Question 1

There is one week left in the semester, and Andre has put off working on his five term papers until the very last minute. Although it has always taken him three to four days to write a single term paper, Andre is convinced that he can write all five papers in the week that remains. What coping strategy does Andre engage in, in this instance?

Accepted Answer

Andre is engaging in denial of reality by believing that he can write five term papers in one week when it has always taken him three to four days to complete just one.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT constructive coping?

Accepted Answer

Reliance on defence mechanisms can be maladaptive and avoidant, rather than constructive. Constructive coping involves facing and addressing the stressor in a healthy and productive way. Making realistic appraisals, confronting the problem directly, and inhibiting emotional reactions to stress are all examples of constructive coping.

Question 3

Shannon has a big deadline coming up and is feeling a lot of pressure. She knows she has barely enough time to complete the project, so she asks her mother to watch her kids for the weekend in order to give her more peace and quiet in which to work. Which of the following does this example illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Shannon's decision to ask her mother to watch her kids is an example of constructive coping, as it involves taking practical steps to deal with the stressor (her upcoming deadline) in a constructive way.

Question 4

Harry is an excellent basketball player who seldom misses a shot during practice. After yesterday's practice, Harry's coach told him that some scouts from a big college would be at today's practice. What will happen to Harry as a consequence of the increase in pressure, based on the research by Baumeister?

Accepted Answer

Baumeister's research suggests that increased pressure leads to increased self-consciousness, which can interfere with performance. Therefore, it is likely that Harry will experience interference with his performance due to the presence of the scouts.

Question 5

Which of the following does NOT seem to be one of the effects of stress, according to studies that have examined effects of stress on decision making?

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that stress actually increases self-consciousness, making individuals more aware of themselves and their surroundings.

Question 6

Bertram was on death row awaiting execution. He refused to allow any appeals on his behalf, and he insisted that the law be followed exactly. Which coping mechanism does this illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Bertram's insistence on following the law exactly demonstrates his use of intellectualization, which involves focusing on rational facts and avoiding emotions to cope with distressing situations.

Question 7

Alan is a socially inept man who imagines that he is secretly admired by women who all wish he would seduce them. What defence mechanism does this illustrate?

Accepted Answer

This illustrates the defence mechanism of fantasy, as Alan is engaging in elaborate daydreams and imagining scenarios in which he is the object of desire for women who in reality, may not even notice him.

Question 8

Bella is majoring in English literature, and she has applied for over 100 scholarships during the last year. However, she hasn't received any of the scholarships because her grades are quite low. When she received the latest letter notifying her that a scholarship had gone to someone else, she imagined how humiliated the committee members would be if she were to get one of her short stories published. What coping mechanism does this illustrate?

Accepted Answer

This illustrates the use of fantasy as Bella imagines a scenario in which she achieves success as a writer despite her academic setbacks.

Question 9

Webb's teacher has told him that there is really no way for him to earn a passing grade in his statistics class, even if he earns 100 percent on all the work that remains. However, Webb has convinced himself that he will still pass the course if he just works really hard for the rest of the semester. What coping mechanism is Webb using in this instance?

Accepted Answer

Webb is using denial of reality as a coping mechanism in this instance. He is refusing to accept the fact that there is no way for him to pass the course, despite the teacher's explanation, and is instead convincing himself that he can still pass if he works really hard.

Question 10

Wayne was a highly motivated teacher who really tried to make a difference in the lives of his students. However, the constant budget cutbacks and the long hours that he puts in have taken their toll. He has become disillusioned with teaching, and he often calls in sick. What is Wayne experiencing in this case?

Accepted Answer

Wayne is experiencing burnout, which is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged stress and frustration. Burnout can lead to a lack of motivation, decreased job satisfaction, and feelings of negativity towards one's work. Wayne's symptoms of calling in sick and becoming disillusioned with teaching are common signs of burnout.

Question 11

Which of the following is the most accurate statement about burnout?

Accepted Answer

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged or chronic stress. It is most commonly associated with work-related stress but can also result from other situations that involve ongoing stress, such as caregiving or chronic illness. Therefore, option A is the most accurate statement about burnout. Option B is incorrect because burnout and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are two separate conditions. Option C is also incorrect because burnout and post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSS) are not synonymous terms. Option D is incorrect because burnout is a gradual process that results from chronic stress, not necessarily from one or two traumatic events.

Question 12

Jan's husband hardly ever comes home in the evening, and on days when he does get in just after midnight, he often smells of perfume and his clothes are dishevelled. Several of Jan's friends have told her she should divorce her husband because he is obviously having an affair. However, Jan is convinced he is working late at the office every night so that they will have enough money to buy their dream house. Which coping mechanism does this illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Jan's refusal to acknowledge the possibility of her husband having an affair, despite the obvious signs, is a classic example of denial of reality. She is choosing to ignore the truth and convincing herself that her husband's late nights at work are solely for their benefit.

Question 13

A teenager who regularly engages in masturbation, but feels very guilty about it, touches a religious icon exactly ten times after each act of masturbation. Which coping mechanism would Freud suggest is being used in this example?

Accepted Answer

Undoing is a defense mechanism where an individual tries to counteract or undo an unacceptable thought or behavior with a symbolic gesture. In this case, touching the religious icon exactly ten times after masturbation is a symbolic gesture to undo the guilt associated with the act. Freud believed that undoing is often seen in individuals who have obsessional traits or tendencies.

Question 14

Thelma goes to a nightclub and flirts with dozens of men whenever she feels neglected and ignored by her husband. What coping mechanism would Freud suggest that Thelma is using, in this example?

Accepted Answer

Thelma is using overcompensation as a coping mechanism, where she attempts to make up for feelings of neglect and being ignored by her husband through excessive flirting with other men, seeking validation and attention to counterbalance her perceived deficiencies in her marital relationship.

Question 15

What is the term for unconscious reactions for dealing with unpleasant emotions such as anxiety or guilt?

Accepted Answer

The term for unconscious reactions for dealing with unpleasant emotions such as anxiety or guilt is defence mechanisms. Rationalizations and constructive coping are conscious efforts to deal with emotions and neurosis is a broader psychological disorder.

Question 16

Mei is studying very hard for exams and feels quite stressed. She is finding it difficult to focus and pay attention. Which area of her brain is likely underactive as a consequence of stress?

Accepted Answer

The prefrontal cortex is responsible for attention, concentration, and decision-making. Stress can lead to an underactive prefrontal cortex, which can cause difficulty in focusing and paying attention.

Question 17

Kelsey works as an emergency dispatcher. She thought the job would be exciting, but it has turned out to be more stressful than exciting. She works long hours and seldom receives any recognition. The only time people seem to notice what she does is when the emergency units are slow in responding. She has become disillusioned with her job, and she often calls in sick. What is Kelsey experiencing in this case?

Accepted Answer

Kelsey is experiencing burnout, which is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged stress and frustration. She has become disillusioned with her job and often calls in sick, which are common symptoms of burnout. She also feels unappreciated, which can lead to feelings of cynicism and detachment from work. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that can develop after experiencing a traumatic event. Amotivational syndrome is a term used to describe a lack of motivation and interest in activities. General adaptation syndrome is a model that describes the body's response to stress, but it does not accurately describe Kelsey's situation.

Question 18

According to Baumeister, the pressure to perform can elevate self-consciousness. How does self-consciousness lead to impaired performance?

Accepted Answer

Self-consciousness can divert attention from the demands of the task, leading to impaired performance. This is because individuals may become overly focused on themselves and their own internal experiences, rather than on the external task at hand. This can lead to distractions and errors, which can ultimately impair performance.

Question 19

What is the purpose of defence mechanisms according to Freudian theory?

Accepted Answer

According to Freudian theory, defence mechanisms serve the purpose of protecting the individual from the anxiety caused by unconscious conflicts and impulses. These mechanisms work by distorting reality, often in a way that involves self-deception or denial. Therefore, the best answer is D, to deceive oneself.

Question 20

According to Freud, what defence mechanism is being used when an individual copes with stressful situations by trying to atone for unacceptable desires or behaviours?

Accepted Answer

The defence mechanism being described is undoing, which involves a person trying to make up for or undo an unacceptable action or desire by engaging in behavior that is the opposite of the original desire or behavior.

Quiz 13: A: Stress, Coping, and Health