Select the best answer

1. Alice Isen, Ph.D., concluded that after watching or experiencing comedy, people

a) felt better temporarily but then became depressed again; b) were able to think more clearly and see the consequences of a given decision; c) reported no difference; d) gradually became more relaxed and cheerful.

2. The physiological effects of a good laugh include

a) relaxation of the muscles; b) lowering of blood pressure; c) release of endorphins; d) all of the above.

3. The Bart Simpson maneuver for reducing stress is to imagine

a) yourself removed from the stressful situation; b) yourself as Bart Simpson; c) how your favourite cartoon character or comedian would react; d) none of the above.

4. Ballooning, a technique to reduce stress, consists of

a) seeing yourself attached to a balloon which is floating away from the stressful situation; b) consciously exaggerating the situation by blowing it out of proportion into absurdity; c) releasing your tension by inhaling and exhaling deeply; d) visualizing your stress as a balloon that explodes and disappears.

4. Discuss the following issue: What is the most important overall message the writer wants the reader to understand about stress?

In pairs, role-play the following situation. A patient complains to his psychologist about being under constant pressure and feeling depressed. The psychologist advises the patient on the possible ways of fighting stress.