General Psychology (Chapter 3)

True or False? A person's ability to cope effectively depends on the complexity, intensity , and duration of the stressor.

True

True or False? Many researchers believe that daily hassles contribute more to people's stress levels that major life events.

True

True or False? Money is an important coping resource because it increases your options for eliminating stressors or reducing stress?

True

True or False? You can use progressive relaxation techniques anytime, anywhere.

True

How often does your text suggest practicing progressive relaxation?

Twice a day, for 15 minutes.

Which personality is related to heart disease, Type A or B?

Type A, due to the anger and stress lead in a typical Type A lifestyle.

Are SRRS scores correlated with illness?

No, stress is not proven to be linked with illness

What is the definition of Type A Personality?

Behavior characteristics are usually intense ambition, competition,exaggerated time urgency, and a cynical hostile outlook.

What is internal locus of control?

Believing they are in charge of their own destinies and adapt to more positive coping strategies.

What are the phases of the General Adaption Syndrome (GAS) and what occurs in each phase?

Alarm phase: When surprised or threatened, body enters a phase where resistance to stress is temporarily suppressed and arousal is high. Resistance phase: If stress continues, body rebounds to a phase of increased resistance. Physiological arousal remains high and there is an outpouring of hormones. Many people use coping methods during this stage. Exhaustion phase: More susceptible to illness in this stage such as asthma, ulcers, high blood pressure. If stress is not relieved, collapse or death can occur.

What is the definition of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

An anxiety disorder following exposure to a life threatening or other extreme event that evoked great horror or helplessness. It is characterized by flashbacks, nightmares and impaired functioning.

Understand the 3 types of conflict described in Study Organizer 3.1. Be able to describe the types of conflict as well as ways they generally resolved.

Approach-Approach: Forced choice between two options both of which have equally desirable characteristics. Avoidance-Avoidance: Forced choice between two options both of which equally undesirable characteristics. Approach-avoidance: Forced choice within one option which has equally desirable and undesirable characteristics.

What is the definition of Type B Personality?

Behavior characteristics are usually calm, patient, relaxed attitude.

Which event on the SRRS has the greatest number of life change units associated with it?

Death of spouse

What is some of the largest sources of chronic stress in adults?

Death, war, bad marriage, poor working environment

What is external locus of control?

Feeling powerless to change and are less likely to make healthy changes or positively cope with a situation.

What is conflict?

Forced to make a choice between at least two incompatible alternatives.

What do health psychologists study?

How biological, psychological , and social factors affect health and illness.

The Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS) constructed by Holmes and Rahe measures the stress in a person's life on the basis of _______ ?

Major life changes (fired from job, having a baby)

What is a hassle?

Minor daily conflicts such as time pressure and financial concerns

What is the definition of burnout?

Persistent hassles that lead to forms of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion.

According to Selye, what is eustress and distress?

Pleasant or beneficial stress is called eustress. Unpleasant or objectionable stress is called distress.

What is locus of control?

Refers to a person's perception of personal control over their own behaviour.

Which nervous system triggers the "fight-or-flee" response?

Sympathetic

What is the definition of stress?

The body's nonspecific response to any demand made on it, physical mental arousal or events that we perceive as threatening or challenging.

What is the definition of a stressor?

The trigger that prompts the stressful reaction is called stressor.