Studies have found that the quality of life reported by cancer patients is higher than healthy community samples. Explain how chronically ill patients cope with their health disorders and maintain a positive self-concept.

What will be an ideal response?


In a study by Collins, Taylor, & Skokan in 1990, more than 90 percent of cancer patients reported at least some beneficial changes in their lives as a result of the cancer, including an increased ability to appreciate each day and the inspiration to do things now rather than postponing them. These patients said that they were putting more effort into their relationships and believed they had acquired more awareness of others' feelings and more empathy and compassion for others. They reported feeling stronger and more self-assured as well. Many people with chronic health disorders perceive that they have some control over what happens to them, hold positive expectations about the future, and have a positive view of themselves. These beliefs are adaptive for mental and physical health much of the time (Taylor, 1983), but they become especially important when a person faces a chronic health disorder.

Psychology

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A friend of yours is pregnant. She has read about the potential problems that could occur with a pregnancy. Based upon this chapter, what do you think are the three most potentially harmful things an expectant mother could do that might harm a developing fetus?

What will be an ideal response?

Psychology

Beginning in 1986, the federal government launched a massive campaign based on anti-drug policies, locker searches, etc., to promote

A. affective education. B. increased drug knowledge. C. social skills. D. "Drug-Free" schools.

Psychology

Describe the experience of a first panic attack. How common is it to mistake the first panic attack with a heart attack?

What will be an ideal response?

Psychology

Sameer is passionate about medicine and is focused almost exclusively on his pre-med studies. He is a sociable, caring young man with good friends. Given Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory, which of Sameer's behaviors would Maslow have the most difficulty explaining?

A. Sameer balances his diet and sleep with long hours of studying at the library. B. Sameer assists one of his professors in a time-consuming research project. C. Sameer foregoes hanging out with friends to put all his energy into his studies. D. Sameer spends vacations reading medical journals ancillary to his focus in genetics.

Psychology