Question 1

According to Scheier and colleagues (1989), how can a person who undergoes coronary artery bypass surgery recover more quickly and achieve a stronger quality of life six months after surgery?

Accepted Answer

Optimism, as discussed by Scheier and colleagues (1989), is associated with better recovery outcomes and a stronger quality of life after major health events like coronary artery bypass surgery. Optimistic individuals tend to cope better with stressful situations and are more proactive in their recovery processes.

Question 2

To reduce sexual infections among inner-city black females, a program called SIHLE (Sistas Informing, Healing, Living, Empowering) was developed.Unlike other prevention programs, what was the focus of this program?

Accepted Answer

The SIHLE program focused on building motivation through instilling pride, which is a unique approach compared to other programs that might focus on cognitive skills, providing condoms, or developing relationships with healthcare providers.

Question 3

What is the closest estimate of the total number of people worldwide afflicted with HIV in 2011?

Accepted Answer

According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), there were approximately 34 million people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide in 2011.

Question 4

How does the original progressive muscle relaxation technique devised by Edmund Jacobson in 1938 differ from the way the procedure is usually taught in clinics today?

Accepted Answer

Today, the progressive muscle relaxation technique is often used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, rather than the sole treatment. Additionally, the procedure is usually taught in a shorter period compared to the original method.

Question 5

In the 1970s, Herbert Benson developed the relaxation response.What did this procedure involve?

Accepted Answer

The relaxation response developed by Herbert Benson involved focusing on a word. This word could be a mantra or any other word that holds personal significance for the individual. The repetition of this word is thought to promote relaxation and reduce stress.

Question 6

Tara's HPA axis was activated.Which chemical will be secreted by the hypothalamus and stimulate the pituitary gland?

Accepted Answer

The hypothalamus releases corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) which stimulates the pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). This then activates the adrenal glands to release cortisol. Therefore, choice A is the correct option as it identifies the chemical secreted by the hypothalamus to activate the HPA axis.

Question 7

Researchers studying baboons found that subordinate animals, unlike dominant animals, continually secrete cortisol, probably because their lives are so stressful.What did the researchers discover about the subordinate males' HPA axis?

Accepted Answer

The researchers discovered that the HPA axis in subordinate males is less sensitive to the effects of cortisol, making it less efficient in turning off the stress response. This is indicated by the continuous secretion of cortisol due to the stressful lives of subordinate animals.

Question 8

Which of the following is a known connection between emotion and health?

Accepted Answer

The evidence suggests that depression lowers immune system functioning. There is a strong correlation between depression and suppressed immune function, and people who are clinically depressed are more likely to experience illness and other health problems.

Question 9

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?

Accepted Answer

Exercise interventions are widely recommended for cardiovascular health as they can improve heart function, reduce risk factors, and enhance overall well-being, making them effective alongside stress-reduction strategies.

Question 10

Jane is a frequent user of pain-relieving medications.Jill uses pain-relieving medications less frequently.How will the two women respond to pain-management programs?

Accepted Answer

Jane, who frequently uses pain-relieving medications, may have developed a higher tolerance to these medications, making her less likely to benefit from standard pain-management programs compared to Jill, who uses them less frequently.

Question 11

What theory of pain accommodates both psychological and physical factors?

Accepted Answer

The gate control theory of pain posits that pain is influenced by both physiological and psychological factors, such as emotions and attention. It suggests that the perception of pain can be modulated by the interplay of signals from sensory, spinal, and brain regions, which can "open" or "close" the "gate" for pain signals.

Question 12

Which term suggests that psychological factors affect physical functioning?

Accepted Answer

The term "psychosomatic" suggests that psychological factors can influence physical health and functioning. This includes physical symptoms that may have a psychological cause or be worsened by psychological distress. The other options, while related to psychology and/or physical health, do not specifically refer to this connection.

Question 13

Carlson and colleagues (2004) conducted research on the use of "mindfulness-based therapy" with early-stage breast and prostate cancer patients.They found post-intervention improvements in several areas.Which of the following is NOT one of these areas?

Accepted Answer

The study found post-intervention improvements in beneficial changes in biological indices of immune system function, increases in quality of life, and decreases in stress, but did not mention any improvements in problem-solving skills.

Question 14

Eric has a very stressful job.What part of his body may be damaged by increased cortisol released because of the stress?

Accepted Answer

Increased cortisol levels due to stress can lead to damage in the brain, particularly in the hippocampus, which is responsible for memory and learning. This can result in cognitive impairment and memory problems.

Question 15

John and Lily, two young adults who live in different cities and do not know each other, have both learned recently that they are HIV positive, following sexual intercourse with an infected partner.What does research by Landis and colleagues (1992) suggest is the most likely to occur with respect to John's and Lily's behaviour in the future?

Accepted Answer

Research by Landis and colleagues (1992) suggests that individuals diagnosed with HIV may continue to engage in risky sexual behaviors, including having unprotected sex, despite knowing their status.

Question 16

In which of the following cases is six-year-old Madison most likely to maintain the safety skills she learned for riding her bicycle?

Accepted Answer

Assessments of safety skills provide ongoing feedback and reinforcement, helping Madison retain and improve her skills.

Question 17

What is the long-term impact of denying an illness when you are first diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the long-term impact of denying...

Question 18

Hannah is sitting quietly.She is focused on a mantra and softly repeats the sound "om" as her breathing slows and her body relaxes.What is Hannah engaging in?

Accepted Answer

Hannah is engaging in transcendental meditation which involves the repetition of a mantra to achieve a state of relaxation and transcendence.

Question 19

Garrett has HIV and participated in a study of "highly active antiretroviral therapy" (HAART) in 2003 but dropped out of the program.What is the most likely reason he dropped out of the study?

Accepted Answer

The side effects of HAART medications can be severe and contribute to patients dropping out of the program. This is a common reason for discontinuing treatment.

Question 20

What did some experiments with rats reveal about postsurgical pain in rats?

Accepted Answer

Experiments with rats have shown that postsurgical pain can double the rate at which a certain cancer spreads to the lungs, indicating a significant impact of pain on the progression of the disease.

Quiz 18: The Psychology of Health and Illness

According to Scheier and colleagues (1989) , how can a person who undergoes coronary artery bypass surgery recover more quickly and achieve a stronger quality of life six months after surgery?