Exam 12: Stress, Coping and Health

Donald served in the military and was deployed during wartime. He does not often talk about the things he saw and did in combat, but sometimes he has ________, which include vivid memories, feelings, and images of the traumatic experiences he endured. As a result, he has been diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder by a psychiatrist who specialises in working with combat veterans.

The prevailing explanation for the relationship between stress and illness has been that increased levels of stress result in a decrease in the immune system's ability to protect the body from illness. On the other hand, it is possible that people who are experiencing stress engage in more health-damaging behaviours, which can lead to a greater likelihood of illness. This different explanation of the relationship demonstrates the importance of

Melissa's mother was recently diagnosed with leukemia. As a result, Melissa is now required to take care of all of her mother's personal needs and manage her financial affairs. Melissa is already a full-time student, and is also the primary caregiver for her son. However, Melissa has an attitude that things could be worse. She is confident that she will get through this crisis. Thus, she is displaying ________.

Amanda signed up with the army immediately after she graduated from high school. She was soon sent to Iraq. During her two years in Iraq she witnessed many gruesome catastrophes. Upon returning home she felt detached and estranged from her old friends, was easily startled, and had difficulties sleeping due to the vivid memories of the horrific events. Amanda displays the symptoms of ________.

When the incidence of a condition called "Morgellons" seemed to be increasing, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)conducted research that found no evidence of such infections actually taking place. Soon after, the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota conducted similar research and obtained nearly identical findings. As it turned out, most people who thought they had Morgellons had very simple skin conditions, or no condition at all. The repetition of the CDC's research that was used to support the findings is crucial to critical thinking, in a principle called

Which of the following is TRUE regarding coping strategies?

Research has found that smokers who successfully quit the habit can actually achieve extraordinary health benefits. In fact, within ________ years of quitting, the risk of premature death drops to approximately that of a person who has never smoked. The lesson here is that it is never too late to benefit from giving up cigarettes, even if you've smoked for quite a while!

The immune system can be fortified by

Mark has been struggling with his college classes as of late. He has been working many hours, taking care of his children, and trying to carry a full load of classes. This semester he wants to take classes that are known to be a bit easier, so he consults with his friends at the college to get an idea of which courses will be less challenging. Mark's plan of gathering information before selecting a class is a demonstration of ________.

According to studies, people who describe themselves as religious are more likely to

Mary just received a traffic ticket but decided it is not worth being upset about. Mary just made a ________.

Burning your toast, having trouble opening an email attachment, breaking a glass, and running late for an appointment are all examples of ________.

When looking at a glass that is neither completely full nor completely empty, a(n)________ might say "that glass is half full", while a(n)________ might say "no, that glass is half empty!"

For the past six months, Dahlia's job has been extremely stressful, but she doesn't feel that she can quit because she needs the money for tuition. Dahlia has doing her best to maintain a positive attitude even though she has really felt quite stressed. According to Hans Selye, Dahlia is in the ________ stage of the general adaptation syndrome.

One of the major criticisms of the Holmes and colleagues' Social Readjustment Rating Scale is that it

Which stage of the general adaptation syndrome might explain why college students tend to experience a higher rate of absenteeism from class around midterm and final exam time each semester?

Membership in a religious organisation and regular attendance at religious functions

According to Holmes and Rahe, a person who has a higher score on the Social Readjustment Rating Scale is more likely than are people with lower scores to have what kind of experience in the near future?

Young Jonah has an infection on his little finger that developed as a result of a simple cut. As the infection first penetrates the skin, what type of cell would be responsible for engulfing the offending invaders to prevent them from doing any damage?

Which psychologist is credited with proposing the general adaptation syndrome?