Question 1

During the alarm reaction of the general adaptation syndrome, all of the following occur EXCEPT for the

Accepted Answer

During the alarm reaction stage of the general adaptation syndrome, the body increases hormone output from the adrenal glands (not decreases) to mobilize defenses against stress, leading to various physiological responses and symptoms.

Question 2

Prolonged stress can result in

Accepted Answer

Prolonged stress can lead to psychosomatic illnesses, serious health issues, and even complete collapse, making all options correct.

Question 3

Emotional signs, such as apathy or mental fatigue; behavioral signs, such as avoidance of responsibilities or self-destructive behavior; and physical signs, such as frequent illness or overuse of medicines are all symptoms of the

Accepted Answer

These symptoms are indicative of the stage of exhaustion, which is a phase in the General Adaptation Syndrome model describing how the body responds to stress. This stage occurs after prolonged exposure to stress, when the body's ability to resist is depleted, leading to the mentioned emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms.

Question 4

Regarding stress and the general adaptation syndrome, which of the following statements is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

The statement about animals in the later stages of the general adaptation syndrome having significant enlargement of the thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes and intense shrinkage of the adrenal glands is false. In fact, prolonged stress typically results in the shrinkage of lymphatic organs such as the thymus and spleen and enlargement of the adrenal glands due to the increased production of cortisol and other stress hormones.

Question 5

If a person is subjected to chronic, excessive stress, the first signs of psychosomatic disorders are likely to appear in the

Accepted Answer

The answer of If a person is subjected to chronic,...

Question 6

Owen has been working on three different term papers for the last three weeks. At first, he felt overwhelmed by the work and had frequent headaches and stomachaches, but he appears to be more in control and the headaches are gone for now, even though the stresses are still there. Owen is currently exhibiting signs of which stage of the general adaptation syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Owen is in the stage of resistance of the general adaptation syndrome, where the body adapts to the stressor and symptoms may be temporarily reduced or disappear.

Question 7

In the general adaptation syndrome, the body's defenses are stabilized, and symptoms of stress temporarily disappear (even though the stressor is still there)during the

Accepted Answer

During the stage of resistance in the general adaptation syndrome, the body's defenses are stabilized, and symptoms of stress may temporarily disappear, even though the stressor is still present. This stage follows the initial alarm reaction and precedes the final stage of exhaustion.

Question 8

Mitch has just found out that he will have three tests on the same day. His heart is racing, and he is experiencing a shortness of breath and feels a little sick to his stomach. Mitch is exhibiting signs of which stage of the general adaptation syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Mitch is exhibiting signs of the alarm reaction stage of the general adaptation syndrome, which is the initial reaction to stress, where the body exhibits a "fight or flight" response, including symptoms like increased heart rate and shortness of breath.

Question 9

Danielle, a single mother, is raising three children on a limited income. Over the last few months, she has become so "stressed out" that she is anxious and irritable, and has been experiencing frequent migraine headaches. According to the general adaptation syndrome, Danielle must be in the

Accepted Answer

Danielle's symptoms suggest she is in the stage of exhaustion according to the general adaptation syndrome. This stage occurs after prolonged stress, where the body's ability to resist is depleted, leading to increased vulnerability to illness, fatigue, and breakdown, as indicated by her anxiety, irritability, and frequent migraines.

Question 10

Sorboni would be described as physically and psychologically healthy. She is happy, optimistic, and self-confident and is able to bounce back emotionally from adversity. According to health psychologists, Sorboni is in a state of

Accepted Answer

Sorboni's description aligns with the concept of subjective well-being, which encompasses happiness, optimism, self-confidence, and resilience, indicating a positive evaluation of one's life and emotional state.

Question 11

When Casey first had an increased workload at his job and school, he had headaches, an upset stomach, and was fatigued all the time. Although little has changed at school or at his job, Casey now says he feels fine and has more energy. Casey is currently exhibiting

Accepted Answer

Casey's symptoms and subsequent adaptation suggest he is in the stage of resistance of the general adaptation syndrome (GAS), where the body adjusts to stress and symptoms may reduce or become manageable.

Question 12

Maria has been experiencing prolonged stress at work due to taking over the work of several employees that have been laid off as the company downsizes. Most days she is irritable and rarely leaves her desk to eat lunch. She seems to take medicine for headaches every day. According to Hans Selye, Maria is experiencing the emotional, behavioral, and physical signs of the

Accepted Answer

Maria's symptoms align with the stage of exhaustion in Hans Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome model, which describes how chronic stress leads to a depletion of the body's resources, resulting in symptoms like irritability, physical ailments, and a decrease in functioning.

Question 13

In which stage of the general adaptation syndrome would one find animals with enlarged and discolored adrenal glands, stomach ulcers, and intense shrinkage of the thymus and spleen?

Accepted Answer

These symptoms are characteristic of the stage of exhaustion in the general adaptation syndrome, where the body's resistance to stress may collapse, leading to various health issues due to prolonged exposure to stress hormones.

Question 14

The final stage of the general adaptation syndrome involves the

Accepted Answer

The final stage of the general adaptation syndrome is the stage of exhaustion. This stage occurs after prolonged exposure to stress, when the body's adaptive mechanisms have been depleted, leading to decreased stress tolerance, exhaustion, and potentially serious health consequences.

Question 15

Stress and negative emotions raise our vulnerability to infections, worsen illnesses, and delay recovery because they

Accepted Answer

Stress and negative emotions can lower immune system activity, making the body more susceptible to infections and illnesses, and they can also increase inflammation, which can worsen illnesses and delay recovery.

Question 16

The final stage of the general adaptation syndrome is marked by

Accepted Answer

The final stage of the general adaptation syndrome, as described by Hans Selye, is exhaustion, which can lead to psychosomatic illness, a serious loss of health, or collapse due to prolonged stress.

Question 17

The typical signs or symptoms of impending exhaustion include

Accepted Answer

Impending exhaustion can manifest in emotional, behavioral, and physical signs, making all the options listed correct indicators.

Question 18

During which stage of the general adaptation syndrome is the body better able to cope with the original stressor with its resistance to other stresses being lowered, such as when animals placed in extreme cold are more resistant to the cold, but more susceptible to infection?

Accepted Answer

The stage of resistance in the general adaptation syndrome is when the body adapts to the continuous presence of the stressor and becomes more resistant to it, but its resistance to other stressors may be reduced, making it more susceptible to other forms of stress or infections.

Question 19

Symptoms such as shortness of breath, headache, sore muscles, upset stomach, and a lack of energy are characteristic of which stage of the general adaptation syndrome?

Accepted Answer

The alarm reaction is the first stage of the general adaptation syndrome, and it is characterized by the symptoms listed in the question.

Question 20

In which stage of the general adaptation syndrome are the external symptoms of the body's adjustment to stress the LEAST visible?

Accepted Answer

In the stage of resistance, the body has adapted to the stressor. The initial shock (alarm reaction) has passed, and the body has activated its coping mechanisms, making the external symptoms of stress less visible as it attempts to return to a state of homeostasis.

Quiz 13: Health, Stress, and Coping