious diseases, resulting in a decrease in mortality rates associated with infectious diseases. However, lifestyle-related diseases like obesity, heart diseases, and diabetes have become more prevalent due to changes in dietary habits and physical activity patterns. Therefore, option A is the correct choice as it accurately reflects the evolving health trends over the past century.

Question 3

Claude Bouchard conducted research on the effects of overfeeding on weight gain and found that identical twins were similar in the amount of weight they gained.This study provides evidence for which of the following statements?

Accepted Answer

The fact that identical twins showed similar weight gain suggests that genes play an important role in weight gain, as they have the same genetic makeup. This finding does not provide evidence for the other options listed.

Question 4

According to research conducted on family-focused interventions,the major difference between effective and ineffective family-focused treatments involves whether:

Accepted Answer

Effective family-focused interventions are those in which family members promote the patient's autonomy, allowing them to have control over their own treatment plan and decisions. This is in contrast to ineffective interventions where family members may be overly controlling or enabling of the patient's illness. Social skills, information about the patient's illness, and the type of practitioner conducting the intervention may all play a role, but promoting autonomy is the most significant factor in determining effectiveness.

Question 5

A positive reappraisal strategy that involves comparing oneself to those worse off is known as:

Accepted Answer

The positive reappraisal strategy that involves comparing oneself to those worse off is known as downward comparisons. It is a coping mechanism that reduces negative emotions associated with a stressor by comparing oneself to individuals who are less fortunate. It helps individuals maintain a positive self-image and improves their subjective well-being. Option A, creation of positive events, refers to actively creating positive experiences. Option B, the silver lining effect, refers to finding a positive outcome in a negative situation. Option D, social comparisons, involve comparing oneself to others for information or evaluation purposes.

Question 6

Robert,a formerly homeless man,has recently begun enjoying the experience of paying utility bills and rent.These activities are meaningful to him because they remind him that he is no longer homeless.In finding meaning in these activities,Robert is engaging in the process of:

Accepted Answer

Robert is finding meaning in everyday activities by creating positive events, as these activities remind him of his progress and current stability compared to his past situation.

Question 7

Based on what you know about downward comparisons,which emotion is most likely to follow a downward comparison?

Accepted Answer

Downward comparisons involve comparing oneself to someone who is perceived as worse off or less successful, which can lead to feelings of relief that one is not in a worse position. Therefore, the most likely emotion to follow a downward comparison is relief.

Question 8

Evidence that humans have a set-point for weight is reflected in the fact that:

Accepted Answer

This is known as the "set point theory" which suggests that the body has a predetermined weight range that it seeks to maintain. Even when individuals are over-fed or under-fed for a short period, the body will eventually return to its original weight range. This is evident in the case of the prisoners who were fed large amounts of food, but still gained less weight than expected and returned to their normal weight when their diet was regularized.

Question 9

Your roommate,who is very overweight,has an identical twin whom you have never met and who lived with an adoptive family while growing up.Given what you know about genetic and environmental factors in weight status,you would:

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that genetics play a significant role in a person's weight status, and identical twins tend to have similar weights regardless of their upbringing. As such, it is likely that the twin is also overweight, given that their genetic makeup is identical to that of the roommate.

Question 10

Sasha finds her job difficult and has had a hard time learning how to do some of the tasks that are required of her.She decides to put in some extra hours to learn how to complete the tasks,and she is confident that in doing so she will be able to perform the tasks well.According to research discussed in your textbook,what is a likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that putting extra effort into learning new tasks can lead to increased competence, confidence, and job satisfaction, ultimately reducing stress and improving well-being. There is no evidence to suggest that Sasha will become physically ill, friendlier, or more negative from putting in extra effort to learn her job tasks.

Question 11

Angelique and Patrice are both in seventh grade.Angelique has high self-esteem,and Patrice has low self-esteem.Which person is more likely to perceive herself as obese,if either,and why?

Accepted Answer

Girls with low self-esteem, like Patrice, are more likely to perceive themselves as obese, but the reasons for this relationship are not entirely clear.

Question 12

Being very overweight is:

Accepted Answer

Being very overweight is a major health problem in contemporary society. Obesity can lead to a range of health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. While overeating and genetic factors can contribute to obesity, it is primarily a result of consuming more calories than the body burns, leading to the accumulation of excess body fat. Personality may play a role in contributing to unhealthy eating habits or a lack of physical activity, but it is not the primary cause of obesity.

Question 13

Scott is having a difficult time with his classes.He tries to keep from becoming anxious about his grades by going to movies and parties with his friends.However,Scott is frequently irritated and gets sick often.Which of the following factors is probably contributing to Scott's mood problems and illnesses?

Accepted Answer

Scott is using an emotion-based coping strategy by trying to distract himself and avoid thinking about his grades by going to parties and movies. This is not an effective long-term solution and can cause additional stress and negative emotions, leading to irritability and physical symptoms.

Question 14

Uncle Frank has a heart condition,which means he needs to be very careful about certain aspects of his life.Based on research on family-focused interventions,which of these actions will be LEAST helpful in encouraging Uncle Frank to lead a healthier life?

Accepted Answer

Planning Uncle Frank's daily schedule for him may be perceived as intrusive and may not empower him to take control of his own health decisions. Research on family-focused interventions suggests that empowering patients to make their own health decisions and modeling healthy behaviors can be effective strategies to encourage healthier lifestyles. Providing rewards for positive health behaviors can also be a helpful strategy, as it reinforces the benefits of healthy behaviors.

Question 15

Kayla is participating in a research study on coping.She is asked to engage in a difficult task that is designed to elicit a stress response.Based on the results of previous research,if Kayla is high in hardiness she will show _____ following the stressful task.

Accepted Answer

Previous research has shown that individuals high in hardiness tend to have a more positive and constructive cognitive appraisal of stressors than those low in hardiness. Therefore, Kayla is more likely to have an increase in positive thoughts about herself following the stressful task.

Question 16

Hardy individuals tend to view life events as less stressful than those who are low on this personality dimension.An important aspect of how they view their daily life is that:

Accepted Answer

Hardy individuals have a strong sense of control over their lives and believe that they can influence the outcomes of events, which reduces their perception of stress. They do not necessarily resist negative changes or focus on negative thoughts and feelings. Varying levels of commitment to daily activities may apply to individuals across all personality dimensions.

Question 17

Positive reappraisal involves consciously changing one's:

Accepted Answer

Positive reappraisal involves changing one's beliefs about events, rather than changing behaviors, emotional expressions, or personality traits. It involves finding positive or meaningful aspects in a situation that may otherwise be viewed as negative or stressful. Positive reappraisal can lead to better emotional well-being and coping with stress.

Question 18

In 2008,the percentage of the U.S.population meeting the criteria for obesity was:

Accepted Answer

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2008, approximately 33% of the U.S. population met the criteria for obesity, which is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30. This is a significant increase from previous decades and remains a major public health concern.

Question 19

According to Kobasa,which of the following is NOT a component of the hardiness personality trait?

Accepted Answer

Comparison is not listed as a component of the hardiness personality trait. The three components are challenge, commitment, and control.

Question 20

If Amy is committed to her life tasks,feels challenged by barriers,and feels in control of her fate,she would be described as:

Accepted Answer

The description given in the question matches the characteristics of a person who is hardy. Hardy people are believed to have a resilient personality and are highly committed to their life tasks, which makes them capable of persisting through challenges and barriers. They also tend to have a sense of control over their lives, which provides them with a greater ability to manage stress and maintain well-being. On the other hand, Type A individuals are characterized by a competitive and time-urgent behavior pattern, while Type B individuals are more relaxed and easy-going. "Externalizer" is not a recognized personality type.

Quiz 11: Health and Well-Being