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Chapter 11: Problem 1

Which of the following statements most accurately represents health psychologists' current understanding of illness? a. Illness is totally under our own control. We can stay healthy simply by making healthy decisions. b. Illness is a matter of luck. If our bodies are destined to become ill, we're out of luck. c. When a person has a family history of heart disease, breast cancer, or diabetes, the person's genetic predisposition guarantees that she or he will develop the illness. d. Genetic predispositions to some diseases exist. But living healthily can help reduce the chance of developing a disease.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Statement d.

Step by step solution

01

- Understand the Statements

Read all the statements carefully to understand what each one is suggesting about health and illness.
02

- Evaluate Statement a

Statement a suggests that illness is fully under our control and that healthy decisions can completely prevent illness. This is overly simplistic and ignores genetic and environmental factors.
03

- Evaluate Statement b

Statement b suggests that illness is purely a matter of luck. This implies that no matter what lifestyle choices we make, we have no control over our health. This is not accurate as lifestyle choices do impact health.
04

- Evaluate Statement c

Statement c suggests that genetic predisposition guarantees the development of certain illnesses. This is not entirely accurate as lifestyle choices and other factors can influence the manifestation of genetic predispositions.
05

- Evaluate Statement d

Statement d acknowledges the role of genetic predispositions but also highlights that healthy living can reduce the risk of developing diseases. This statement aligns with current understanding in health psychology.
06

- Conclusion

After evaluating all the statements, it is clear that statement d most accurately represents health psychologists' current understanding of illness, offering a balanced view of genetic factors and lifestyle choices.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Illness prevention
Illness prevention is a fundamental concept in health psychology that focuses on strategies and actions to avert diseases before they occur. These strategies include:
  • Vaccination – immunizing against diseases like flu or measles to prevent outbreaks.
  • Regular health check-ups – catching potential issues early can prevent more serious conditions later.
  • Healthy eating – consuming a balanced diet rich in nutrients that bolster the immune system and overall health.
  • Physical activity – maintaining an active lifestyle reduces the risk of several chronic diseases.

Understanding these preventive measures is crucial for maintaining long-term health. By integrating these actions into daily life, individuals can significantly reduce their likelihood of illness.
Genetic predisposition
Genetic predisposition refers to the increased likelihood of developing certain diseases based on one's genetic makeup. While inheriting certain genes may raise the risk for diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer, it does not guarantee that an individual will develop these conditions. Instead, genetic predisposition is one part of a larger picture that includes:
  • Environment – Factors like air quality, exposure to toxins, and living conditions impact disease risk.
  • Lifestyle choices – Daily habits play a significant role in disease manifestation, even with genetic risks.

Recognizing a genetic predisposition is crucial, as it allows individuals to take proactive steps, such as regular screenings and lifestyle modifications, to mitigate potential health issues.
Lifestyle choices
Lifestyle choices encompass the behaviors and habits that individuals adopt over their lifetime. These choices have a profound impact on health and well-being. Key lifestyle factors include:
  • Diet – A nutrient-rich diet supports optimal body function and prevents many health issues.
  • Exercise – Regular physical activity strengthens the body, improves mental health, and reduces disease risk.
  • Stress management – Effective management techniques can improve mental and physical health.
  • Avoiding harmful behaviors – Avoiding smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and drug use is critical.

Adopting positive lifestyle choices is essential for both preventing diseases and enhancing overall quality of life. These daily habits cumulatively contribute to long-term health benefits.
Disease risk reduction
Disease risk reduction focuses on minimizing the likelihood of developing illnesses through a combination of healthy lifestyle choices, environmental changes, and medical interventions. Some of the primary strategies include:
  • Healthy diet – Emphasizing whole foods, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
  • Regular physical activity – Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week.
  • Avoiding tobacco – Smoking cessation drastically reduces the risk of lung diseases and cancers.
  • Moderating alcohol consumption – Limiting intake helps prevent liver disease and certain cancers.
  • Managing stress – Techniques like meditation, yoga, and adequate sleep improve overall health.

These strategies collectively help lower the chances of developing diseases, leading to a healthier and more fulfilling life.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

True or false: Mothers' highly stressful experiences can affect their offspring's behavior across generations, even if the stress occurs before pregnancy. a. true b. false

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