Health Psychology Final Exam Guide

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of health psychology?

Studying the biopsychosocial model of health (correct)

Analyzing social influences on illness

Examining purely biological factors in health

Understanding the genetic components of diseases

Why is the biopsychosocial model important in health psychology?

It focuses solely on environmental influences.

It disregards psychological factors in health.

It integrates multiple aspects of health into one comprehensive model. (correct)

It primarily addresses lifestyle factors.

What does the HPA axis primarily regulate in the body?

The body's stress response (correct)

Digestion and metabolism

The immune response to infections

Cellular growth and replication

Which of the following best defines stressors?

Events or situations that trigger a stress response Signup and view all the answers

How do sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems differ in their functions?

Sympathetic activates the body during stress, while parasympathetic calms it after. Signup and view all the answers

What type of coping strategy focuses on changing the situation to reduce stress?

Problem-focused coping Signup and view all the answers

Why can causality not be inferred from correlational studies?

Correlation does not imply a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Signup and view all the answers

Which gland is primarily responsible for the secretion of cortisol?

Adrenal gland Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between approach-oriented coping and avoidance-oriented coping?

Approach-oriented coping seeks to confront stressors directly, while avoidance-oriented coping involves evading them. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly summarizes the Theory of Planned Behavior?

It claims that perceived control over behavior and social influences affect intentions and actions. Signup and view all the answers

Which relaxation technique has been supported by evidence as effective in stress management?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is one hypothesis regarding the beneficial effects of social support?

Social support acts as a buffer against the negative impacts of stress. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key outcome of gratitude and spirituality in coping with stress?

Enhanced emotional well-being and resilience. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is commonly linked to improved sleep quality?

Regular physical activity. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant reason why diets often fail in the long term?

Diets usually involve restrictive eating without lifestyle changes. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are considered uncontrollable risk factors for cardiovascular disease?

Age Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of Type A behavior pattern related to cardiovascular disease?

High level of competitiveness Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a controllable risk factor for Type 2 Diabetes?

Body weight Signup and view all the answers

How does a hostile, angry personality relate to cardiovascular disease?

It may increase the risk of coronary artery disease. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant psychosocial intervention for cancer patients?

Counseling for emotional support Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is the first stage of delay in seeking medical attention?

appraisal delay Signup and view all the answers

What role does health psychology play in diabetes management?

Enhances self-management strategies. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the three main goals of doctor-patient communication?

To establish an emotional connection Signup and view all the answers

Which definition best describes the behavior pattern associated with a higher risk for cardiovascular disease?

A competitive and aggressive personality Signup and view all the answers

What psychological factor has shown an association with the incidence of cardiovascular disease?

Chronic stress Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a major form of diabetes?

Cardiogenic Diabetes Signup and view all the answers

How can self-management impact the treatment of diabetes?

It can reduce the need for medication. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor has been linked to both cancer incidence and progression?

Psychological stress Signup and view all the answers

What stage involves delay in seeking medical attention due to the perception of symptom severity?

Appraisal delay Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary goal of effective doctor-patient communication?

Ensuring patients fully understand their conditions Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of approach-oriented coping?

It involves actively addressing the stressor. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is identified as a benefit of mindfulness training?

Promotion of mental health and well-being. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT typically associated with improved coping mechanisms regarding stress?

Maintaining a pessimistic outlook Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary consequence of poor sleep on psychological well-being?

Increased irritability and anxiety. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following contrasts the biomedical model and the biopsychosocial model in health psychology?

The biomedical model focuses on biological factors alone. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of stress, which of the following best describes 'appraisals'?

The evaluation of whether an event is a threat. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the role of cortisol in the body's stress response?

Cortisol helps mobilize energy during stress. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes problem-focused coping strategies?

They seek to eliminate or change the source of stress. Signup and view all the answers

Which major division of the nervous system primarily controls involuntary functions?

Autonomic nervous system. Signup and view all the answers

How do health psychologists define stress?

A response to ongoing life challenges. Signup and view all the answers

What does the HPA axis primarily influence in the body apart from cortisol secretion?

Immune system functioning. Signup and view all the answers

Which best describes the key properties of stressors?

Nature of the threat, duration, and controllability. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is classified as an uncontrollable risk factor for cardiovascular disease?

Age Signup and view all the answers

What type of personality trait is primarily linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease?

Type A behavior pattern Signup and view all the answers

What is a major behavioral risk factor associated with the incidence of cancer?

Smoking tobacco Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological factor has been suggested to correlate with both cardiovascular disease and its progression?

Depression Signup and view all the answers

What is a key benefit of adopting self-management practices in diabetes treatment?

Control over blood sugar levels Signup and view all the answers

What is a common psychosocial intervention to help patients cope with cancer?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy Signup and view all the answers

Which factor can significantly affect how individuals interpret their physical symptoms?

Personal illness experiences Signup and view all the answers

Which relaxation technique has shown significant evidence for effectiveness in stress management?

Progressive muscle relaxation Signup and view all the answers

Which hypothesis regarding social support emphasizes its role in enhancing resilience in stress coping?

Social support acts as a buffer against stressors Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between positive and negative reinforcement?

Adding a stimulus vs. removing a stimulus Signup and view all the answers

What are the main physical activity guidelines for adults?

150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly Signup and view all the answers

Which physiological response is primarily activated by the sympathetic nervous system during stress?

Increased heart rate and blood pressure. Signup and view all the answers

How do health psychologists define coping in relation to stress?

The ability to manage or alleviate stressors. Signup and view all the answers

What is atherosclerosis?

disorder in which deposits of cholesterol and other fats narrow coronary arteries Signup and view all the answers

Research states that happiness is related to

age Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are ways to increase happiness?

finding flow Signup and view all the answers

What is the immune surveillance theory?

the idea that the body's immune system actively seeks out and attempts to destroy developing cancer cells Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best explains why climate change is considered a health issue?

It causes direct physical harm through extreme weather events like heatwaves and floods Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Final Exam Study Guide

The final exam will be similar to the midterms focusing on material since the start of the semester.
Expect approximately 10 short-answer/short essay questions and 50 multiple-choice questions.

Introduction (Health Psychology, Research Methods, Biopsychosocial Model)

Health psychology examines illness patterns in the US, considering historical trends and the growth of the field.
Historical illness theories and treatments are compared to modern approaches.
A comparison and contrast of biomedical and biopsychosocial models are essential.
The biopsychosocial model is preferred to the biomedical model by health psychologists.
The scientific method is crucial to understand.
Recognize that correlational studies cannot show cause and effect.

Biological Foundations

Understand the nervous system's major divisions and their functions.
Contrast the roles of sympathetic and parasympathetic autonomic nervous systems.
Identify major endocrine glands and their functions.
Explain the HPA axis's role in the body's stress response.

Stress and Coping

Health psychologists define stress, and detail stressors, appraisals, and responses.
The physiology of the fight-or-flight response will be tested, focusing on the brain and nervous system.
The role of cortisol in the stress response will be assessed.
Understand properties of stressors including threat type, duration, whether they are predictable or controllable.
Understand the ideas of coping, problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping.
Differentiate approach-oriented and avoidance-oriented coping.
Different types of social support and their effects are important to understand.
The role of gratitude, humor, pets, and spirituality in coping is relevant.

Health Behaviors

Understand the Health Belief Model, Theory of Planned Behavior, and Transtheoretical Model.
Examples of behavior change approaches and strategies like self-monitoring, operant conditioning, and stimulus control.
Understand gain and loss frames.
Definitions of and distinctions between physical activity, exercise, and fitness need to be clear.
Identify the characteristics and benefits of effective physical activity interventions.
Understand sleep timing factors and sleep continuity.

Climate Change and Sustainability

Explain how climate change is a health concern.
Describe how psychological science can aid in understanding the inaction related to climate change.

Cardiovascular Disease

Describe the structure and function of the cardiovascular system.
Differentiate cardiovascular diseases and understand atherosclerosis.
Identify risk factors, both controllable and uncontrollable.
Examine the connection between Type A behavior, hostility, and cardiovascular disease.
Understand the potential link between depression and cardiovascular disease.

Diabetes

Differentiate the two forms of diabetes, focusing on underlying processes, symptoms, and risk factors.
Understand the importance of self-management in diabetes treatment.
Describe research on lifestyle changes for preventing diabetes.
Importance of health psychology in diabetes care.

Cancer

Describe the correlation between gender, race, ethnicity and Socioeconomic status (SES), to cancer.
Identify behavioral risk factors for cancer.
Understand how psychological factors impact cancer incidence, progression, and adjustment.
Understand psychosocial interventions to cope with cancer.
Factors affecting treatment and adherence.

Treatment and Adherence

Factors influencing symptoms detection and interpretation in relation to health seeking behavior
Understanding how representations influence reaction to symptoms.
Discuss the effect of age, gender, socioeconomic status, culture, and ethnicity on symptom reporting.
Identify the different stages of delay in seeking medical attention.
Understand factors that promote adherence to recommendations.

Patient-Provider Relationships

Describe the features of the doctor-patient relationship.
Explain features that make it complicated, as compared with other relationships.
Identify main goals in doctor-patient communication.
Explain how to evaluate the quality of communication.
How doctors might sometimes withhold information, and why
Situations where patients may be dissatisfied or satisfied with their healthcare doctor.
Explain what makes patients dissatisfied in a doctor-patient relationship.
Understand how patients adhere to medication regimens and factors influencing patient adherence.
Recognize how communication style can impact treatment.

Happiness

Explore if happiness can improve health.
Discuss how health psychologists measure happiness.
Examine the relationship between happiness and factors like age, gender, race/ethnicity, physical appearance, and income.

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Description

This study guide prepares you for the Health Psychology final exam, focusing on key topics covered since the start of the semester. Expect a mix of short-answer and multiple-choice questions that will evaluate your understanding of health psychology, research methodologies, and biological foundations. Make sure you're familiar with the biopsychosocial model and the scientific method.