Wellness Stress Management Wellness 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which part of the nervous system triggers the 'fight-or-flight' stress response?
- The parasympathetic nervous system
- The sympathetic nervous system (Correct answer)
- The digestive nervous system
- The lymphatic nervous system
Correct answer: The sympathetic nervous system
The sympathetic nervous system activates the fight-or-flight response by releasing stress hormones such as adrenaline.
Question 2: Which hormone is most commonly referred to as the primary 'stress hormone'?
- Insulin
- Melatonin
- Cortisol (Correct answer)
- Testosterone
Correct answer: Cortisol
Cortisol, produced by the adrenal glands, is the primary hormone released during stress and regulates the body's stress response.
Question 3: Which stress management technique focuses on paying attention to the present moment without judgment?
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Mindfulness meditation (Correct answer)
- Cognitive restructuring
- Time management planning
Correct answer: Mindfulness meditation
Mindfulness meditation involves nonjudgmental awareness of the present moment and is a well-researched method for reducing stress.
Question 4: What does the acronym MBSR stand for in the context of stress management?
- Mind-Body Stress Response
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (Correct answer)
- Mental Balance and Stress Relief
- Meditative Breathing for Stress Recovery
Correct answer: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
MBSR stands for Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, an evidence-based program developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn at UMass Medical School.
Question 5: Which breathing technique most effectively activates the parasympathetic nervous system to reduce stress?
- Rapid shallow chest breathing
- Breath holding during exertion
- Diaphragmatic (belly) breathing (Correct answer)
- Alternating nostril breathing with caffeine
Correct answer: Diaphragmatic (belly) breathing
Diaphragmatic breathing engages the diaphragm fully and stimulates the vagus nerve, activating the parasympathetic 'rest and digest' response.
Question 6: Chronic stress has been most strongly linked to an increased risk of which health condition?
- Increased bone density
- Cardiovascular disease (Correct answer)
- Improved immune function
- Enhanced digestion
Correct answer: Cardiovascular disease
Chronic stress elevates blood pressure, promotes inflammation, and raises cardiovascular disease risk through sustained cortisol and adrenaline exposure.
Question 7: Which of the following is a cognitive approach to stress management?
- Aromatherapy with lavender oil
- Yoga and stretching
- Cognitive reframing of stressful situations (Correct answer)
- Hot bath immersion therapy
Correct answer: Cognitive reframing of stressful situations
Cognitive reframing involves intentionally changing how you interpret a stressful situation, which reduces its emotional and physiological impact.
Wellness Stress Management Wellness 1
Which part of the nervous system triggers the 'fight-or-flight' stress response?