Question 1

Which of the following best describes the dual reinforcement mechanism that makes nicotine addiction particularly difficult to overcome?

Accepted Answer

Nicotine provides both positive reinforcement by inducing pleasure and negative reinforcement by relieving withdrawal symptoms.

Question 2

A public health official wants to estimate the prevalence of obesity in a population. Which formula should they use to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI)?

Accepted Answer

$$BMI = \frac{weight\ (kg)}{height\ (m)^2$}$$

Question 3

A student is experiencing high levels of stress before an important exam. According to the Yerkes-Dodson law, how will this stress likely affect their performance on a complex task?

Accepted Answer

Performance will decrease because high stress impairs complex task performance.

Question 4

Which of the following statements about the relationship between stress and the immune system is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

Chronic stress suppresses the immune system, increasing vulnerability to illness.

Question 5

A person who attributes negative events to internal, stable factors and experiences anxiety, guilt, and nervousness is most likely displaying which explanatory style?

Accepted Answer

Pessimistic explanatory style

Question 6

Which brain regions are specifically activated by nicotine-related cues, according to functional MRI studies?

Accepted Answer

Ventral striatum, orbitofrontal cortex, and anterior cingulate cortex

Question 7

Which of the following is a key finding from the Framingham Heart Study regarding social contagion?

Accepted Answer

Clusters of friends tend to develop similar health behaviors, such as body weight and smoking habits, over time.

Question 8

A researcher is studying the effects of oxytocin on stress responses. Which of the following outcomes would they most likely observe in participants given oxytocin?

Accepted Answer

Reduced activity in the sympathetic nervous system and lower cortisol levels

Question 9

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of learned helplessness as demonstrated in Seligman and Maier's 1967 study?

Accepted Answer

Dogs that could not control shocks in a harness later failed to escape shocks in a shuttle box, even when escape was possible.

Question 10

Which of the following is a real-world implication of compensatory control when individuals perceive a loss of control over their environment?

Accepted Answer

They are more likely to believe in superstitions and conspiracy theories.

Question 11

A university student is trying to lose weight and writes about their core values, such as friendships and beliefs. According to research, what is a likely outcome of this self-reflection?

Accepted Answer

Lower body mass index and smaller waistline due to reduced stress related to dieting

Question 12

Which of the following statements about the relationship between poverty, discrimination, and health is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

Individuals facing poverty and discrimination have higher rates of mental health issues and are at greater risk for heart disease.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the 'broaden-and-build' theory of positive emotions?

Accepted Answer

Positive emotions expand attention and build intellectual, social, and physical resources.

Question 14

A person is using problem-focused coping to deal with academic stress. Which of the following actions best exemplifies this strategy?

Accepted Answer

Setting up a study schedule to manage coursework

Question 15

Which of the following is a key difference between focused attention (FA) meditation and open monitoring (OM) meditation?

Accepted Answer

FA meditation involves concentrating on a specific object, while OM meditation involves observing sensations without focusing on any single object.

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why television viewing is more strongly associated with obesity than computer use?

Accepted Answer

Television viewing is more passive, leading to increased snacking compared to the more active engagement of computer use.

Question 17

A person who experiences chronic social isolation is at increased risk for which of the following, according to research?

Accepted Answer

Mortality risk comparable to smoking, obesity, and high blood pressure

Question 18

Which of the following is a common misconception about the causes of ulcers?

Accepted Answer

Stress is the primary cause of ulcers, when in fact most are caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the relationship between exercise and cognitive performance, as found in research studies?

Accepted Answer

Short bursts of intense exercise can enhance cognitive performance and learning.

Question 20

According to set point theory, what happens when a person gains significant weight and maintains it for a long period?

Accepted Answer

Their set point may shift upward, making it harder to lose weight due to a slowed metabolism.

Health, Stress, and Coping: Psychology Study Notes (Chapter 14)

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards