Question 1

According to Selye's general adaptation syndrome, in which stage do glands throughout the body manufacture different hormones that protect the individual?

Accepted Answer

The stage in which glands throughout the body manufacture different hormones that protect the individual is the resistance stage of the general adaptation syndrome. During this stage, the body adapts to the stressor and begins to cope with it. Hormones such as cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine are released to help the body fight off the stressor. The alarm stage is the first stage of the general adaptation syndrome, in which the body reacts to the stressor. The contemplation and precontemplation stages are not part of the general adaptation syndrome.

Question 2

Which of the following statements is true of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) axis?

Accepted Answer

Under chronic stress, the HPA axis can remain activated over the long haul. This can lead to negative health consequences such as impaired immune function and increased risk for various diseases.

Option A is incorrect because the activity of the HPA axis can vary between individuals based on genetics, life experiences, and environmental factors.

Option B is incorrect because the HPA axis does not signal directly to the adrenal gland, but instead signals to the pituitary gland which then signals to the adrenal gland.

Option D is incorrect because the HPA axis plays a role in regulating immune system responses.

Question 3

Which of the following accurately describes the sequence of the general adaptation syndrome?

Accepted Answer

The general adaptation syndrome (GAS) involves three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. During the alarm stage, the body recognizes a threat and reacts with the "fight or flight" response. In the resistance stage, the body attempts to adapt to the stressor and maintain its function. If the stressor remains present for a prolonged period, the body enters the exhaustion stage where it is no longer able to cope with the stressor and may experience negative health outcomes. Therefore, choice D accurately describes the sequence of the GAS.

Question 4

According to the general adaptation syndrome (GAS), once the body's all-out effort to combat stress fails and the stress persists, the individual moves into

Accepted Answer

According to the general adaptation syndrome (GAS), if the body's all-out effort to combat stress fails and the stress persists, the individual moves into the exhaustion stage. During this stage, the body's resources are depleted, and the individual may experience physical and emotional fatigue, illness, and even death if the stressor is not removed. The other options are not accurate descriptions of the GAS stages.

Question 5

Which of the following statements is true of the preliminary hypotheses about the interaction that causes vulnerability to disease?

Accepted Answer

The statement that "stressful situations make individuals more susceptible to diseases" is true of the preliminary hypotheses about the interaction that causes vulnerability to disease. This idea is known as the stress-disease model and suggests that chronic stress can weaken immune function, making individuals more susceptible to infection and disease. None of the other statements are supported by current research.

Question 6

Which body system in Seyle's general adaptation syndrome (GAS) model is responsible for regulating various body processes, including digestion, immune-system responses, emotion, and energy expenditure?

Accepted Answer

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is responsible for regulating various body processes, including digestion, immune-system responses, emotion, and energy expenditure, which are all affected by the stress response in Seyle's General Adaptation Syndrome model. The HPA axis releases cortisol and other stress hormones that activate the body's response to stress.

Question 7

According to the general adaptation syndrome (GAS,) biological damage (e.g., weakened immune system, heart attack, or death) can occur during the

Accepted Answer

The general adaptation syndrome (GAS) consists of three stages - alarm and mobilization stage, resistance stage, and exhaustion stage. During the exhaustion stage, the body's resources are depleted, and biological damage can occur. This can lead to chronic illness, weakened immune system, heart attack, or even death. Therefore, option A) exhaustion stage is the best choice.

Question 8

A key hormone shared by the central nervous system and the immune system is _____, which is produced in the hypothalamus and unites the stress and immune responses.

Accepted Answer

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is the key hormone shared by the central nervous system and the immune system. It is produced in the hypothalamus and plays a crucial role in uniting the stress and immune responses. CRH stimulates the release of cortisol from the adrenal glands, which has potent immune-modulatory effects.

Question 9

Which of the following statements concerning the relationship between the immune system and stress is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

Acute stressors can produce immunological changes, but they do not necessarily produce superior immune-system functioning. In fact, excessive or prolonged acute stress can lead to a suppression of the immune system.

Question 10

When a rat is first introduced to an over-crowded cage, it will most likely enter the _____ stage of the general adaptation syndrome.

Accepted Answer

The general adaptation syndrome consists of three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. The alarm stage is the initial response to a stressor, characterized by activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. In the case of a rat being introduced to an over-crowded cage, the initial response would likely be alarm as the rat perceives the new and stressful environment.

Question 11

Which of the following statements is true of stress and the immune system?

Accepted Answer

The immune system and the central nervous system are indeed similar in how they receive and integrate stress signals from the external environment. Both systems are involved in the body's response to stress, working together to maintain homeostasis.

Question 12

Rosemary is interested in studying the relationships among emotion, the nervous system, and the immune system.Given these interests, she will probably want to pursue future study in the field of

Accepted Answer

Psychoneuroimmunology is the field of study that focuses on the complex relationship between the nervous system, the immune system, and psychological factors such as emotions. Therefore, Rosemary's interests align with the focus of psychoneuroimmunology. The other options, cognitive psychology, psychopharmacology, and anatomy and physiology, do not directly relate to the study of the interaction between the nervous system, immune system, and emotions.

Question 13

A fundamental premise of the general adaptation syndrome is that

Accepted Answer

The general adaptation syndrome theory proposes that the body goes through three stages in response to stress: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. These stages cause physical and psychological reactions that can impact health and well-being.

Question 14

Two years ago, Walter's business went bankrupt.Two months ago, his wife left him.Two days ago, Walter began having panic attacks.Selye would say that Walter is in which stage of the general adaptation syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Walter is showing symptoms of exhaustion which is the third stage of general adaptation syndrome. This stage is characterized by prolonged exposure to stress and the body's inability to cope with it. The symptoms include emotional exhaustion, depression, and physical illnesses. Walter's bankruptcy and marriage breakdown may have placed him under prolonged stress, leading to this stage.

Question 15

Katie has been diagnosed with breast cancer and is under significant stress.She is undergoing a series of chemotherapy treatments.According to Hans Selye, Katie is currently in the _____ stage of the general adaptation syndrome (GAS).

Accepted Answer

The resistance stage is the second stage of the general adaptation syndrome, and it occurs when the body has used up its initial resources in responding to stress and begins to adapt to the stressor. In Katie's case, she is undergoing chemotherapy treatments, which is a stressor on her body, and she is likely employing coping mechanisms to deal with the stress. Therefore, Katie is in the resistance stage.

Question 16

The immune system and the central nervous system both rely on _____ mediators for communication.

Accepted Answer

Both the immune system and the central nervous system rely on chemical mediators such as cytokines, chemokines, and neuropeptides for communication.

Question 17

According to the general adaptation syndrome, serious, wear and tear takes a toll on the individual during the _____ stage.

Accepted Answer

The general adaptation syndrome proposes that the body goes through three stages in response to stress: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. During the exhaustion stage, the body's resources are depleted, and serious wear and tear occur, leading to physical and mental exhaustion. Therefore, option A is the correct answer.

Question 18

Once you get over the initial stress associated with your first exam of finals week, the fact that you have several more exams will likely lead your body to enter the _____ stage of the general adaptation syndrome.

Accepted Answer

The resistance stage of the general adaptation syndrome occurs when the body attempts to cope with and adapt to ongoing stressors. In this situation, the ongoing stressors are the multiple exams in finals week, and the body is trying to maintain a level of physical and mental functioning to keep up with the demands of studying and test-taking. The alarm stage occurs when the body first reacts to a stressor, while the exhaustion stage occurs when the body can no longer cope with ongoing stress and experiences negative physical and mental effects. The action/willpower stage is not part of the general adaptation syndrome.

Question 19

Denise has just finished a stressful week of final exams and she now feels as though she is coming down with the flu.According to the general adaptation syndrome, Denise's reaction to stress suggests that she is now in the _____ stage.

Accepted Answer

According to the general adaptation syndrome, the three stages of stress are alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. Denise's reaction to stress suggests that she has already gone through the alarm and resistance stages and is now in the exhaustion stage. This stage is characterized by a decrease in energy and physical and emotional resources, making individuals more susceptible to illness and disease. Denise's feeling of coming down with the flu is a common symptom of the exhaustion stage. Choice D (primary appraisal) is incorrect as it refers to the initial assessment of a situation as either threatening or not.

Question 20

Emma is shocked when her teacher announced that there is a pop quiz on the reading material that was assigned the day before.Which of the following stages of the general adaptation syndrome will Emma be experiencing first?

Accepted Answer

Emma's initial reaction of shock and surprise at the news of the pop quiz indicates that she is in the alarm stage of the general adaptation syndrome, which is the first stage. This stage is characterized by the body's immediate response to stress, including the activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.

Quiz 14: Health Psychology