Passage Based Questions: Meeting Life Challenges | Psychology Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Passage - 1

Direction: Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:

Passage: Vikas and Anil have their final examinations in a month, and both of them are worried and stressed about their performance. They try to prepare thoroughly but still feel stressed. Vikas, on one hand, is stressed but has a positive attitude towards the exams and knows that he has prepared enough. Anil, on the other hand, is so stressed that he can't sleep properly at night, is not eating right, and constantly worries about the results. He also faces many issues while preparing for the exams. On the day of the examination, Vikas performs excellently and feels confident about the result, whereas Anil does not do as well because of his stress.

Q1: What is the definition of stress?
Ans: Stress can be defined as the pattern of responses an organism makes to a stimulus event that disturbs the equilibrium and exceeds a person’s ability to cope.

Q2: Identify the types of stress experienced by Vikas and Anil, respectively.
Ans: Vikas experienced Eustress, whereas Anil was going through Distress.

Q3: Describe the type of stress that Vikas experienced.
Ans: Eustress is a type of positive stress that helps the individual to focus on the cause of the stress and perform better. It utilizes the person’s skills to face the challenge.

Q4: Describe the type of stress that Anil experienced.
Ans: Distress is the type of stress that causes suffering and presents symptoms on a physiological, behavioral, and cognitive level. It negatively affects work and can exacerbate the cause of stress, making it worse.

Passage - 2

Direction: Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:

Passage: Psychological Stress
These are stresses that we generate ourselves in our minds. They are personal, unique to the individual, and are internal sources of stress. We worry about problems, feel anxiety, or become depressed. These are not only symptoms of stress but also contribute to further stress. Some of the important sources of psychological stress are frustration, conflicts, internal and social pressures, etc. Frustration results from the blocking of needs and motives by something or someone that hinders us from achieving the desired goal. There could be various causes of frustration, such as social discrimination, interpersonal hurt, low grades in school, etc. Conflicts may occur between two or more incompatible needs or motives, e.g., whether to study dance or psychology. You may want to continue your studies or take up a job. There may be a conflict of values when you are pressured to take any action that may be against the values you hold. Internal pressures stem from beliefs based upon expectations from within ourselves, such as, ‘I must do everything perfectly.’ Such expectations can only lead to disappointment. Many of us drive ourselves ruthlessly towards achieving unrealistically high standards in our goals. Social pressures may be brought about by people who make excessive demands on us. This can cause even greater pressure when we have to work with them. Also, there are people with whom we face interpersonal difficulties, ‘a personality clash’ of sorts.

Q1: What is conflict, according to the passage?
Ans: Conflict occurs when there are two or more incompatible needs or motives within an individual. This can lead to frustration and ultimately cause stress.

Q2: List some psychological symptoms of stress.
Ans: Some psychological symptoms of stress include depression, anxiety, anger, irritability, trouble sleeping, etc.

Q3: How is frustration defined in the context of stress?
Ans: Frustration results from the blocking of needs and motives by something or someone that hinders us from achieving the desired goal.

Q4: Differentiate between Internal Pressure and Social Pressure.
Ans: Internal pressures stem from beliefs based upon expectations from within ourselves, whereas social pressures are brought about by people who make excessive demands on us.

Passage - 3

Direction: Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:

Passage: Raj has been studying for his final examination, which is going to take place tomorrow morning. He studies until 1 a.m. Unable to concentrate anymore, he sets the alarm for 6 a.m. and tries to sleep. However, being very tense, he keeps tossing and turning in bed. Images flash through his mind of not being able to secure the marks he needs to opt for the subjects of his choice. He blames himself for fooling around with his friends and not preparing thoroughly for the examination. In the morning, he wakes up with a heavy head, misses breakfast, and barely makes it to school on time for his examination. As he opens the question paper, his heart pounds, his hands are clammy with sweat, and he feels as if his mind has gone completely blank.

Q1: How would you define examination anxiety?
Ans: Examination anxiety is a fairly common phenomenon that involves feelings of tension or uneasiness occurring before, during, or after an examination. It is often characterized by symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, and difficulty with eating or sleeping properly.

Q2: What were the physiological symptoms of stress experienced by Raj?
Ans: The physiological symptoms experienced by Raj included inability to sleep, headache, lack of appetite, palpitation, and sweating.

Q3: What are some stress management techniques that Raj could have used to alleviate his stress?
Ans: Stress management techniques such as relaxation techniques, meditation, creative visualization, and mindfulness could have been used by Raj to reduce his stress.

Q4: What life skills could Raj have adopted to manage stress more effectively before the examination?
Ans: Life skills such as assertiveness, time management, rational thinking, and self-care could have helped Raj manage his stress and focus better on his preparation.

Passage - 4

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

‘Eustress’ is the term used to describe the level of stress that is good for you and is one of a person’s best assets for achieving peak performance and managing minor crisis. Eustress, however, has the potential of turning into ‘distress’. It is this latter manifestation of stress that causes our body’s wear and tear. Thus, stress can be described as the pattern of responses an organism makes to stimulus event that disturbs the equilibrium and exceeds a person’s ability to cope.

Q1: What is 'eustress,' and how is it beneficial for individuals?
Ans:

• 'Eustress' refers to a positive and manageable level of stress that can enhance an individual's performance and help them deal with minor crises effectively. 
• It is considered one of a person's best assets for achieving peak performance because it motivates and energizes without causing harm.

Q2: How can 'eustress' potentially transform into 'distress'?
Ans:

• 'Eustress' can turn into 'distress' when the level of stress exceeds an individual's ability to cope with the stimulus event. 
• When stress becomes overwhelming and disruptive, it transitions from being beneficial to causing harm, leading to the body's wear and tear.

Q3: How can stress be defined in the context of an individual's response to a stimulus event?
Ans:

• Stress can be described as the pattern of responses that an organism, such as an individual, exhibits when faced with a stimulus event that disrupts their equilibrium and surpasses their capacity to manage or cope effectively.

Passage - 5

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

Stress has come to be associated with both the causes as well as effects. However, this view of stress can cause confusion. Hans Selye, the father of modern stress research, defined stress as “the nonspecific response of the body to any demand” that is, regardless of the cause of the threat, the individual will respond with the same physiological pattern of reactions. Many researchers do not agree with this definition as they feel that the stress response is not nearly as general and nonspecific as Selye suggests.

Q1: How did Hans Selye define stress in his research on the subject?
Ans:

• Hans Selye, considered the father of modern stress research, defined stress as "the nonspecific response of the body to any demand." 
• In his view, regardless of the cause of the threat or demand, individuals would exhibit the same pattern of physiological reactions in response to stress.

Q2: What is the common criticism or disagreement raised by many researchers regarding Selye's definition of stress?
Ans:

• Many researchers do not agree with Selye's definition of stress, as they argue that the stress response is not as general and nonspecific as he proposed. 
• They believe that stress reactions can vary depending on the specific causes or factors that trigger stress in individuals.

Q3: Why is it important to clarify the definition of stress in the context of its causes and effects?
Ans:

• Clarifying the definition of stress is essential to avoid confusion regarding its causes and effects. 
• Different definitions can lead to varying interpretations and understandings of stress, making it crucial to establish a clear and accurate understanding of what constitutes stress and how it manifests in individuals.

Passage - 6

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

Primary appraisal refers to the perception of a new or changing environment as positive, neutral or negative in its consequences. Negative events are appraised for their possible harm, threat or challenge. Harm is the assessment of the damage that has already been done by an event. Threat is the assessment of possible future damage that may be brought about by the event. Challenge appraisals are associated with more confident expectations of the ability to cope with the stressful event, the potential to overcome and even profit from the event.

Q1: What is primary appraisal in the context of stress perception?
Ans:

• Primary appraisal involves the initial perception and evaluation of a new or changing environment to determine whether it is perceived as positive, neutral, or negative in its consequences.

Q2: How does primary appraisal differentiate between negative events?
Ans:

• Primary appraisal differentiates between negative events by assessing them in three ways: harm, threat, and challenge.
• Harm appraisal assesses the extent of damage that has already occurred due to an event.
• Threat appraisal focuses on evaluating potential future damage that the event may cause.
• Challenge appraisal is associated with more positive and confident expectations of one's ability to cope with the stressful event and even benefit from it.

Q3: Why is primary appraisal important in understanding an individual's response to stress?
Ans:

• Primary appraisal is crucial because it helps determine how an individual perceives and reacts to a stressful situation. 
• It sets the stage for the subsequent emotional and behavioral responses to stress, as it influences whether the event is seen as manageable (challenge) or threatening, which in turn affects the body's stress response.

Passage - 7

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

Frustration results from the blocking of needs and motives by something or someone that hinders us from achieving a desired goal. There could be a number of causes of frustration such as social discrimination, interpersonal hurt, low grades in school, etc. Conflicts may occur between two or more incompatible needs or motives, e.g. whether to study dance or psychology. You may want to continue studies or take up a job. There may be a conflict of values when you are pressurised to take any action that may be against the values held by you. Internal pressures stem from beliefs based upon expectations from inside us to ourselves such as, ‘I must do everything perfectly’. Such expectations can only lead to disappointment.

Q1: What is frustration, and what causes it?
Ans:

• Frustration is the emotional response to the blocking of needs and motives, hindering individuals from achieving desired goals.
• Frustration can result from various causes, including social discrimination, interpersonal conflicts, receiving low grades in school, and conflicts between incompatible needs or motives.

Q2: How can conflicts contribute to frustration?
Ans:

• Conflicts arise when two or more incompatible needs or motives clash, leading to uncertainty and tension.
• For example, a conflict may occur when deciding between pursuing a career in dance or psychology, or choosing between continuing education and entering the workforce.

Q3: What are internal pressures, and how can they lead to frustration?
Ans:

• Internal pressures are self-imposed beliefs and expectations that individuals place on themselves, such as the need to do everything perfectly.
• These internal pressures can lead to frustration by setting unrealistic standards, often resulting in disappointment when individuals fail to meet their own high expectations.

Passage - 8

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

Changes, both big and small, sudden and gradual affect our life from the moment we are born. We learn to cope with small, everyday changes but major life events can be stressful, because they disturb our routine and cause upheaval. If several of these life events that are planned (e.g. moving into a new house) or unpredicted (e.g. break-up of a long-term relationship) occur within a short period of time, we find it difficult to cope with them and will be more prone to the symptoms of stress. 

Q1: How do small, everyday changes differ from major life events in terms of their impact on stress?
Ans:

• Small, everyday changes are typically easier to cope with as they are a regular part of life and don't significantly disrupt routine.
• Major life events, on the other hand, can be more stressful as they bring about substantial disruptions and changes, often leading to upheaval.

Q2: What makes individuals more prone to stress when faced with multiple life events?
Ans:

• Individuals are more prone to stress when they experience several life events in a short period, whether planned or unpredicted.
• Coping with a cluster of these events can overwhelm an individual's ability to adapt, making them more susceptible to stress-related symptoms.

Q3: Can you provide examples of planned and unpredicted life events that may cause stress?
Ans:

• Planned life events: Moving into a new house, starting a new job, or getting married.
• Unpredicted life events: Break-up of a long-term relationship, sudden job loss, or a family emergency.

Passage - 9

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

These are the personal stresses we endure as individuals, due to the happenings in our daily life, such as noisy surroundings, commuting, quarrelsome neighbours, electricity and water shortage, traffic snarls, and so on. Attending to various emergencies are daily hassles experienced by a housewife. There are some jobs in which daily hassles are very frequent. These daily hassles may sometimes have devastating consequences for the individual who is often the one coping alone with them as others may not even be aware of them as outsiders.

Q1: What are some examples of daily hassles that individuals commonly experience in their daily lives?
Ans:

• Examples of daily hassles include noisy surroundings, commuting, quarrelsome neighbors, electricity and water shortages, and traffic congestion.

Q2: How do daily hassles differ from major life events in terms of their impact on individuals?
Ans:

• Daily hassles are ongoing, minor stressors that individuals encounter regularly in their daily lives, and they can accumulate over time to create stress.
• Major life events are significant, often unexpected changes or occurrences that can cause upheaval and stress in an individual's life.

Q3: Who typically copes with daily hassles, and why might they have a more significant impact on the individual experiencing them?
Ans:

• Individuals often cope with daily hassles on their own because others may not be aware of these minor stressors.
• Daily hassles can have a more substantial impact on individuals because they are recurring and can build up, potentially leading to chronic stress.

Passage - 10

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

When the human body is placed under physical or psychological stress, it increases the production of certain hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones produce marked changes in heart rate, blood pressure levels, metabolism and physical activity. Although, this physical reaction will help us to function more effectively when we are under pressure for short periods of time, it can be extremely damaging to the body in the long-term effects. Examples of physiological effects are release of epinephrine and nor - epinephrine, slowing down of the digestive system, expansion of air passages in the lungs, increased heart rate, and constriction of blood vessels.

Q1: Which hormones are released by the body in response to physical or psychological stress, and what physiological changes do they trigger?
Ans:

• The body releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol in response to stress.
• These hormones lead to increased heart rate, expansion of air passages in the lungs, constriction of blood vessels, and the slowing down of the digestive system.

Q2: How does the body's physical reaction to stress help individuals function more effectively in the short term?
Ans:

• The body's stress response, including the release of adrenaline and cortisol, prepares individuals to respond quickly and efficiently in stressful situations.
• This physiological reaction can enhance alertness, energy, and physical activity temporarily.

Q3: Why is the long-term impact of the body's stress response considered potentially damaging to health?
Ans:

• Prolonged exposure to the physiological changes triggered by stress hormones, such as increased heart rate and constricted blood vessels, can lead to negative health effects over time, including cardiovascular problems and reduced overall well-being.

Passage - 11

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

Stress can affect natural killer cell cytotoxicity, which is of major importance in the defence against various infections and cancer. Reduced levels of natural killer cell cytotoxicity have been found in people who are highly stressed, including students facing important examinations, bereaved persons, and those who are severely depressed. Studies reveal that immune functioning is better in individuals receiving social support. Also, changes in the immune system will have more effect on health among those whose immune systems are already weakened.

Q1: What is natural killer cell cytotoxicity, and how does stress impact it?
Ans:

• Natural killer cell cytotoxicity is a critical part of the body's defense against infections and cancer.
• Stress can reduce natural killer cell cytotoxicity, making individuals more vulnerable to illnesses and cancer.

Q2: Which groups of individuals have shown reduced levels of natural killer cell cytotoxicity when experiencing high levels of stress?
Ans:

• People facing significant stress, such as students during important exams, individuals coping with bereavement, and those dealing with severe depression, have demonstrated reduced natural killer cell cytotoxicity.

Q3: How can social support and an individual's baseline immune system affect the impact of stress on their health?
Ans:

• Social support can enhance immune functioning, potentially mitigating the negative effects of stress.
• Changes in the immune system have a greater impact on the health of individuals with weakened baseline immune systems, making them more susceptible to the health consequences of stress.

Passage - 12

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

People who are stressed have poor nutritional habits, sleep less and are likely to engage in other health risking behaviours like smoking and alcohol abuse. Such health impairing behaviours develop gradually and are accompanied by pleasant experiences temporarily. However, we tend to ignore their long-term damaging effects and underestimate the risk they pose to our lives. Studies have revealed that health promoting behaviour like balanced diet, regular exercise, family support, etc. play an important role in good health. Adhering to a lifestyle that includes balanced low fat diet, regular exercise and continued activity along with positive thinking enhances health and longevity. 

Q1: What are some common health-risk behaviors associated with stress?
Ans:

• Stress often leads to poor nutritional habits, inadequate sleep, smoking, and alcohol abuse.
• These behaviors may offer temporary relief from stress but have long-term detrimental effects on health.

Q2: How do health-promoting behaviors, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise, influence overall health?
Ans:

• Health-promoting behaviors, like maintaining a balanced low-fat diet and engaging in regular exercise, significantly contribute to improved health and longevity.
• Such lifestyle choices, combined with positive thinking and family support, play a crucial role in enhancing overall well-being.

Q3: Why do people sometimes underestimate the risks associated with health-risk behaviors developed under stress?
Ans:

• Health-risk behaviors often provide temporary satisfaction or relief, which can lead individuals to overlook their long-term negative consequences.
• People may underestimate the health risks posed by these behaviors due to the immediate gratification they provide.

Passage - 13

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

Lazarus and Folkman has conceptualised coping as a dynamic process rather than an individual trait. Coping refers to constantly changing cognitive and behavioural efforts to master, reduce or tolerate the internal or external demands that are created by the stressful transaction. Coping serves to allow the individual to manage or alter a problem and regulate the emotional response to that problem. According to them coping responses can be divided into two types of responses, problem-focused and emotionfocused. Problem-focused strategies attack the problem itself, with behaviours designed to gain information, to alter the event, and to alter belief and commitments.

Q1: How do Lazarus and Folkman define coping in the context of stress?
Ans:

• Coping, according to Lazarus and Folkman, is a dynamic process that involves continuously changing cognitive and behavioral efforts.
• It aims to help individuals master, reduce, or tolerate internal or external demands created by stressful situations.

Q2: What are the two main types of coping responses identified by Lazarus and Folkman?
Ans:

• Lazarus and Folkman classify coping responses into two main categories: problem-focused and emotion-focused strategies.
• Problem-focused strategies involve tackling the problem itself, which includes seeking information, altering the event, and changing beliefs and commitments.

Q3: How do problem-focused coping strategies differ from emotion-focused strategies?
Ans:

• Problem-focused strategies aim to address the stressor directly by seeking solutions or taking actions to change the situation.
• Emotion-focused strategies, on the other hand, focus on regulating the emotional response to the stressor, rather than directly addressing the problem itself.

Passage - 14

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

It is unlikely that we will go through life without some experience of personal crises causing acute pressure for a while. Many people sail through and rebuild their lives very positively. They are likely to have constructive attitudes and also have lots of emotional and social support of various kinds available to them. When we find ways of managing these pressures and can use the energy to create something positive out of the situation, then we will have learned to survive healthily and this will leave us more stress fit for future crises. It is like being immunised against the dangers of unhealthy stress.

Q1: How do people who experience personal crises positively manage and rebuild their lives?
Ans:

• Individuals who navigate personal crises positively often possess constructive attitudes.
• They have access to various forms of emotional and social support.
• These individuals use the energy generated by the crisis to create something positive out of the situation.

Q2: How can effectively managing stress during personal crises be compared to immunization?
Ans:

• Managing stress during personal crises can be likened to immunization because it builds resilience and helps individuals become more stress-resistant.
• Just as immunization prepares the body's defenses to ward off diseases, effective stress management prepares individuals to handle future crises with greater ease.

Q3: What role does emotional and social support play in coping with personal crises?
Ans:

• Emotional and social support serves as a crucial resource in helping individuals cope with personal crises.
• It provides a network of assistance, comfort, and guidance, which aids in rebuilding lives positively after experiencing acute pressure or stress.
• Access to support systems can contribute to better stress fitness for future challenges.

Passage - 15

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

Recent studies by Kobasa have shown that people with high levels of stress but low levels of illness share three characteristics, which are referred to as the personality traits of hardiness. It consists of ‘the three Cs’, i.e. commitment, control, and challenge. Hardiness is a set of beliefs about oneself, the world, and how they interact. It takes shape as a sense of personal commitment to what you are doing, a sense of control over your life, and a feeling of challenge.

Q1: What are the three personality traits of hardiness, according to Kobasa's studies?
Ans:

• The three personality traits of hardiness, often referred to as 'the three Cs,' are commitment, control, and challenge.

Q2: How does hardiness manifest as a set of beliefs about oneself and the world?
Ans:

• Hardiness takes shape as a set of beliefs about oneself, the world, and how they interact.
• It encompasses a sense of personal commitment to one's actions, a feeling of control over one's life, and a willingness to embrace challenges.

Q3: What did recent studies by Kobasa reveal about people with high levels of stress but low levels of illness?
Ans:

• Kobasa's studies showed that individuals facing high levels of stress but experiencing low levels of illness typically possess the personality traits of hardiness, which include commitment, control, and a positive response to challenges. 
• These traits contribute to their resilience and overall well-being.

Passage - 16

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

A balanced diet can lift one’s mood, give more energy, feed muscles, improve circulation, prevent illness, strengthen the immune system and make one feel better to cope with stresses of life. The key to healthy living is to eat three main meals a day, and eat a varied well-balanced diet. How much nutrition one needs depends on one’s activity level, genetic make-up, climate, and health history. What people eat, and how much do they weigh involve behavioural processes. Some people are able to maintain a healthy diet and weight while others become obese.

Q1: How can a balanced diet positively impact an individual's health and well-being?
Ans:

• A balanced diet can improve one's mood, boost energy levels, support muscle health, enhance circulation, help prevent illness, strengthen the immune system, and aid in coping with life's stresses.

Q2: What factors determine how much nutrition an individual needs?
Ans:

• The amount of nutrition a person requires depends on their activity level, genetic makeup, local climate, and health history.

Q3: Why do some individuals struggle with maintaining a healthy diet and weight while others do not?
Ans:

• Variations in an individual's eating habits and body weight involve behavioral processes, meaning that some people find it easier to maintain a healthy diet and weight, while others may face challenges that lead to obesity.

Passage - 17

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

Physical exercises that are essential for good health are stretching exercises such as yogic asanas and aerobic exercises such as jogging, swimming, cycling, etc. Whereas stretching exercises have a calming effect, aerobic exercises increase the arousal level of the body. The health benefits of exercise work as a stress buffer. Studies suggest that fitness permits individuals to maintain general mental and physical wellbeing even in the face of negative life events.

Q1: What are the two main categories of physical exercises that contribute to good health?
Ans:

• The two primary categories of physical exercises that promote good health are stretching exercises, such as yogic asanas (yoga poses), and aerobic exercises, including activities like jogging, swimming, and cycling.

Q2: How do stretching exercises and aerobic exercises affect the body differently in terms of arousal levels?
Ans:

• Stretching exercises, such as yogic asanas, have a calming effect on the body, while aerobic exercises increase the body's arousal levels.

Q3: How do fitness and regular exercise act as a stress buffer for individuals, especially in the face of negative life events?
Ans:

• Studies indicate that being physically fit allows individuals to maintain their overall mental and physical well-being even when confronted with negative life events. 
• Regular exercise acts as a buffer against the detrimental effects of stress.

Passage - 18

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

Social support may be in the form of tangible support or assistance involving material aid, such as money, goods, services, etc. For example, a child gives notes to her/his friend, since s/he was absent from school due to sickness. Family and friends also provide informational support about stressful events. For example, a student facing a stressful event such as a difficult board examination, if provided information by a friend who has faced a similar one, would not only be able to identify the exact procedures involved, but also it would facilitate in determining what resources and coping strategies could be useful to successfully pass the examination. 

Q1: What are the two main forms of social support mentioned in the passage, and what do they involve?
Ans:

• The two primary forms of social support are tangible support and informational support.
• Tangible support involves material aid, such as money, goods, or services, provided to someone in need.
• Informational support consists of providing information and advice about dealing with stressful events or situations.

Q2: Give an example of how tangible support can be demonstrated in a social support context.
Ans:

• An example of tangible support is when a child gives notes to a friend who was absent from school due to sickness, helping them catch up on missed lessons.

Q3: How does informational support benefit individuals facing stressful events like difficult board examinations?
Ans:

• Informational support from friends who have faced similar stressful situations, such as board examinations, helps individuals understand the procedures involved, identify resources, and develop coping strategies to successfully navigate and pass the examination.