AP Psychology Unit 5: Mental and Physical Health Practice Exam

1. [Skill: 1B | Topic: 5.1] A primary care clinic notices that many patients with newly diagnosed hypertension report chronic work stress and little sleep. The clinic hires a health psychologist to design an intervention. Which of the following best illustrates how health psychology addresses physical health and wellness in this situation?

2. [Skill: 1A | Topic: 5.1] A student reports feeling energized and focused while preparing for a debate tournament. The student describes the pressure as “challenging in a good way” and performs better than usual. Which term best describes the student’s experience?

3. [Skill: 1B | Topic: 5.1] A caregiver has been under intense stress for several months while supporting a sick family member. At first, the caregiver felt “on edge” and had difficulty sleeping. After a few weeks, the caregiver reported feeling “used to it” and kept up with responsibilities. Recently, the caregiver has developed frequent colds and feels persistently fatigued. According to the general adaptation syndrome (GAS), the caregiver is most likely in which stage now?

4. [Skill: 1A | Topic: 5.1] After receiving a stressful medical test result, Maya immediately calls two close friends, asks if they can talk, and then offers to cook dinner for her younger siblings to make sure they feel secure. Maya’s response is most consistent with which theory of stress reactions?

5. [Skill: 1B | Topic: 5.1] Two students experience stress after receiving low scores on the first calculus quiz. Student 1 creates a new study schedule, attends office hours, and completes additional practice problems. Student 2 tells themself “It’s just one quiz,” goes for a long run to calm down, and watches a comedy to feel less upset. Which option correctly identifies each student’s primary coping strategy?

6. [Skill: 2A | Topic: 5.1] A health psychologist studies whether chronic stress is associated with increased susceptibility to illness. College students complete a perceived-stress questionnaire during midterms and are tracked for 3 weeks for cold symptoms. [Image Cue]: Table, "Perceived Stress and Cold Incidence", columns labeled "Stress Group" and "Percent Reporting Cold Symptoms". Rows: Low stress: 10%; Moderate stress: 25%; High stress: 45%. Key trend: higher perceived stress corresponds to higher reported cold symptoms. Which conclusion is most consistent with the data and the unit content on stress and health?

7. 1. [Skill: 1A | Topic: 5.2] A school psychologist tells a new intern, “In addition to helping students manage anxiety and stress, we should also identify what is already going well and help students build on those strengths so they can thrive.” Which of the following best reflects the central focus of positive psychology described by the psychologist?

8. 2. [Skill: 3A | Topic: 5.2] A researcher investigates whether a gratitude intervention influences subjective well-being. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups for 14 days: - Gratitude group: Write down three things they are grateful for each evening. - Events group: Write down three events that happened each evening (no emphasis on gratitude). Participants complete a well-being scale (higher scores indicate greater subjective well-being) before and after the intervention. [Image Cue]: Table, “Mean Well-Being Scores by Condition,” Columns: Condition (Gratitude, Events); Pretest mean (Gratitude = 52, Events = 51); Posttest mean (Gratitude = 60, Events = 53). Note: Both groups start similar; gratitude group increases more. Which of the following conclusions is best supported by the results?

9. 3. [Skill: 2A | Topic: 5.2] A counselor using a positive psychology approach asks clients to identify “signature strengths” (enduring personal virtues such as kindness, perseverance, or curiosity) and then deliberately use one of those strengths in a new way each day. Which outcome would best support the counselor’s approach?

10. 4. [Skill: 1A | Topic: 5.2] After surviving a serious car accident, a student says, “It was terrifying, but it changed me. I appreciate my life more, my relationships feel more meaningful, and I’m more confident about handling challenges.” Which concept best describes the student’s experience?

11. 5. [Skill: 4A | Topic: 5.2] A community mental health clinic wants to evaluate a new program based on positive psychology. The program includes activities designed to build optimism, social connection, and meaning (e.g., volunteering, identifying strengths, and setting purpose-focused goals). Which dependent variable best aligns with the goals of positive psychology when evaluating the program’s effectiveness?

12. 6. [Skill: 2A | Topic: 5.2] A teacher wants to choose a brief classroom activity that is most likely to improve students’ subjective well-being over time, consistent with findings in positive psychology. Which activity is most directly supported by positive psychology research described in the unit?

13. **1.** [Skill: 1.A | Topic: 5.3] A school counselor meets with Amir, a 16-year-old who reports hearing the voice of his deceased grandfather during a culturally recognized mourning ritual. Amir says the experience is comforting, he continues to earn good grades, and he maintains close friendships. Amir’s parents are not concerned. Which of the following pieces of information would most strongly support classifying Amir’s experience as a psychological disorder?

14. **2.** [Skill: 4.A | Topic: 5.3] A community clinic begins offering free screenings for depression. After the program starts, some patients report that coworkers treat them differently once they learn about the diagnosis. In response, several patients stop attending follow-up appointments. Which of the following best describes a negative consequence of diagnosing psychological disorders illustrated in this scenario?

15. **3.** [Skill: 2.A | Topic: 5.3] A graduate student observes a licensed clinician conducting an intake interview. The clinician uses a structured interview, considers symptom duration and impairment, and references diagnostic criteria from the DSM and the ICD. Which of the following best explains why diagnosing psychological disorders requires specialized training and tools such as the DSM and ICD?

16. **4.** [Skill: 1.A | Topic: 5.3] A clinician treats a client experiencing panic symptoms. The clinician (1) teaches the client to identify and challenge catastrophic thoughts, (2) recommends a medication evaluation to address possible physiological contributors, and (3) involves the client’s family to improve support at home. Which approach is the clinician using to diagnose and treat the client’s difficulties?

17. **5.** [Skill: 1.A | Topic: 5.3] A researcher studying chronic insomnia summarizes findings for a health class: - People with a family history of insomnia are more likely to report sleep difficulties. - Many participants report persistent worry about not sleeping (e.g., “If I don’t sleep, I will fail tomorrow”). - Participants working rotating night shifts report more sleep disruption. Which statement best reflects a biopsychosocial explanation of insomnia?

18. **6.** [Skill: 3.A | Topic: 5.3] A psychologist studies the development of an anxiety-related disorder. Participants are grouped by whether they experienced a major stressful life event in the past year (High Stress vs. Low Stress) and whether they carry a genetic risk marker (Risk Marker Present vs. Risk Marker Absent). The percentage of participants meeting diagnostic criteria is shown below. [Image Cue]: Bar graph, "Disorder Rates by Genetic Risk and Stress Exposure", x-axis groups (Low Stress/Risk Absent; Low Stress/Risk Present; High Stress/Risk Absent; High Stress/Risk Present), y-axis (Percent meeting criteria). Data: 5%, 12%, 15%, 40% respectively. Trend: highest rate when both risk marker and high stress are present. Which conclusion best illustrates the diathesis-stress model?

19. [Skill: 4A | Topic: 5.4] A school psychologist reviews records for Malik, a 9-year-old student. Teachers report that Malik frequently leaves his seat, blurts out answers, has difficulty waiting his turn, and struggles to sustain attention during independent work. Malik’s parent reports these behaviors have been present since early elementary school and occur both at home and at school. Which of the following conclusions is most consistent with the information provided?

20. [Skill: 1A | Topic: 5.4] A clinician notes the following in a client’s intake interview: “Client reports hearing a voice commenting on their actions when alone. Affect is flat and voice is monotone throughout interview. Client reports little motivation to begin daily tasks.” Which symptom described by the clinician is a negative symptom most associated with schizophrenia spectrum disorders?

21. [Skill: 2A | Topic: 5.4] Researchers randomly assign patients diagnosed with schizophrenia to receive either Medication X or a placebo for 8 weeks. Medication X blocks dopamine D_2 receptors. Symptom ratings are collected at the end of the study. [Image Cue]: Bar graph, "Mean Positive-Symptom Score After 8 Weeks," x-axis (Medication X, Placebo), y-axis (Positive-symptom score; lower is better), with Medication X showing substantially lower scores than Placebo. Which explanation best connects the study’s findings to a possible cause of schizophrenia?

22. [Skill: 4A | Topic: 5.4] During a two-week period, Elena sleeps about 3 hours per night yet reports feeling “full of energy.” She talks rapidly, starts multiple ambitious projects, spends large amounts of money impulsively, and becomes irritable when friends question her decisions. Two months later, Elena experiences a period of persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities. Which diagnosis best fits Elena’s pattern of symptoms?

23. [Skill: 4A | Topic: 5.4] Jordan begins avoiding shopping malls and large public events. Jordan reports, “If I’m in a crowd, I’m terrified I won’t be able to get out if something goes wrong. I feel trapped and start planning escape routes.” Jordan’s fear persists even when attending with close friends. Which anxiety disorder best matches Jordan’s symptoms?

24. [Skill: 1A | Topic: 5.4] A supervisor describes an employee as “so perfectionistic and rigid about rules that it slows down every project.” The employee insists tasks must be done “the one correct way,” is reluctant to delegate, and becomes distressed when plans change. The employee does NOT report intrusive unwanted thoughts and does NOT engage in repetitive behaviors to reduce anxiety. Which conclusion is most consistent with the description?

25. [Skill: 2.B | Topic: 5.5] A school psychologist reviews a meta-analysis comparing outcomes for adults receiving psychotherapy versus no treatment. The report summarizes average effect sizes (larger numbers indicate greater symptom improvement): - Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): 0.80 - Psychodynamic therapy: 0.60 - Person-centered therapy: 0.55 - No treatment control: 0.10 Which conclusion is most consistent with the findings and with contemporary trends in treatment?

26. [Skill: 2.A | Topic: 5.5] A textbook includes the following summary of U.S. mental health care trends: "Following the introduction and wider use of effective antipsychotic medications in the mid-20th century, the number of individuals living in long-term psychiatric hospitals declined sharply. Many individuals instead received ongoing care in community settings, often combining medication with psychotherapy." Which option best explains both the trend and the most direct mechanism by which the medications help reduce symptoms?

27. [Skill: 1.B | Topic: 5.5] A patient with severe major depressive disorder has not improved after multiple trials of antidepressant medication and psychotherapy. A psychiatrist recommends an intervention that involves placing electrodes on the scalp to induce a brief, controlled seizure under anesthesia. The patient typically receives several sessions over a few weeks. Which biological intervention is being described?

28. [Skill: 2.A | Topic: 5.5] A clinic offers dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for clients experiencing intense emotions and self-harming behaviors. The program includes (1) weekly individual therapy sessions focused on applying skills to the client’s life and (2) weekly group sessions focused on teaching and practicing coping skills. Which option best connects the program design to treatment approaches and formats?

29. [Skill: 1.A | Topic: 5.5] A client with chronic pain asks a therapist about using hypnosis. The client also says, "My friend told me hypnosis can help me accurately recover forgotten memories from childhood." Which response best reflects evidence-based uses and limits of hypnosis?

30. [Skill: 1A | Topic: 5.1] A health psychologist works with a clinic whose patients have recently been diagnosed with hypertension. The psychologist designs an intervention in which patients learn to identify daily stressors, practice brief relaxation techniques, and track their blood pressure before and after stressful events. Which of the following best explains how this work reflects the field of health psychology?

31. [Skill: 1B | Topic: 5.1] A survey asks students to rate how a major upcoming exam affects them. Student 1 reports feeling energized and more focused, and they increase their study time. Student 2 reports feeling overwhelmed, having trouble sleeping, and difficulty concentrating. Which option best classifies the exam-related stress for Student 1 and Student 2?

32. [Skill: 2A | Topic: 5.1] Researchers track a group of participants during a 3-week period of heavy workload. Each week, participants report symptoms and provide saliva samples used to estimate stress-hormone activity. [Image Cue]: Line graph, "Stress Response Across Time," x-axis = Week 1, Week 2, Week 3; y-axis (left) = stress-hormone activity (low to high), y-axis (right) = reported fatigue/illness symptoms (low to high). Key trend: Week 1 shows a sharp spike in stress-hormone activity; Week 2 shows moderately elevated hormone activity with relatively stable functioning; Week 3 shows continued high fatigue/illness symptoms with hormone activity no longer rising (or beginning to drop) as exhaustion sets in. Which sequence best matches the general adaptation syndrome (GAS) stages illustrated in the graph?

33. [Skill: 1A | Topic: 5.1] After a natural disaster, a community center notices that many residents respond by organizing meal trains for displaced families, checking in frequently on neighbors, and spending more time with friends and relatives. Rather than isolating, they report feeling calmer when they are supporting others. Which theory of stress response is most directly illustrated by this pattern?

34. [Skill: 1B | Topic: 5.1] Jordan is stressed because their work schedule conflicts with a required course. Jordan meets with an academic advisor, contacts their supervisor to request different shifts, and creates a weekly plan to ensure time for studying. Jordan’s approach is best described as which type of coping?

35. [Skill: 1B | Topic: 5.1] Ava feels stressed while waiting for medical test results that cannot be sped up. Ava practices guided breathing, talks with a trusted friend about her worries, and reframes the waiting period as an opportunity to rest and maintain routines. Which coping strategy is Ava primarily using?

36. [Skill: 2A | Topic: 5.5] A clinical psychologist is treating a client who experiences chronic migraine pain and high anxiety. During a session, the client says they want to use hypnosis to “recover repressed memories” of a possible childhood event, believing that remembering the event will cure the anxiety. Which of the following statements best reflects research on the effective use of hypnosis in treatment?

37. **1.** [Skill: 2A | Topic: 5.5] A clinical psychologist reviews two peer-reviewed studies about hypnosis. **Study 1 (Pain):** Adults with chronic lower-back pain were randomly assigned to either (a) hypnosis sessions focused on relaxation and pain-management suggestions or (b) a control condition involving quiet rest. After 4 weeks, the hypnosis group reported significantly lower pain ratings than the control group. **Study 2 (Memory):** Adults watched a short video of a staged theft. One week later, they were randomly assigned to either (a) hypnosis “to help retrieve forgotten details” or (b) a standard interview. The hypnosis group reported more details, but independent verification showed a higher rate of inaccurate details than the standard interview group. Which conclusion is most consistent with the findings across both studies?

38. [Skill: 1A | Topic: 5.5] A clinical psychologist reviews a randomized controlled trial of 120 adults with chronic pain. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three 6-week interventions: (1) hypnosis focused on pain reduction, (2) progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), or (3) a waitlist control. At the end of treatment, the hypnosis group reported significantly lower pain ratings and lower anxiety than the PMR and waitlist groups. However, on a separate laboratory task in which participants were asked to recall details from a neutral story they heard earlier, the hypnosis group did not show higher recall accuracy than the other groups. Based on the findings and established research, which statement is most appropriate for the psychologist to communicate to patients about hypnosis?

39. **1.** [Skill: 2A | Topic: 5.5] A school district partners with a local clinic to evaluate an evidence-based psychotherapy for adolescents with moderate anxiety. Students are randomly assigned to one of two conditions for 10 weeks: - **Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT):** weekly sessions focused on cognitive restructuring and gradual exposure - **Wait-list control:** no therapy during the 10 weeks At the end of 10 weeks, students complete a standardized anxiety scale (higher scores indicate more anxiety). The results are summarized below. - **CBT group:** average score decreased from 30 to 18 - **Wait-list group:** average score decreased from 30 to 26 Which conclusion is most consistent with major research findings on the treatment of psychological disorders?

40. [Skill: 2A | Topic: 5.5] A clinic evaluates the effectiveness of an evidence-based psychotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder. Clients are randomly assigned to either (1) 10 weeks of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) delivered by trained therapists or (2) a wait-list control group. Anxiety is measured on a standardized scale (higher scores indicate more anxiety) before and after the 10-week period. Results: - CBT group (n = 60): mean anxiety score decreases from 32 to 18 - Wait-list control group (n = 60): mean anxiety score decreases from 33 to 30 Which conclusion is most consistent with the results and with research trends in treatment of psychological disorders?

41. **[Skill: 2A | Topic: 5.5]** A clinic evaluates a new evidence-based psychotherapy program for adults with panic disorder. In a randomized study, one group receives 10 weeks of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and a control group is placed on a waitlist. At the end of treatment, the CBT group shows a significantly larger decrease in panic symptoms than the waitlist group, and the improvement remains at a 3-month follow-up. Based on the results, which conclusion is most consistent with research trends in treating psychological disorders?