Answer to Question 1
A major moderator of stress is social support. People with strong social support networks (friends, family, church) have better immune system functioning and are less susceptible to illness in general. A sense of self-efficacy, or the belief that we can accomplish what we attempt, is also associated with improved resistance to stress. Predictability and controllability are also factors that influence response to stress. Events that are unpredictable or uncontrollable are more stressful. Interestingly, if a stressor is believed to be controllable (even though it is not), it causes less stress. The perceived ability to control events also influences reactions to stress. Individuals with an internal locus of control (belief that rewards are a direct consequence of their behavior) are better able to cope with stress than those who believe that rewards are controlled by outside factors (an external locus of control). Psychological hardiness is a combination of personality traits associated with increased resistance to stress, including an internal locus of control, a sense of
commitment, and openness to challenge. People who are psychologically hardy accept stress as a normal challenge of life. A person's overall perspective on life also moderates the effects of stress. Finally, optimists are more resilient to stress than pessimists.
Answer to Question 2
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The progression and effects of cancer.
Addition of mineral nutrients to the boreal forest can have different effects on different plant spe
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