Exam II: What Statement Is Most Accurate Regarding The Relat ✓ Solved

Exam Ii1 What Statement Is Most Accurate Regarding The Relationship

Identify the most accurate statement regarding the relationship between marriage and homelessness. The options are: (a) There is no relationship; (b) Being single may be a risk factor and influence duration; (c) Marriage may be a resource or protector against homelessness; (d) Both b and c.

Understand the analogy: ________ is to psychological empowerment, as _______ is to social alienation. The choices are: (a) Self-efficacy, learned helplessness; (b) Hope, locus of control; (c) Locus of control, emotion-focused coping; (d) Self-efficacy, problem-focused coping.

Determine which psychological concept is the most general and includes all others listed. Options are: (a) Self-efficacy; (b) Psychological empowerment; (c) Locus of control; (d) Agency.

Identify which concept best describes aspects such as powerlessness, meaninglessness, normlessness, self-estrangement, and cultural estrangement, which are characteristic of some homeless individuals. Options: (a) social alienation; (b) learned helplessness; (c) low self-esteem; (d) none of the above.

Analyze Jim's case: a homeless man with childhood neglect and negative work environments, believing he lacks control. The options are: (a) a sense of learned helplessness; (b) PTSD; (c) an internal locus of control; (d) both a and c.

Evaluate a homeless woman's reaction to a weather forecast indicating danger. She engages in: (a) problem-focused coping; (b) emotion-focused coping; (c) primary appraisal; (d) secondary appraisal.

Define a stressor. The options are: (a) Any negative life event; (b) Any stimulus requiring adaptation; (c) Any traumatic event; (d) Any event not under one’s control.

Explain how chronic stress impacts health in homeless individuals. The focus could be on: (a) maladaptive coping; (b) autonomic nervous system reactivity; (c) stress hormones and immune response; (d) all of the above.

Assess the accuracy of statements about poverty. Options include: (a) Factors contributing to poverty; (b) Poverty as a risk for homelessness and discrimination; (c) Poverty as a major risk factor, similar to other health-influencing factors; (d) All of the above.

Identify which statement about homelessness and minorities is inaccurate. Options: (a) Discrimination affects wages and housing; (b) Minorities are more likely to be poor; (c) Minority status and discrimination are unrelated to homelessness; (d) The homeless population is disproportionately Black.

Determine which statement regarding trauma/PTSD and homelessness is not accurate. Options: (a) Trauma/PTSD are relevant mainly for military veterans; (b) Over 90% report PTSD symptoms; (c) 40% experience violent trauma; (d) 30% of women and 20% of men meet PTSD criteria.

Estimate what percentage of homeless men are veterans. Options: (a) 11%; (b) 21%; (c) 41%; (d) 61%.

Explain when the immune system activates. Options: (a) When an antibody is detected; (b) When a suppressor T-cell is detected; (c) When a B-cell is detected; (d) When an antigen is detected.

Describe effects of chronic stress on the HPA axis. The options cover secretion of cortisol, energy shifts, and immune impacts. Choose: (a) causes cortisol secretion and metabolic increase; (b) increases fuel supply for cells; (c) shifts energy away from protein synthesis; (d) all of the above.

Identify which division of the autonomic nervous system prepares a homeless individual for “fight or flight” when threatened. Options: (a) sympathetic nervous system; (b) parasympathetic nervous system; (c) HPA axis; (d) none of the above.

Match coping strategies with stressor controllability. The most effective for controllable stressors is __________, and for uncontrollable stressors is __________. Options: (a) emotion-focused, problem-focused; (b) problem-focused, emotion-focused; (c) primary, secondary appraisal; (d) secondary, primary appraisal.

Define the term that includes beliefs about competence, effort to control, and understanding of socio-political context. Choices are: (a) Self-efficacy; (b) Psychological empowerment; (c) Locus of control; (d) Resiliency.

Describe the impact of a community intervention that enhances agency and changes laws to increase housing for at-risk populations. If successful, it has what kind of validity? Options: (a) increased soup kitchens; (b) increased agency; (c) policy change for housing; (d) both b and c.

Differentiate resiliency and vulnerability factors. High hope and self-efficacy are __________; low self-esteem and social alienation are __________. Options: (a) resiliency, vulnerability; (b) risk, protective; (c) problem-focused, emotion-focused; (d) none of the above.

Explain how social stigma affects self-esteem. It involves judgments of self-worth based on personal competence and cultural worth, known as: (a) self-efficacy; (b) psychological empowerment; (c) self-esteem; (d) locus of control.

Relate deinstitutionalization to homelessness. The correct understanding is: (a) contributing but not sole cause; (b) primary cause; (c) mental illness may worsen; (d) both a and c.

Define primary appraisal when encountering a threat. The process where a person interprets a stressor as a threat is: (a) coping; (b) primary appraisal; (c) secondary appraisal; (d) emotion-focused coping.

Identify the focus of a health psychologist discussing stress and illness. It involves the autonomic nervous system and: (a) the HPA axis; (b) the immune system; (c) emotion-focused coping; (d) both a and b.

Estimate the reduced lifespan associated with homelessness. It is approximately _____ years less. Options: (a) 28-30; (b) 6-9; (c) 2-3; (d) 38+

Recognize issues related to food among homeless individuals. Obesity in this group tends to be: (a) three times higher; (b) twice as high; (c) three times lower; (d) half.

Define deprivation of basic needs. The term is: (a) Poverty; (b) Absolute poverty; (c) Relative poverty; (d) Inequity.

Determine the proportion of U.S. prisoners relative to the population. The correct range is: (a) 1-3%; (b) 10-15%; (c) 15-20%; (d) 20+%.

Identify the book related to disproportionate incarceration of African Americans. Options: (a) “Social Stigma, Homelessness, and Prisons”; (b) “Slavery by Another Name”; (c) “The New Jim Crow”; (d) both b and c.

Understand the concept of “Community Policing”. It emphasizes: (a) rounding up homeless; (b) criminalizing homelessness; (c) community partnerships and problem-solving; (d) viewing homeless as criminals requiring force.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

In exploring the relationship between marriage and homelessness, current research indicates a nuanced association. While some studies suggest no significant link between marriage status and homelessness, others highlight the protective role that marriage can play in preventing homelessness. Specifically, marriage often provides social support, sharing responsibilities, pooling resources, and emotional stability, which can act as a buffer against becoming homeless (Sawyer et al., 2016). Conversely, being single, whether never married or divorced, may increase the risk for homelessness or influence the duration an individual remains homeless, as social support networks tend to be weaker in these cases (Feldman et al., 2018).

Regarding psychological empowerment and social alienation, the concepts are related but distinct. Self-efficacy—a belief in one's capacity to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific performance attainments—is to psychological empowerment, as the confidence in personal control and influence over social conditions is to social alienation, which describes feelings of estrangement and disconnectness from society (Bandura, 1994; Seeman, 1959). Hope and locus of control also bear relevance, with hope being a future orientation and locus of control referencing perceived control over life outcomes (Snyder, 2000; Rotter, 1966).

The most comprehensive psychological concept that encompasses others like self-efficacy, locus of control, and empowerment is psychological empowerment itself—a multidimensional construct reflecting a person’s sense of control and influence over their circumstances, as well as their perception of meaning in life (Zimmerman, 1995). These constructs are crucial in fostering resilience among homeless populations and facilitating recovery from vulnerabilities (Perkins & Zimmerman, 1995).

Homelessness is characterized by several feelings and states such as powerlessness, meaninglessness, normlessness, and self-estrangement—dimensions of social alienation that are prevalent among homeless individuals, especially those who feel disconnected from societal structures and support systems (Seeman, 1959). Such alienation can exacerbate mental health issues and hinder efforts to reintegrate into society.

Jim's case exemplifies a classic scenario where childhood neglect, negative work environments, and a belief in a lack of control culminate in learned helplessness—a state where individuals feel incapable of changing their circumstances despite potential opportunities. His belief that he cannot improve his life aligns with the concept of learned helplessness, which can diminish motivation and action (Seligman, 1975). This perception is closely linked to an external locus of control, where individuals see their lives as governed by external forces rather than personal agency.

The scenario involving the homeless woman reacting to cold weather illustrates problem-focused and emotion-focused coping processes. Recognizing the danger and reacting to it by taking protective measures reflects problem-focused coping—directly addressing the stressor. In contrast, emotion-focused coping involves managing the emotional response, such as fear or anxiety, associated with the potential danger (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984). The appraisal process—primary and secondary—determines how individuals interpret and respond to stressors, with primary appraisal assessing the significance of the event, and secondary appraisal evaluating coping options.

A stressor, defined as an environmental or internal stimulus demanding adaptation, can be negative life events, traumatic incidents, or ongoing challenges that require individuals to adjust psychologically or physically (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984). Prolonged exposure to stressors, especially chronic in homeless populations, impacts health through mechanisms involving the autonomic nervous system, cortisol secretion, and immune suppression (McEwen, 1998). Elevated stress hormones like cortisol can impair immune function, increasing the risk for illness (Sapolsky, 2004).

The link between poverty and homelessness is supported by multiple factors: unemployment, declining minimum wages, soaring housing costs, insufficient affordable housing, and rising healthcare expenses. Poverty increases the likelihood of homelessness, often compounded by discrimination which limits access to resources and social mobility (Fitzpatrick et al., 2011). Conversely, poverty significantly reduces resilience, making it harder for individuals to cope with life adversities (Ferguson & Levenston, 2010).

In examining demographic disparities, research shows minorities face greater discrimination regarding wages and housing, which exacerbates their risk for homelessness. Despite some misconceptions, minority status and systemic discrimination are strongly associated with homelessness, particularly among Black populations who are disproportionately represented in the homeless demographic (Burt, 2007). The correlations emphasize the need to address structural inequalities to effectively combat homelessness (Culhane et al., 2013).

Trauma and PTSD are prevalent issues among homeless populations, especially among women, with some studies indicating that up to 90% of homeless individuals report trauma experiences. Violence and trauma often occur before homelessness, contributing to the cycle of vulnerability. PTSD prevalence varies but is notably high among homeless women and men, often linked to violent trauma experienced prior to or during homelessness (Finkelhor et al., 2014). Combat-related PTSD is prominent in veterans but less so among civilians who are homeless due to other stressors.

Veterans constitute a significant proportion of the homeless male population, with estimates ranging around 20-41%. This correlation underscores the importance of specialized support services aimed at veterans to prevent homelessness and aid recovery (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 2020).

The immune system’s activation occurs when the body detects an invader, such as an antigen, which triggers immune responses including the detection of pathogens by immune cells like B-cells and T-cells, and the production of antibodies (Janeway et al., 2001). This complex response forms the foundation for understanding immune defense mechanisms.

Chronic stress impacts health via hormonal pathways such as activation of the HPA axis, leading to cortisol secretion, which, when prolonged, shifts energy away from immune functions and protein synthesis. Such changes can weaken immunity and increase disease susceptibility (Miller et al., 2002). The comprehensive impact involves both the neuroendocrine and immune systems, often resulting in poorer health outcomes in homeless individuals under persistent stress (Goyal et al., 2019).

The sympathetic nervous system prepares individuals for acute threats ("fight or flight") by triggering physiological changes such as increased heart rate, blood pressure, and energy mobilization. This response is critical during immediate danger, including street conflicts among homeless persons (Cannon, 1932).

In coping with controllable stressors, problem-focused coping strategies are most effective, while emotion-focused coping is more suited for uncontrollable stressors. Problem-focused coping involves actively changing the situation, while emotion-focused aims at managing emotional responses (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984).

The sense of personal control and the belief in one’s capacity to influence events is encapsulated in the concept of self-efficacy, which influences behavior and resilience. Psychological empowerment extends this by encompassing perceptions of influence over one's environment and socio-political factors, essential in community-level interventions (Zimmerman, 1995).

Effective community interventions that increase agency and modify policies to improve housing availability demonstrate "psychopolitical validity"—they reflect community empowerment and systemic change, promoting sustainable improvements (Wallerstein & Duran, 2010).

Resiliency factors such as hope, self-efficacy, and empowerment buffer against vulnerability, whereas low self-esteem, learned helplessness, and social alienation exacerbate risk. These psychological attributes influence how homeless individuals respond to adversity and recovery opportunities (Werner & Smith, 2001).

Social stigma undermines self-esteem, which pertains to judgments about self-worth based on personal and societal attributes. Such negative perceptions can diminish confidence in personal abilities, affecting mental health and social integration (Link & Phelan, 2001).

Deinstitutionalization of mental health facilities contributed to homelessness; it is a significant factor but not the only cause. It often exacerbates mental illness and complicates community reintegration, especially when effective community services are lacking (Lamb & Bachrach, 2001).

In stress appraisal, primary appraisal involves interpreting a stressor as a threat or challenge, fundamentally influencing subsequent coping strategies. The process is central to stress management theories (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984).

Physiologically, stress affects health mainly through activation of the autonomic nervous system and the HPA axis, influencing cortisol levels and immune function, which mediate disease susceptibility (McEwen, 1998; Segerstrom & Miller, 2004).

The reduction in lifespan associated with homelessness is approximately 6 to 9 years due to accumulated health disparities and limited access to healthcare (Hwang et al., 2011).

Obesity among homeless populations tends to be about twice as high as in general populations, reflecting issues with food security and access to healthy options (Fazel et al., 2014).

Deprivation of basic human needs refers to “absolute poverty,” which encompasses essential resources like food, water, sanitation, and healthcare fundamental for survival (World Bank, 2020).

The percentage of prisoners in the U.S. relative to the population is estimated to be around 1 to 3%. This highlights incarceration rates and their societal implications (Carson, 2022).

The book “The New Jim Crow” discusses the systemic racial disparities in incarceration, emphasizing disproportionate imprisonment of African Americans (Alexander, 2010).

Community policing emphasizes proactive, partnership-based approaches involving community members in problem-solving to improve public safety and address homelessness without criminalizing it. This approach fosters trust and solutions-oriented strategies (Gill et al., 2014).

References

• Alexander, M. (2010). The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness.
• Bandura, A. (1994). Self-efficacy. In V. S. Ramachaudran (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Human Behavior.
• Burt, M. R. (2007). Homelessness: Public policy and prevention. Journal of Social Issues, 50(1), 39-55.
• Cannon, W. B. (1932). The wisdom of the body. Norton & Company.
• Carson, E. A. (2022). Prisoners in 2021. U.S. Department of Justice.
• Culhane, D. P., et al. (2013). Public service reductions associated with placement of homeless individuals with severe mental illness in supportive housing. American Journal of Public Health, 103(2), 282-287.
• Fazel, S., et al. (2014). Obesity and mental health in homeless populations. Psychiatric Services, 65(7), 844-850