Question 1

Jim is on the brink of flunking out of school. Instead of increasing his studying, he spends his time daydreaming about how he'll win the lottery so he won't need a degree. Which processes are illustrated by this example?

Accepted Answer

Jim is experiencing frustration with his academic performance and is engaging in fantasy by daydreaming about winning the lottery instead of facing the challenge of improving his study habits.

Question 2

Pete is the lead prosecution attorney in a murder case. So far the case has not been going well for him, and the defence attorneys have presented effective rebuttals for most of the points he has raised. The judge adjourned the case for the weekend, and Pete will have to present his closing arguments first thing Monday morning. While he is trying to write his closing statement, he daydreams about a surprise eyewitness to the crime suddenly stepping forward and clinching the case for him. Which processes are illustrated by this example?

Accepted Answer

Pete is experiencing frustration with the case not going well and the defence attorneys presenting effective rebuttals. He is using fantasy to deal with the anxiety this frustration has generated by daydreaming about a surprise eyewitness.

Question 3

Describe several recent occasions when you've experienced stress. For each case identify the type(s) of stress you experienced and whatever emotional, physiological, and/or behavioural responses to stress you made.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe several recent occasions when you've experienced...

Question 4

In one study of sodium intake and cardiovascular disease, researchers found a statistically significant association between high sodium intake and the prevalence of hypertension among normal-weight subjects. The prevalence of hypertension in the group with the lowest sodium intake was 19.8 percent; the prevalence of hypertension in the group with the highest sodium intake was 20.5 percent. What do these data suggest?

Accepted Answer

While there was a statistically significant association between high sodium intake and prevalence of hypertension, the difference in prevalence between the lowest and highest sodium intake groups was less than 1 percent. This suggests that while the finding is statistically significant, the practical importance may not be significant enough to draw strong conclusions or make significant recommendations based solely on this study.

Question 5

Janet's husband just lost his high-paying job, and they are about to lose their house and savings. Janet refuses to acknowledge this obvious reality so she acts as if everything is just fine. Which processes are illustrated by this example?

Accepted Answer

Janet is engaging in denial by refusing to acknowledge the reality of their financial situation.

Question 6

Imagine that a researcher publishes the results from a study, and the results indicate that there is a statistically significant association between sleep deprivation and coronary disease. What does it mean to say that the results are statistically significant?

Accepted Answer

Statistically significant means that the probability of the results being due to chance is very low, typically less than 5%. Thus, it suggests that the association between sleep deprivation and coronary disease is real and not just a result of random variation in the data. However, it does not necessarily mean that sleep deprivation causes coronary disease or that it has a larger effect than other factors.

Question 7

Mika is helping her grandmother choose a new apartment complex. There are two, in particular, that are at the top of her list. Whispering Pines has a weekly poker tournament, a low-impact aerobics class, and a dance every Friday night. Riverbend Hollow has a pottery class, a choir, and a book club. Which one would be best for reducing her stress levels and risk of disease, according to research by King, Taylor, and Haskell?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Mika is helping her grandmother choose a...

Question 8

Which of the following is supported by evidence on the benefits of exercise for reduction of disease risk?

Accepted Answer

There is evidence that moderate amounts of exercise can lead to a reduction in overall risk of disease. Competitive sports may increase the risk of injury, and high amounts of exercise can actually increase stress levels. Maintaining an exercise regimen is important for health across the lifespan, but the benefits may decline with age.

Question 9

A friend shows you an article in the newspaper that indicates a researcher found the prevalence of a specific health disorder increased by 70 percent in individuals who consumed calcium-enhanced milk products. After reading this article, your friend has decided to stop purchasing any products that contain calcium. What should you tell your friend, based on the information provided in the Critical Thinking application at the end of the chapter?

Accepted Answer

Without knowing the base rate of the disorder, it is difficult to determine if a 70% increase in prevalence is significant or not. It is possible that the prevalence was very low to begin with, making the 70% increase a small actual risk. Therefore, cutting out all products that contain calcium may not be necessary.

Question 10

Do you have any favourite or habitual techniques for coping with stress? Explain how your techniques are examples of the categories of coping from this chapter's application (reappraisal, humour, emotional release, relaxation, lessening physiological vulnerability). Do you use any methods that don't seem to fit into any of these categories?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Do you have any favourite or habitual...

Question 11

Herbert Benson devised a simple procedure, called the relaxation response, which can have beneficial health effects. When should it be practised to experience the full benefits?

Accepted Answer

Practicing the relaxation response on a daily basis is recommended to experience the full benefits.

Question 12

Which of the following was NOT cited in the text as a factor that promotes relaxation?

Accepted Answer

The text listed being in a comfortable position, focusing on a constant stimulus, and developing a passive attitude as factors that promote relaxation. However, fantasizing about future accomplishments was not cited as a factor.

Question 13

Describe Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome, using an example of a situation that might be expected to lead to such a response. In addition, describe two constructive coping methods that would allow an individual in that situation to deal with the stressor.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome, using an...

Question 14

Many people believe that suicide represents the ultimate failure to cope with life's stresses. Others feel that suicide is, itself, a coping response. What do you think? Is one type of stress more likely to lead to suicide than others?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Many people believe that suicide represents the...

Quiz 13: A: Stress, Coping, and Health