Exam 9: Physical Disorders and Health Psychology

Dr.Thick is observing a troop of baboons and taking regular blood samples from them.The dominant male baboon Dr.Thick calls "Rafiki" has just shown a much greater increase in cortisol than any of the other males in the troop.Dr.Thick is not surprised because of something that happened about half an hour earlier.What might Dr.Thick have seen?

Paul is worried about cardiovascular disease because of a strong family history of heart problems. Paul is already trying a stress-reduction intervention.His friend Mike,a doctor,suggests that something else may be just as effective.What does Mike recommend?

With regard to the epidemic of AIDS in Africa,when is an individual most likely to become HIV positive?

What did a longitudinal research study of 200 men (Vaillant,1979)discover about individuals who developed psychological disorders or who were highly stressed?

Ping lives in China and recently helped with a massive antismoking campaign.What did she likely do?

If you were to look at the deaths of 100 people who died the same day,how many of those peoples' deaths would be associated with lifestyle factors?

According to a Health Canada (1999)report on HIV prevention,what should Canadian schools focus on regarding sexual diseases?

What is biofeedback?

Discuss the role that stress plays in the progression of AIDS and cancer.Give examples of research studies that demonstrate the positive impact of reduced stress levels on these very serious conditions.

You and your friend Bob are both in your late 30s.Bob informs you that he has been diagnosed with the silent killer.What health-related issue does he have?