Question 1

The fact that oxytocin is a more prevalent hormone in women's stress response provides evidence for the:

Accepted Answer

The tend-and-befriend hypothesis suggests that in response to stress, women are more likely to engage in behaviors that promote nurturing, caring relationships with others (tending) and seek social support from their social network (befriending). The fact that oxytocin, a hormone associated with social bonding and nurturing behavior, is more prevalent in women's stress response supports this hypothesis.

Question 2

Stress hormones:

Accepted Answer

Stress hormones, such as cortisol, do have an optimal level. Too little cortisol can lead to difficulties with coping and response to stress, while too much cortisol can actually have negative effects on the body and mind. Maintaining a healthy balance of cortisol is important for managing stress effectively.

Question 3

Both your father and mother are under a great deal of job stress. What might you expect from them in terms of their parenting behaviour?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Both your father and mother are under...

Question 4

According to the general adaptation syndrome understanding of the stress response, if stress continues long enough:

Accepted Answer

According to the general adaptation syndrome, if stress continues long enough, the body's resources are depleted, and physiological and immune systems will begin to fail, leading to exhaustion and even death in extreme cases.

Question 5

In which stage of the stress response does the body first start to fight back with increased immune functioning?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In which stage of the stress response...

Question 6

Experiencing positive events and immune functioning have been shown to:

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that experiencing positive events, such as happiness, joy, and contentment, is positively correlated with immune functioning. This means that people who experience positive emotions tend to have stronger immune systems, which can help protect them from illness and disease.

Question 7

If, by magic, the general adaptation syndrome did not occur in human beings in response to a stressor, what would be the most likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

The general adaptation syndrome is the body's response to stress, which includes the activation of the fight-or-flight response. Without the general adaptation syndrome, the fight-or-flight response would be weakened or nonexistent. This could put humans at risk in dangerous situations where a quick reaction is necessary. However, it could also mean that humans would not experience the negative physical effects of chronic stress, such as high blood pressure and increased risk of heart disease.

Question 8

Selye's general adaptation syndrome describes ____________ responses to stress while the primary and secondary appraisal model describes ____________ responses to stress.

Accepted Answer

Selye's general adaptation syndrome describes bodily (physiological) responses to stress, while the primary and secondary appraisal model describes cognitive (psychological) responses to stress.

Question 9

Which of the following people is likely to have the greatest amount of lymphocyte activity after exposure to a cold virus?

Accepted Answer

A hardy individual is characterized by resilience and resourcefulness, which are associated with strong immune function. Therefore, this person is likely to have the greatest amount of lymphocyte activity after exposure to a cold virus. Type A personality, soldiers in active combat, and individuals with an overly active HPA axis may experience stress, which can negatively impact immune function.

Question 10

A general conclusion growing out of the research on health and stress is that:

Accepted Answer

The general conclusion growing out of the research on health and stress is that chronic stress has adverse effects on health. This is based on numerous studies that have found chronic stress to be linked to negative health outcomes such as higher risk for cardiovascular disease, weakened immune system, and mental health disorders. Short-term stress can also have negative effects on health, but chronic stress is considered more harmful. Therefore, choice D is the best option.

Question 11

____________ is NOT a phase of the general adaptation syndrome.

Accepted Answer

Nonspecific stress is not a phase of the general adaptation syndrome, but rather a general term used to describe any type of stress that is not clearly defined or specific in its cause or effect. The three phases of the general adaptation syndrome are alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

Question 12

According to Selye, the general adaptation syndrome consists of three stages that occur in the following order:

Accepted Answer

The general adaptation syndrome, as proposed by Hans Selye, consists of three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion, in that specific order.

Question 13

Farhan has had to deal with repeated amounts of high stress. His parents both have chronic diseases, he and his wife are arguing constantly, and he just got a new job which demands a lot of his time. According to research on the effects of stress, Farhan will:

Accepted Answer

The research on the effects of stress shows that prolonged exposure to high levels of stress can weaken the immune system's response to infectious diseases, making individuals more susceptible to illnesses. While the other options (A, C, D) are possible outcomes of stress, they are not necessarily the most likely ones in Farhan's situation based on the limited information given.

Question 14

Melinda just got a new job as a receptionist and she does not expect it to be very stressful. However, she is nervous about learning how to perform well in the job when she first starts working. This kind of stress is ____________ and may result in ____________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Melinda just got a new job as...

Question 15

If plotted on a graph, the correlation between stress and immune functioning would be:

Accepted Answer

The correlation between stress and immune functioning is typically shaped like an inverted U. This means that moderate levels of stress can actually enhance immune functioning, while extreme levels of stress can impair immune functioning. Therefore, the relationship between stress and immune functioning is not entirely positive or negative, but rather an optimal level of stress exists for optimal immune functioning.

Question 16

People who live in Town A recently experienced flooding of their homes and hail damage during a particularly bad storm. People in Town B did not experience this storm. Who will have better immune functioning and why?

Accepted Answer

People in Town B will have better immune functioning because they did not experience the negative event. Stressors such as flooding and hail damage can have a negative impact on immune functioning, causing a decrease in immune response. Those who were not exposed to these stressors would not have experienced this negative impact on their immune system. Additionally, genetics do play a role in immune functioning, but environmental factors such as stressors can also have a significant impact. Anticipatory coping and eustress may be helpful in reducing the negative impact of stressors, but it is unlikely to completely eliminate their effects on immune functioning.

Question 17

Participants in a research study have to provide saliva samples to a team of researchers. The researchers then relate the participants' personality traits to immune system functioning. The researchers are involved in the study of:

Accepted Answer

The study of relating personality traits to immune system functioning falls under the field of psychoneuroimmunology, which examines the interaction between psychological processes, the nervous system, and the immune system. Therefore, the best choice is A. Sociobiology focuses on the biological basis of social behavior, biobehaviorism examines the relationship between behavior and biology, and allopathic load refers to the stress placed on the body by environmental factors.

Question 18

Stress increases the release of cortisol which in turns helps us cope with the stress. If stress continues for prolonged periods of time:

Accepted Answer

Prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol can lead to negative effects on bodily and mental functioning, such as impaired cognitive performance, increased anxiety, and weakened immune function. This is why it is important to manage and reduce stress levels in order to maintain overall health and well-being. Choices A and B are incorrect because cortisol production does not simply become exhausted and the antagonist to cortisol (which is typically cortisol's regulatory mechanism) does not dominate the physiological system without cause. Choice C is also incorrect because cortisol production does not simply decrease or stop having its usual effects without a specific cause.

Question 19

In humans, the presence of a stressor results in:

Accepted Answer

When a stressor is present, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system is activated, leading to the production of cortisol. Cortisol helps the body respond to stress by increasing glucose levels and suppressing nonessential bodily functions.

Question 20

Margot is an air force pilot stationed in a war zone. You would expect her immune functioning to be:

Accepted Answer

Being stationed in a war zone is a highly stressful situation, which can negatively impact the immune system. It is likely that Margot's immune functioning is worse than someone who has a less stressful job.

Quiz 10: Health and Well-Being