Question 1

In a research study involving medical students, lymphocyte levels were measured just before final exam week, and again during final exam week.In this study, the researchers found that during the final exam week, the medical students:

Accepted Answer

The stress of final exams is known to have a negative impact on the immune system, as stress hormones like cortisol can suppress the immune response. This can lead to a decrease in the number of lymphocytes in the blood during exam week.

Question 2

One research study tracked the immune response in men married to women with advanced breast cancer.The results from this study indicated that on average, following their wife's death:

Accepted Answer

The study found that following their wife's death, the existing lymphocytes in the men's blood showed a weaker response to foreign substances. This suggests a potential weakening of the immune system, which could make the men more vulnerable to illness or infection.

Question 3

Rhea works as an air traffic controller.This is a highly stressful job, and she constantly experiences stress while she is at work.Based on the research evidence that links stress with cardiovascular disease, you might expect that Rhea is likely to have:

Accepted Answer

The research evidence linking stress and cardiovascular disease suggests that stress can lead to high blood pressure (hypertension) and/or high cholesterol levels, both of which increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it is most likely that Rhea, who experiences constant stress as an air traffic controller, would have both high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels.

Question 4

Keith goes into his doctor for a blood test.Two weeks later, he returns for a follow-up blood test, and the doctor notes that Keith's lymphocyte count has increased since his earlier visit.Based on the research into the physical responses to stress, you might conclude that:

Accepted Answer

Lymphocyte count can increase when stress levels decrease, as stress typically suppresses the immune system.

Question 5

These are specialized white blood cells that attack foreign substances, such as viruses and bacteria.

Accepted Answer

Lymphocytes are white blood cells that are specialized to attack foreign substances such as viruses and bacteria. Cortisol cells are not involved in the immune system, and red blood cells are not involved in fighting infections. Therefore, the correct choice is B.

Question 6

In a study conducted by Cohen and colleagues, high-stress and low-stress people were given nasal drops that contained a common cold virus.These researchers found that:

Accepted Answer

The study found that high-stress individuals who were given the common cold virus were more likely to develop cold symptoms. This suggests that stress can weaken the immune system, making it harder to fight off infections.

Question 7

An individual who was self-satisfied, patient, and relaxed might be described as having:

Accepted Answer

A Type B personality is characterized by being laid-back, patient, and relaxed. These individuals tend to be more easygoing and have a lower level of stress and aggression compared to those with Type A personalities. Choice A (Type A personality) is opposite of the described traits, while Choice B (antisocial personality disorder) and C (dependent personality disorder) refer to personality disorders that are not related to the given description.

Question 8

Three months ago, Paulette was raped in an underground parking lot of the office complex where she works.Since that time, she has had insomnia.When she is able to sleep, she has nightmares and wakes up screaming, in a high state of arousal.She is no longer able to park in any underground parking garages, and she has quit her job.In this case, it is quite likely that Paulette is experiencing:

Accepted Answer

Paulette's symptoms match those of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which often occurs after experiencing or witnessing an extremely traumatic event, such as rape. Her insomnia, nightmares, and extreme reactivity are all common symptoms of PTSD. Additionally, her avoidance of underground parking garages and quitting her job suggest she may be experiencing avoidance behaviors, which are also characteristic of PTSD. The other options (burnout, general adaptation syndrome, retrograde amnesia) do not align with the symptoms and experiences Paulette is describing.

Question 9

Some researchers suggest that the critical aspect of Type A behavior that relates to heart disease is:

Accepted Answer

Hostility and anger have been found to be the most significant components of Type A behavior that are associated with an increased risk of heart disease. These negative emotions can lead to physiological changes such as increased blood pressure and heart rate, which over time can contribute to the development of cardiovascular problems.

Question 10

Someone with a Type B personality would tend to be:

Accepted Answer

Someone with a Type B personality is typically more laid-back and easy-going, and often displays traits such as patience and relaxation. This is in contrast to those with a Type A personality, who tend to be more ambitious and impatient.

Question 11

There is a well-documented relationship between stress and cardiovascular disease.This relationship may exist because prolonged exposure to stress:

Accepted Answer

Prolonged exposure to stress can cause the body to release hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which can increase blood pressure and cholesterol levels over time. This can contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease.

Question 12

Ellie keeps seeing images of the World Trade Center collapse and sometimes seems to feel the dust filling her lungs.She refuses to go back to New York City and is having trouble sleeping.Ellie's behavior is consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Ellie's symptoms suggest that she may be suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as she is experiencing repeated images of the traumatic event, refusing to go back to the place where the event took place, having trouble sleeping, and feeling the physical effects of the event. PTSD is a condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster or an act of violence.

Question 13

People under high stress are more likely to get sick because stress inhibits:

Accepted Answer

Stress inhibits the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to getting sick. When the body is under stress, the immune system's ability to fight off harmful pathogens is weakened, making it easier for viruses and bacteria to invade the body and cause illness.

Question 14

Veronica is extremely satisfied with her current situation.She has been in her job for 12 months, and she gets along well with everyone.She is extremely patient when she explains new projects to her coworkers, and she always seems to be relaxed and in control.Veronica would most likely be described as having:

Accepted Answer

Veronica's satisfaction with her job, patience, and calm demeanor suggest she has a Type B personality. Type B personalities tend to be relaxed, patient, and less competitive than Type A personalities. Prosocial personality disorder and dependent personality disorder are not relevant to Veronica's description.

Question 15

Posttraumatic stress disorder is:

Accepted Answer

Flashbacks are a key symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Weight gain, relaxation, and hypersomnia are not typically associated with PTSD.

Question 16

The trauma-based anxiety disorder that is characterized by flashbacks, avoidance behavior, and chronic arousal is:

Accepted Answer

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a trauma-based anxiety disorder that is characterized by flashbacks, avoidance behavior, and chronic arousal. It is a response to experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as combat, sexual assault, or a natural disaster. Burnout is a type of occupational stress that arises from chronic work-related stressors. Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. The general adaptation syndrome refers to the body's physiological response to stress, which occurs in three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

Question 17

A number of students often develop colds and other minor illnesses during final exam week.Based on the research into the physical responses to stress, this may happen because the stress of final exams:

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that chronic stress, such as that experienced during final exams, can lead to a decrease in the number of lymphocytes in the blood. This can result in a weakened immune system and increased susceptibility to minor illnesses like colds.

Question 18

The syndrome that can develop in certain people who are exposed to stressful situations that are demanding but not necessarily traumatic is:

Accepted Answer

Burnout is a syndrome that can develop in individuals who are exposed to demanding and stressful situations. It is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. On the other hand, posttraumatic stress disorder is a condition that develops in response to a traumatic event, and schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and difficulty with thinking and emotions. General adaptation syndrome refers to the body's response to stress and has three stages (alarm, resistance, and exhaustion).

Question 19

Nan's life is very stressful now that she is a single parent, and she has noticed that she catches every illness that her little girl gets.If Nan had a complete physical, she would probably be found to have:

Accepted Answer

Lower lymphocyte levels indicate a weakened immune system, which could make Nan more susceptible to illnesses, including those carried by her daughter. The stress of being a single parent could be contributing to the lowered levels.

Question 20

Rod is an impatient, highly competitive individual who is easily provoked into angry confrontations.He never seems to unwind or enjoy himself, and he frequently works late and comes into work on weekends.Friedman and Rosenhan would probably suggest that Rod's personality puts him at increased risk for:

Accepted Answer

Friedman and Rosenhan suggest that personality traits such as impatience, competitiveness, and hostility can put individuals at increased risk for developing high blood pressure and coronary heart disease. Rod's tendency towards angry confrontations and working excessively could indicate these traits, making D the best choice. A, B, and C are not as strongly linked to personality traits as they are to other factors such as genetics, trauma, and diet.

Quiz 16: Stress and Health