Question 1

What is learned helplessness?

Accepted Answer

Learned helplessness refers to a passive and resigned behavior that individuals develop after experiencing repeated exposure to uncontrollable and unavoidable aversive situations. They feel like they have no control over the events unfolding around them, and as a result, they become passive and stop trying to change their circumstances. This phenomenon was first described by Martin Seligman in 1967.

Question 2

Tim is feeling very frustrated and angry with his roommate, and thinks that he will feel better if he and his roommate fight it out with boxing gloves. What could you tell him about his plan?

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that expressing anger through physical aggression, such as fighting, often leads to more anger and aggression rather than reducing it. It is also not a constructive way to resolve conflicts and can escalate the situation rather than resolving it. Instead, it is recommended to communicate directly and assertively with the roommate to discuss and resolve the issues causing the frustration.

Question 3

Scott and Victoria are arguing about whether learned helplessness is a more productive coping style than behavioural disengagement. If you wanted to settle this argument, what should you tell them?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Scott and Victoria are arguing about whether...

Question 4

What do people typically experience if they use behavioural disengagement as a coping strategy?

Accepted Answer

People who use behavioural disengagement as a coping strategy typically experience increased, rather than decreased, distress. They may give up on finding a solution to their problem and withdraw from the situation, which can lead to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.

Question 5

Ivan's car began to slip sideways on the rain-slick road. As his car spun out of control, and into the path of oncoming traffic, his pituitary gland began to secrete adrenocorticotropic hormone (AHigher orderH). What happens next?

Accepted Answer

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulates the adrenal cortex to release corticosteroids in response to stress. In this scenario, Ivan's pituitary gland secreting ACTH would trigger the release of corticosteroids from his adrenal cortex, helping him cope with the stress of the situation. The adrenal medulla releases catecholamines in response to stress, but that is not the primary hormone released in this situation. The amygdala is not directly involved in the stress response of the endocrine system.

Question 6

A police officer gives you a speeding ticket, and you take out your frustration and anger on your roommate. What is the term for this diversion of anger to a substitute target?

Accepted Answer

This is an example of displacement, which is when a person takes out their negative emotions or impulses on a substitute target rather than the original source of the emotions.

Question 7

What are the two major pathways by which the brain may signal the endocrine system?

Accepted Answer

The two major pathways by which the brain may signal the endocrine system are the pituitary gland and the autonomic nervous system. The pituitary gland is considered the "master gland" of the endocrine system and is directly controlled by the hypothalamus in the brain. The autonomic nervous system is responsible for regulating involuntary bodily functions, including the secretion of certain hormones.

Question 8

Which of the following represents the original frustration-aggression hypothesis put forth by Dollard and his colleagues?

Accepted Answer

The original frustration-aggression hypothesis put forth by Dollard and his colleagues stated that aggression is always caused by frustration.

Question 9

Whenever Paris feels particularly stressed or frustrated, she tends to engage in what she calls "retail therapy" where she heads to the mall and spends a great deal of money on a wide variety of clothes, jewellery, and other treats for herself. What is Paris's favourite coping method called?

Accepted Answer

Paris's coping method is known as self-indulgence, where she engages in rewarding herself with material items in order to relieve stress and frustration.

Question 10

Nora has just noticed a big scary dog running toward her. What is happening in her brain?

Accepted Answer

Nora's hypothalamus activates the sympathetic nervous system in response to the perceived threat, causing her body to prepare for fight or flight.

Question 11

In a stress reaction, the pituitary gland releases the hormone AHigher orderH. What does AHigher orderH then stimulate?

Accepted Answer

AHigher orderH stimulates the adrenal cortex to release cortisol, which is a stress hormone that helps the body cope with stress.

Question 12

Julie's father borrowed her car to run some errands. When he returned the car, the taillight was broken. Julie was angry, but she didn't say anything to her father. Later, when her son dropped cookie crumbs on the floor, Julie yelled at him and sent him to his room with no supper. Which of the following concepts does Julie's behaviour toward her son illustrate??

Accepted Answer

Julie's behavior toward her son illustrates displacement, as she is redirecting her anger and frustration with her father's actions onto her son for a small mistake.

Question 13

Francis finished writing her Economics final and was convinced that she had failed the exam and would have to repeat the course. She was so stressed out by the thought of taking the course a second time that she drank four glasses of wine when she got home. What method did Francis use to cope with her stress?

Accepted Answer

Francis used self-indulgence as a coping mechanism by drinking four glasses of wine to deal with the stress of potentially failing the exam.

Question 14

Nora is being chased by a big scary dog. Which hormones are being pumped into her bloodstream??

Accepted Answer

When Nora is being chased by a big scary dog, her body enters into a state of "fight or flight" response. This triggers the release of two hormones, catecholamines (such as adrenaline and norepinephrine) and corticosteroids (such as cortisol). These hormones prepare her body to either fight or run away from the danger. Endorphins and serotonin are not the primary hormones released in a "fight or flight" response.

Question 15

When final exam time rolls around, Murray finds himself eating all the time. What is the term for this type of reaction to stress?

Accepted Answer

Murray's behavior of overeating during times of stress can be classified as self-indulgence, which is a coping mechanism that involves seeking pleasure or comfort to cope with stress or negative emotions.

Question 16

Which of the following is true of coping responses in dealing with stress?

Accepted Answer

Coping responses may be adaptive or maladaptive depending on the situation and the individual's coping strategies. Coping responses that are adaptive can help individuals effectively manage stress, whereas maladaptive coping responses can increase stress and lead to negative outcomes. It is important for individuals to learn and utilize adaptive coping strategies to effectively manage stress.

Question 17

What is the term used to describe active efforts to master, reduce, or tolerate the demands created by stress?

Accepted Answer

Coping refers to the active efforts made by an individual to master, reduce, or tolerate the demands created by stress. Resisting, defending, and aggressing do not accurately describe the process of managing stress.

Question 18

Which of the following terms represents the idea that emotional tension can be released through behaviour, in an adaptive manner?

Accepted Answer

Catharsis refers to the concept that emotional tension can be released through behavior, in an adaptive manner. It involves the process of releasing or expressing emotions in order to relieve oneself from emotional distress. This can be achieved through various forms of artistic expression or physical activities.

Question 19

What is most likely to happen when people who are confronted by stressful situations engage in self-blame?

Accepted Answer

Engaging in self-blame can lead to negative emotional reactions and perpetuate problematic responses to stress. It can also lead to a decrease in self-esteem and negative self-talk, further exacerbating the stress response.

Question 20

Garret is frustrated and angry when his request for a pay raise is turned down. After work, Garret goes to his gym and hits the punching bag for 10 minutes. Garret finds that he feels less tense and wound up after his workout. What concept does this example illustrate?

Accepted Answer

This example illustrates the concept of catharsis, which is the release of emotional tension through a physical activity like hitting a punching bag. This can lead to a feeling of relief and a decrease in the intensity of the negative emotions experienced.

Quiz 13: A: Stress, Coping, and Health