Discuss why stress is often implicated as a factor in cardiovascular disease. Define type A personality and discuss research regarding its validity.

What will be an ideal response?


Sample Answer: The cardiovascular system includes the heart, blood vessels, and control mechanisms for its regulation. Cardiovascular disease often occurs because of blockages in blood vessels to the heart, which cause heart attacks, and in blood vessels to the brain, which cause stress. High blood pressure (hypertension) and high cholesterol levels contribute to both of these problems. Hypertension can occur as a result of strong physiological responses to stress, kidney problems, emotional distress, feelings of uncontrollability, and low social support. Type A behavior was originally described as a combination of impatience, energy, time pressure, and competitiveness. Early researchers (Freidman and Rosenman) thought this behavior pattern caused heart disease, although later research suggests that the relationship is complex, with negative emotions such as anger, hostility, anxiety, and depression being stronger predictors of cardiovascular disease than the type A pattern itself.

Psychology

You might also like to view...

Which of the following is a mental series of exercises meant to refocus attention and achieve a heightened sense of focus?

A. Meditation B. Biofeedback C. Relaxation response D. Progressive relaxation

Psychology

In the United States, the poorest health conditions are found in those living in

a. inner-city neighborhoods. b. the South c. ethnic neighborhoods. d. nursing homes.

Psychology

Which statement about the humanistic–existential approach to personality is FALSE?

A) People have the potential to change aspects of their personality. B) People are responsible for their own personality. C) People must struggle with the fact that personality traits are biologically determined. D) Personality can be optimized by making better choices.

Psychology

Provide and explain an example of a cultural difference in emotion

What will be an ideal response?

Psychology