BCIA Stress Management & Relaxation

Question 1

The 'relaxation response,' as described by Herbert Benson, is characterized by which physiological pattern?

Accepted Answer

Decreased oxygen consumption, heart rate, and respiration with increased skin resistance

Answer

Increased heart rate and blood pressure

Answer

Elevated cortisol and catecholamine levels

Answer

Increased muscle tone and alpha wave suppression

Question 2

Which physiological measure is considered the most sensitive indicator of the acute stress response?

Accepted Answer

Skin conductance (EDA)

Answer

Core body temperature

Answer

Slow breathing rate

Answer

Resting EMG amplitude

Question 3

Diaphragmatic breathing at the resonance frequency (~6 breaths/min) primarily affects the body through which mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Maximizing heart rate variability via respiratory sinus arrhythmia and baroreflex engagement

Answer

Increasing blood oxygen saturation to above normal levels

Answer

Activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis

Answer

Increasing sympathetic tone

Question 4

Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is often paired with biofeedback to train which self-regulatory skill?

Accepted Answer

Identifying and releasing chronic muscle tension using EMG feedback as a guide

Answer

Increasing cortical arousal for alertness

Answer

Elevating hand temperature above 95°F

Answer

Reducing alpha EEG amplitude

Question 5

Hans Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) describes stress responses in which sequence?

Accepted Answer

Alarm → Resistance → Exhaustion

Answer

Resistance → Exhaustion → Alarm

Answer

Exhaustion → Alarm → Resistance

Answer

Resistance → Alarm → Exhaustion

Question 6

Autogenic training combined with biofeedback uses which type of self-suggestion to elicit the relaxation response?

Accepted Answer

Passive concentration on sensations of heaviness and warmth in the limbs

Answer

Positive affirmations about life goals

Answer

Active imagery of athletic performance

Answer

Hypnotic suggestions delivered by the therapist