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

The Correct Answer is:

A. Using electronic equipment to measure neuromuscular and autonomic activity and providing visual or auditory feedback to help individuals gain voluntary control over normally involuntary bodily processes

Explanation:

Biofeedback is a stress-reduction technique in which electronic instruments measure normally involuntary bodily functions, such as brain activity, muscle tension, or skin temperature. By providing real-time feedback through visual or auditory signals, individuals can learn to control these functions voluntarily. Research shows biofeedback can help manage tension headaches, high blood pressure, asthma, and phobias by promoting self-regulation of physiological responses.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

B. Repeating calming mantras while focusing on pleasant thoughts to reduce stress and lower blood pressure

This is incorrect; this describes the relaxation response, not biofeedback.

C. Engaging in physical exercise combined with deep breathing to eliminate tension headaches and reduce stress

This is incorrect; biofeedback relies on monitoring and controlling involuntary processes electronically, not on physical exercise.

D. Avoiding stressors entirely while monitoring emotions through self-reflection without the use of electronic devices

This is incorrect; biofeedback specifically requires electronic monitoring to provide objective feedback, which self-reflection alone does not accomplish.

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:

c. physiological

Explanation

The correct answer is c. Stress can weaken the body’s defenses and disrupt normal biological processes, leading to physiological consequences. Prolonged stress increases the release of stress hormones like cortisol, which can suppress immune function and affect digestion. This makes the body more vulnerable to conditions such as stomach ulcers, cardiovascular problems, and other health issues, showing a direct physical impact of stress.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect

a. morbid

“Morbid” refers to a diseased or unhealthy state but is not the proper category used in psychology or health research to classify stress impacts. It is too vague and not scientifically precise in this context.

b. mental

A mental impact would involve effects such as anxiety, depression, or irritability. While stress certainly affects mental health, the example here is clearly about a physical illness (ulcer), not a mental state.

d. cognitive

Cognitive impacts of stress include difficulty concentrating, impaired memory, or trouble making decisions. Since the example is about developing a stomach ulcer, it reflects a physical bodily reaction, not a cognitive one.

Correct Answer:

d. $75,000

Explanation

The correct answer is d. Research by Daniel Kahneman and Angus Deaton (2010) found that emotional well-being increases with income, but only up to around $75,000 per year in the United States. Beyond this threshold, higher income does not significantly improve day-to-day happiness or emotional experiences, although it may influence life satisfaction. This suggests that once basic needs and a moderate level of comfort are met, more money does not translate into greater happiness.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect

a. $92,000

While higher than $75,000, this is not the figure supported by the research. Income gains beyond $75,000 do not lead to notable increases in emotional well-being, making $92,000 incorrect.

b. $40,000

At this income level, many families still struggle to meet basic needs in the U.S., and increases in income up to higher levels continue to improve happiness. Thus, $40,000 is too low to represent the cutoff point.

c. $55,000

Although closer to the correct answer, $55,000 is below the empirically supported threshold. People at this level generally still see improvements in emotional well-being with additional income until about $75,000.

Correct Answer:

B. Stress evokes physiological, cognitive, and behavioral responses and can contribute to physical illnesses

Explanation:

Stress triggers a wide range of responses across multiple domains. Physiologically, it can increase heart rate, cause headaches, or create gastrointestinal problems. Cognitively, it can impair concentration and decision-making. Behaviorally, it may lead to coping strategies such as alcohol use, smoking, or problem-solving actions. While stress can sometimes motivate positive actions (eustress), chronic or excessive stress can have harmful effects, contributing to the development and progression of physical illnesses and diseases.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

A. Stress only affects emotions and has no physiological or behavioral consequences

This is incorrect because stress impacts the body, mind, and behavior, not just emotions.

C. Stress always improves health and functioning, without any negative consequences

This misrepresents stress; although it can be positive, prolonged or intense stress is harmful.

D. Stress is a rare experience that occurs only during major life crises

Stress is a common experience that can occur in response to daily challenges, not only major crises.

Correct Answer

B. A highly engaging state in which individuals are fully absorbed in an activity, losing track of time and self-consciousness

Explanation

Flow is a state of deep engagement in an activity that is intrinsically rewarding. When experiencing flow, individuals maintain effortless concentration, feel a sense of control over their actions, and often lose awareness of time. Flow typically occurs during activities that are challenging yet match a person’s skills, leading to a pleasurable and fulfilling experience. It is strongly linked to creativity, productivity, and overall well-being.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect

A. A state of relaxation achieved through meditation and passive reflection

This is incorrect because flow involves active engagement, concentration, and skillful challenge, unlike the passive nature of meditation or relaxation exercises.

C. A temporary feeling of happiness resulting from material rewards or external recognition

Flow is intrinsic and arises from the activity itself, not from external rewards or recognition, making this option inaccurate.

D. A form of social bonding achieved by interacting with friends and family

While social activities can induce flow, the experience is defined by individual absorption in a challenging activity, not by social interaction alone.

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.

Correct Answer:

B. Stress that motivates beneficial behaviors, such as studying, exercising, or performing well at work

Explanation:

Not all stress is harmful; stress can sometimes be positive, referred to as eustress. Eustress acts as a motivator, encouraging individuals to engage in productive activities and take care of themselves. For example, feeling stressed about an upcoming exam can motivate a student to study, or stress about work deadlines can lead to increased focus and performance. This type of stress enhances functioning and personal growth when managed appropriately.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

A. Stress that always results in negative health outcomes and impaired functioning

This describes distress, not eustress, which can be beneficial.

C. Stress that occurs only in response to traumatic events and causes anxiety

This refers to extreme or harmful stress, not the motivational form of good stress.

D. Stress that is permanent and uncontrollable, leading to chronic health problems

Chronic, uncontrollable stress is harmful and does not qualify as eustress.

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.