Unit 5 AAQ

Your response to the question should be provided in six parts: A, B, C, D, E, and F. Write the response to each part of the question in complete sentences. Use appropriate psychological terminology in your response.

Using the source provided, respond to all parts of the question.

(A) Identify the research method used in the study.

(B) State the operational definition of 'cognitive functioning' as used in the study

(C) Describe the meaning of the differences in health outcomes between participants with high chronic stress and those with low chronic stress.

(D) Identify at least one ethical guideline applied by the researchers.

(E) Explain the extent to which the research findings may or may not be generalizable using specific and relevant evidence from the study.

(F) Explain how at least one of the research findings supports or refutes the researchers’ hypothesis that higher levels of chronic stress are associated with decreased cognitive performance.

Introduction

Stress is a pervasive psychological condition that affects individuals across all ages and demographics. This study examines the impact of chronic stress on cognitive functioning and physical health in adults. We hypothesize that higher levels of chronic stress are associated with decreased cognitive performance and poorer health outcomes.

Participants

The study recruited a diverse cohort of 1,000 adults aged between 25 and 55 years from various urban and suburban backgrounds to investigate the effects of chronic stress on cognitive and physical health. The participants were strategically selected to ensure a balanced representation across several dimensions including socio-economic status, ethnicity, occupational stress levels, and lifestyle factors.

Participants were primarily recruited through community health centers located in different neighborhoods, ranging from high-density urban areas to quieter suburban locales. This approach allowed us to engage a broad spectrum of socioeconomic backgrounds, enhancing the study's applicability to general population dynamics. Additionally, recruitment was supplemented through online advertising platforms, targeting social media groups and professional networks that cater to the age range of our study group. This dual-channel recruitment strategy ensured a comprehensive inclusion of various occupational sectors and cultural backgrounds.

The final sample consisted of an approximately equal gender split, with 50% female and 50% male participants. Ethnic diversity was achieved with 40% Caucasian, 20% African American, 20% Hispanic, 15% Asian, and 5% reporting as 'Other,' including mixed ethnicities and non-disclosed. Socio-economic status varied widely among participants, with 30% reporting household incomes below $30,000, 40% between $30,000 and $75,000, and 30% above $75,000. This diverse makeup allowed for a nuanced analysis of how stress impacts different community segments.

Each participant was fully informed about the study's objectives, the nature of the assessments they would undergo, the confidentiality of their data, and their right to withdraw from the study at any point without any consequences. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants, ensuring compliance with ethical standards and respecting participant autonomy.

Method

Participants were evaluated over a 12-month period to monitor changes and trends in cognitive functioning and health indicators. The assessment comprised the following components:

Cognitive Functioning Assessment: Cognitive abilities were measured using a battery of neuropsychological tests administered at the beginning, middle, and end of the study period. These tests assessed memory, attention, executive function, and processing speed.

Health Assessment: Physical health was evaluated through medical check-ups that included cardiovascular, metabolic, and immune function tests. Participants also completed a health questionnaire to report symptoms related to stress, such as headaches, fatigue, and gastrointestinal problems.

Stress Level Evaluation: Stress levels were quantitatively assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), which participants completed monthly. Additional data were gathered through diaries where participants recorded daily stressors and their responses to these stressors.

Results and Discussion

Initial findings indicate that participants with higher reported stress levels consistently showed diminished cognitive performance across all tests, particularly in areas of memory and executive functioning. Furthermore, these individuals had more adverse health outcomes, including higher rates of hypertension, poorer immune responses, and increased symptoms of stress-related disorders.

The analysis suggests that chronic stress has a tangible and detrimental impact on both mental and physical health, impairing cognitive functions and contributing to a range of health issues. These effects were more pronounced in participants with less social support and higher job-related stress.