Chapter 11, Problem 1PT

Summary Introduction

The science of general psychology is not so simple. It is something beyond the intuitions and common sense. The study and the research of the human brain, mind as well as their behaviors are defined as the psychological science. Health is not only absence of disease or disability, but presence of complete well-being in physical aspect, emotional and social aspect.

Answer to Problem 1PT

Correct answer:

Though genetic factor and family history of disease has the influence on health, healthy life-style choices are major determining factor for healthy life. Therefore, option (d) is correct.

Option (d) is given as “Genetic predispositions to some diseases exist. But living healthily can help reduce the chance of developing a disease.”

Explanation of Solution

Justify the reasons for the correct statement:

There are several factors determines the health. Though genetic factor and family history of disease has the influence on health, healthy life-style choices are major determining factor for healthy life. However, healthy-lifestyle cannot prevent all disease. It can reduce the chance of occurrence to some extent. Similarly, genetic predisposition increases the vulnerability of a person to certain disease more than the person without the family history. It cannot be ascertained that the genetic predisposition should cause the disease. Illness cannot be matter of luck. It has to be voluntary choices at most of the times.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Justify the reasons for the incorrect statement:

Option (a) is given as “illness is totally under our own control. We can stay healthy simply by making healthy decisions.”

Health and illness are not totally under our control. It depends on genetic factors and family history also. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Option (b) is given as “illness is a matter of luck. If our bodies are destined to become ill, we're out of luck.”

Luck is not the factor causing illness or affecting health. Health depends on genetic factor, family history, and life-style choices. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Option (c) is given as “When a person has a family history of heart disease, breast cancer, or diabetes, the person's genetic predisposition guarantees that she or he will develop the illness.”

If a person has a family history of heart disease, there is a higher chance that the person will get the disease, when compared to other people who do not have a family history of such diseases. But it is not compulsory that the person should have the disease. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Therefore, the options (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect.

Conclusion

Healthy life-style choices are the major determining factor for a healthy life.