MCAT psych soc stress and personality theories review
A comprehensive review of stress and personality theories for the MCAT, including high-yield concepts and relationships relevant to psychology questions.
Quiz(32 questions)
1. What does primary appraisal involve in the context of stress?
Terms in this Study Set(32)
Stress Theories(16)
What is the Transactional Model of Stress?
A framework by Lazarus and Folkman that defines stress as a transaction between an individual and their environment, involving appraisal and coping strategies.
True or False: Stress is solely a result of external factors.
False. Stress is influenced by both external factors and personal interpretation (appraisal) of those factors.
Fill in the blank: Primary appraisal assesses _____.
The significance of a stressor (i.e., whether it is perceived as a threat, challenge, or benign).
Define coping strategies.
Coping strategies are cognitive and behavioral methods used to manage stress. They can be problem-focused or emotion-focused.
Cause → Effect: Stress leads to _____.
Physiological responses such as increased heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels.
What are the types of coping mechanisms?
- Problem-focused: Directly addressing the stressor. - Emotion-focused: Managing emotional responses.
Comparison: Distress vs. Eustress.
Distress is negative stress that can lead to anxiety, while eustress is positive stress that motivates and enhances performance.
What is the General Adaptation Syndrome?
Selye's model describing the body's response to stress in three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.
True or False: Chronic stress can affect physical health.
True. Chronic stress can lead to health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and weakened immune function.
What are common physiological responses to stress?
- Increased heart rate - Elevated blood pressure - Release of adrenaline and cortisol
Define resilience in the context of stress.
Resilience is the ability to adapt and recover from stress effectively, often characterized by a positive outlook and coping skills.
Fill in the blank: Stress coping involves both ____ and ____ strategies.
behavioral and cognitive strategies.
What role does social support play in stress management?
Social support can buffer against stress, providing emotional assistance, resources, and a sense of belonging.
True or False: All stress is harmful.
False. Certain levels of stress can enhance performance and motivate individuals to achieve goals.
What is learned helplessness?
A state where an individual feels unable to control or change stressful situations, leading to passive behavior.
Comparison: Active coping vs. Avoidant coping.
Active coping involves taking steps to address stress, while avoidant coping involves ignoring or distancing from the stressor.
Personality Theories(16)
What is the main focus of trait theory?
Traits are consistent patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. They help predict behavior.
True or False: The Big Five personality traits include extraversion.
True - The Big Five are Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism.
Fill in the blank: According to Freud, personality develops through __________ stages.
five psychosexual stages: oral, anal, phallic, latency, genital.
Compare and contrast: Trait Theory vs. Psychoanalytic Theory.
- Trait Theory: Focuses on observable traits. - Psychoanalytic Theory: Emphasizes unconscious processes and childhood experiences.
What does the term 'self-actualization' mean?
It's the realization of one's potential and personal growth. Essential in Maslow's hierarchy of needs.
True or False: Behaviorism ignores internal thoughts and emotions.
True - Behaviorism focuses solely on observable behavior and environmental influences.
Which personality theory emphasizes social context?
Social Learning Theory emphasizes that behavior is learned through observation and imitation.
Cause → Effect: How does low self-esteem affect stress levels?
Low self-esteem can lead to increased stress due to feelings of inadequacy and poor coping strategies.
What are the components of Bandura's concept of self-efficacy?
1. Mastery experiences 2. Social modeling 3. Social persuasion 4. Psychological responses
Match the theorist to their theory: 1. Carl Rogers, 2. B.F. Skinner.
1. Humanistic Theory, 2. Operant Conditioning.
What are the key aspects of the humanistic perspective?
Focus on personal growth, free will, and the inherent goodness of people.
Which personality model is commonly assessed by the MMPI?
The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) assesses various psychological conditions.
True or False: Personality is fixed and cannot change over time.
False - Personality can evolve due to experiences and personal development.
What is a personality trait?
A durable disposition to behave in a particular way in various situations.
Identify this theory: Focus on the role of thoughts in shaping behaviors.
Cognitive Behavioral Theory (CBT), which links cognitive processes with emotional responses.
Fill in the blank: According to trait theory, __________ refers to how outgoing or reserved one is.
extraversion.
Questions in this Study Set(32)
1. What does primary appraisal involve in the context of stress?
2. What is the primary focus of the Big Five personality model?
3. Which of the following is an example of emotion-focused coping?
4. True or False: According to Freud, the conscience is the primary component of the id.
5. True or False: The General Adaptation Syndrome describes a single response to stress.
6. Fill in the blank: According to Maslow, the highest level of needs is __________.
7. Which of the following is NOT a stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome?
8. Which of the following best describes Carl Rogers' concept of unconditional positive regard?
9. Fill in the blank: Chronic stress can lead to ____ health issues.
10. Which personality theory is most associated with observable behavior changes due to reinforcement?
11. What type of coping mechanism emphasizes addressing the stressor directly?
12. True or False: The personality traits of the Big Five are independent of each other.
13. Comparison: Distress vs. Eustress. Which statement is correct?
14. What is the term for a stable characteristic that influences a person's behavior across situations?
15. Which of the following best defines resilience?
16. Which of the following is NOT one of the Big Five personality traits?
17. What role does social support play in managing stress?
18. According to Bandura, what is a major factor that influences self-efficacy?
19. True or False: All stress is harmful and should be avoided.
20. Which theory views personality development as a series of stages driven by unconscious conflicts?
21. Fill in the blank: Coping strategies can be categorized as ____ and ____.
22. What does cognitive dissonance refer to?
23. What is learned helplessness?
24. Which of the following best summarizes the humanistic approach to personality?
25. Which of the following is an example of avoidant coping?
26. Which personality assessment tool is designed to measure psychological conditions?
27. Comparing active coping to avoidant coping, which statement is true?
28. What role does reinforcement play in Bandura's Social Learning Theory?
29. What physiological response is commonly associated with stress?
30. Fill in the blank: The concept of __________ refers to the belief in one’s ability to succeed in specific situations.
31. Which of the following best describes the Transactional Model of Stress?
32. Which of the following describes a key principle of the trait perspective on personality?
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