ASSIGNMENT #1       Due: Friday, 2/4/00

Topic: Stress: Definitions and Measurement

Answer each of the following questions in a short paragraph (no more than 50-75 words each, for a total of 2-3 pages doublespaced).  The (*) notation after a question means that it relates to material presented only or mostly in class.

1. Explain what it means to say that the term stress can be used in three different ways. (N.B. Both texts address this but in somewhat different ways; you may use either)

2. Stress is usually understood in negative terms; what, then, does Rice mean when he says that there is also a positive view?

3. Rice describes four different types of symptoms that can be linked to stress; what are they?

4. Explain the significance of cortisol to the physiology of stress.

5. Summarize Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome, with particular attention to how it helps to explain illness.

6. Rice describes the classic Brady executive monkey study in detail; how can it be seen as support for Selye’s GAS, and how is it flawed?

7. Briefly distinguish between primary appraisal, secondary appraisal and reappraisal by describing the different types of questions a person would be asking himself.

8. Briefly summarize the factors that appear to influence a person’s ability for coping with stress.

9. Physiological and biochemical measures of stress seem very “scientific;” why do you think that psychologists tend not to rely heavily on them?

10. What are some of the concerns that have been raised about the validity of tests like the Stress Readjustment Rating Scale, the Hassles and Uplifts Scale and the Perceived Stress Scale?

Copyright ©1998 Beverly J. Volicer and Steven F. Tello, UMass Lowell.  You may freely edit these pages  for use in a non-profit, educational setting.  Please include this copyright notice on all pages.