PSYCH 111: Introduction to Psychology: Week 2: Chapter 14 Quizzes: Stress, Lifestyle, and Health

Correct Answer:

d. problem-focused

Explanation

The correct answer is d. problem-focused. Problem-focused coping directly addresses the source of stress by taking practical actions to eliminate or reduce it. Brizan is actively searching for new employment and adjusting his budget, both of which target the problem itself rather than just the emotions it produces. This shows he is tackling the stressor head-on rather than avoiding or only soothing the emotional impact.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect

a. proactive

While Brizan is proactive in his actions, “proactive coping” usually refers to preventing stress before it occurs. Here, the stressor (job loss) has already happened, so his actions are best categorized as problem-focused coping.

b. stress reduction

Stress reduction techniques aim to decrease physical or emotional stress responses, such as meditation, relaxation exercises, or mindfulness. Brizan isn’t using relaxation techniques—he is making practical changes to deal with the stressor directly.

c. emotion-focused

Emotion-focused coping manages the emotional response to stress rather than the source of stress. Examples include seeking emotional support, venting, or using distraction. Brizan isn’t just managing his feelings; he is actively addressing the job loss problem.

Correct Answer:

B. A rapid physiological arousal triggered by perceived threat, preparing the body to fight or flee

Explanation:

Cannon’s fight-or-flight response describes the body’s immediate reaction to a perceived threat. When faced with danger, such as encountering a bear while hiking, the adrenal glands release epinephrine and norepinephrine, triggering physiological changes: heart rate and respiration increase, pupils dilate, muscles tense, and sweating occurs. Both the sympathetic nervous system and the endocrine system are activated. These responses prepare the individual to either confront the threat (fight) or escape from it (flight), enhancing chances of survival in threatening situations

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

A. A slow, deliberate reaction to minor stressors that involves only cognitive processing

The fight-or-flight response is rapid and physiological, not slow or purely cognitive.

C. A long-term response to chronic stress that primarily affects mood and sleep patterns

Chronic stress responses involve prolonged physiological changes, but fight-or-flight is immediate and acute.

D. A psychological reaction that occurs without any involvement of the nervous or endocrine systems

This is incorrect because both the sympathetic nervous system and endocrine system are essential components of the fight-or-flight response.

Correct Answer:

d. posttraumatic stress disorder

Explanation

The correct answer is d. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychological condition that develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Keegan’s intrusive memories, hyperarousal (jumping at noises), irritability, and avoidance of the neighborhood where the trauma occurred are hallmark symptoms of PTSD. These patterns go beyond normal stress and show the persistent and distressing impact of trauma on daily functioning.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect

a. the exhaustion stage of the general adaptation syndrome

The exhaustion stage occurs after prolonged stress, when the body’s resources are depleted, leading to fatigue and health problems. While Keegan is under stress, her symptoms specifically reflect trauma-related psychological patterns, not general physical exhaustion

b. bipolar depressive disorder

Bipolar disorder involves alternating episodes of mania and depression, which is not reflected in Keegan’s symptoms. Her difficulties are tied directly to a traumatic experience, not mood cycles of bipolar disorder.

c. physiological stressors related to her shooting

Although being shot was a physical trauma, Keegan’s ongoing difficulties are psychological, not just physical. Her symptoms are intrusive thoughts, avoidance, anger, and hypervigilance, which define PTSD rather than purely physiological stress responses.

Correct Answer

B. Family life, fulfilling marriage, and strong social relationships

Explanation

Research consistently shows that happiness is closely linked to social connections. Individuals who report satisfaction with family life and marriages, along with having strong social support networks and frequent contact with friends, tend to experience higher levels of sustained joy and contentment. Social relationships are considered one of the most powerful predictors of long-term happiness.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect

A. Wealth and material possessions

While money can provide comfort and reduce stress, it is only weakly correlated with long-term happiness once basic needs are met. Material wealth alone does not reliably predict enduring joy.

C. Physical attractiveness and career success

These factors may influence short-term self-esteem or life satisfaction, but they do not consistently predict long-term happiness across studies.

D. Frequent vacations and leisure activities

Enjoyable activities contribute to transient positive moods but have less impact on sustained happiness compared with strong social bonds and relationships.

Correct Answer

B. Hostility

Explanation

Job burnout is generally defined by three main dimensions: emotional exhaustion (feeling drained and fatigued by work), depersonalization (developing a detached or cynical attitude toward clients or coworkers), and diminished personal accomplishment (feeling ineffective and unproductive in one’s work). Hostility, while it may appear in stressed individuals, is not formally recognized as a primary component of burnout.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect

A. Depersonalization

Depersonalization is a core dimension of burnout, reflecting a sense of detachment and negative, impersonal attitudes toward others in the workplace.

C. Exhaustion

Exhaustion is a fundamental aspect of burnout, representing the depletion of emotional and physical energy caused by chronic stress at work.

D. Diminished personal accomplishment

Diminished personal accomplishment is a recognized dimension of burnout, reflecting feelings of inefficacy and reduced productivity in professional tasks.

Correct Answer:

d. B

Explanation

The correct answer is d. Type B. A Type B behavior pattern is characterized by a relaxed, patient, noncompetitive, and easy-going nature. Individuals with this personality style generally handle stress well, avoid excessive hostility, and do not feel the same urgency or pressure as those with Type A traits. Lydia’s calm, laid-back demeanor and lack of competitiveness align perfectly with Type B personality characteristics.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect

a. Type A

Type A individuals are competitive, ambitious, aggressive, and often impatient. They are more likely to experience anger and hostility and are at higher risk for stress-related health problems. Lydia’s relaxed attitude does not reflect these traits.

b. Type C

Type C personality is marked by passivity, compliance, and difficulty expressing emotions, especially negative ones. People with this type may be overly cooperative and suppress their feelings, often linked to poor coping strategies. Lydia’s description doesn’t highlight this.

c. Type D

Type D personality is associated with distress, negative emotions, and social inhibition. Individuals often experience chronic worry, irritability, and fear of rejection. Lydia’s easy-going and non-hostile outlook is the opposite of this behavior pattern.

The Correct Answer is:

B. Happiness can be seen from multiple perspectives, including spiritual fulfillment, contentment, and engaging personal activities

Explanation:

Happiness is a multifaceted concept. Some people define it in terms of spirituality and virtue, others as contentment and inner peace, and still others as pleasurable engagement with meaningful activities like hobbies or work. These perspectives emphasize different aspects of happiness, but all reflect valid ways people experience and pursue this positive state. Psychological research recognizes this diversity in defining and understanding happiness.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

A. Happiness is a single, universally agreed-upon state defined by pleasure alone

This is incorrect because happiness is not universally defined by pleasure alone; it includes contentment, spirituality, and engagement.

C. Happiness is only achieved through material wealth and social recognition

This is incorrect because research shows that internal factors, relationships, and meaningful activities contribute more reliably to happiness than external rewards alone.

D. Happiness is an ambiguous concept that cannot be experienced or measured in any form

This is incorrect because, although definitions vary, people clearly experience happiness and it can be measured using psychological assessments and self-reports.

The Correct Answer is:

B. Social support consists of advice, encouragement, emotional comfort, and tangible assistance that helps individuals cope with stress

Explanation:

Social support refers to the comfort, guidance, encouragement, and assistance that individuals receive from their relationships with family, friends, and acquaintances. It can include emotional support, advice, acceptance, and tangible help such as financial aid. Social support has a soothing effect, helping people manage stress, recover from difficult events, and improve overall well-being. Even nonhuman animals, like elephants, display behaviors indicative of social support.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

A. Social support primarily involves providing financial assistance

This is incorrect because social support is broader than financial help; it includes emotional comfort, guidance, encouragement, and practical aid.

C. Social support is only beneficial in humans

This is incorrect; social support also occurs in nonhuman animals, as they demonstrate comforting and empathetic behaviors in response to stress.

D. Social support is unnecessary

This is incorrect; relationships and social networks provide crucial coping resources that reduce stress and improve emotional and physical well-being.

Correct Answer:

a. After wondering for months if he was going to lose his job, Nicolao begins to develop stomach ulcers.

Explanation

The correct answer is a. The exhaustion stage of the general adaptation syndrome (GAS) occurs when prolonged exposure to stress depletes the body’s physical and emotional resources. Over time, the body can no longer resist the stressor, leading to health problems such as ulcers, cardiovascular issues, or immune system suppression. Nicolao’s long-term job stress leading to stomach ulcers clearly reflects the exhaustion stage.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect

b. Nanette stays up all night to study for her math test.

This is a short-term response to stress and reflects the resistance stage, where the body mobilizes resources to deal with the stressor. It does not indicate long-term depletion of resources associated with exhaustion.

c. Burt is determined to learn how to play chess, so he spends all his time reading chess books.

This example does not involve stress or the stages of GAS at all. It reflects motivation and personal interest rather than physiological or psychological strain from stress.

d. Betty steps down as class treasurer her senior year because she needs to focus on her grades.

This decision represents prioritization and problem-solving, not a breakdown of resources caused by stress. It does not match the exhaustion stage, which is defined by physical or emotional depletion.