Identify the psychological characteristic that is best illustrated by each of the examples below. Choose from the following: a. high level of personal control b. optimistic explanatory style c. Type A behavior pattern d. Type B behavior pattern e. pessimistic explanatory style f. chronic negative emotions Cheryl was despondent when she received a low grade on her algebra test. She said, "I will never do well on exams because I'm not very smart. I might as well drop out of school now before flunk out.

Personal control refers to the belief that we have the power over our own lives. It's about feeling confident that your own abilities and efforts can influence the outcomes of your experiences. Having a high level of personal control means that you believe you have the autonomy to make changes and direct your own life. For example, if a student does poorly on a test but has a strong sense of personal control, they might say, 'I need to study differently for the next test,' rather than feeling hopeless about their future performance. People with high personal control typically attribute success to their own efforts and failures to factors that they can improve on.

Understanding and fostering personal control can lead to better stress management and higher academic achievement, as individuals are more likely to engage in constructive problem-solving and seek out resources that can help them succeed.

The Type A behavior pattern is characterized by behaviors that reflect competitiveness, urgency, aggression, and a constant concern for time management. People who are categorized as having a Type A behavior pattern are often ambitious, are involved in multiple tasks, and feel a persistent sense of pressure. They also tend to experience higher levels of stress and frustration, which can lead to negative health consequences, such as cardiovascular disease.

An example of a Type A characteristic might be someone who is always on the go and becomes irritated with delays or unproductive time. They are highly driven but may struggle to relax and take things slowly, which could be necessary for maintaining mental and physical health.

In contrast, the Type B behavior pattern is associated with a more relaxed, non-competitive, and reflective approach to life. People with Type B characteristics generally have a more balanced perspective on work-life and tend to handle stress without becoming anxious or agitated. They are often creative, reflective, and social, enjoying activities at a pace that does not include continuous urgency or impatience.

For instance, after a setback at work, a Type B individual is more likely to analyze what happened, take a lesson from the experience, and plan leisurely for the next steps. This approach can contribute to lower stress levels and better overall health.

Chronic negative emotions can result from a pessimistic explanatory style and have far-reaching effects on a person's mental and physical health. Frequent feelings of sadness, worry, and anger can contribute to the development of a range of issues, such as depression, anxiety disorders, and increased risk of physical illness.

Chronic negative emotions may create a cycle of stress and unhappiness where individuals perceive their environment and experiences more negatively. This can lead to poor coping mechanisms, social withdrawal, and less engagement in healthy behaviors such as exercise and adequate sleep. Recognizing chronic negative emotions is the first step towards seeking help and implementing strategies that can improve one's wellbeing and outlook on life.