Psychology, 5/e   Wortman, Loftus & Weaver
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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What do you think about drugs like Phen-fen or redux, which have been used to assist weight loss?

Most weight-loss drugs were discovered more or less accidentally--weight loss was often a SIDE-EFFECT of these drugs when they were used to treat other medical problems One of the most recently developed regimens uses Prozac, a common anti-depressant, as one of the key ingredients. In their early research on the efficacy of Prozac in treating depression revealed that many who were taking the drug also lost weight.

Personally, I think the potential dangers of these drugs outweigh the risks. First of all if take inappropriately or in combination with other drugs can cause serious, even fatal complications. Second, there is little evidence to suggest that the weight loss induced by these drugs leads to LONG-TERM weight reduction. Third, the mechanisms by which these drugs work is poorly understood, and their effects may lead to long-term, unanticipated problems.

The best advice regarding safe and long-lasting weight loss hasn’t changed for many years: eat less and exercise regularly.

2. What is the difference between and emotional state and an emotional trait?

States are relatively short-lived, are they cause psychological and behavioral reactions to a particular situation. Furthermore, similar responses are seen in most individuals when they are in the same situation. Emotional traits, on the other hand, are relatively permanent and unchanging, and tend to influence behavior regardless of the situation particular. Finally, emotional traits lead to reactions which are NOT common to most people

3. I know some guys who claim they can’t help it when they turned on, and that it is purely biological. Can people “help it” when they get aroused?

The key distinction is between sexual AROUSAL and sexual BEHAVIOR. To a large extent, sexual arousal is indeed mediated by factors outside of conscious control. We do have considerable control over immediate environments, however. Someone watching a stripper in a bar could correct claim he [or she] couldn’t help being aroused, they certainly are able to leave the bar.

But the most important factor in this situation is what the person DOES in response to the arousal. Conscious control of sexual arousal may be limited, but any behavior made in response to sexual arousal is under COMPLETE conscious control, and we appropriately hold people accountable for their behavior. A woman ma

During the 1976 Presidential Race, Jimmy Carter, the democratic nominee who was ultimately President, admitted to an interviewer that he had “lusted in my heart many times.” The remark almost cost him the election. In fairness to President Carter, though, there is little doubt that his response was completely honest and (if we would admit it) is true of all of us. Carter’s main point, which was lost in the sensational reporting of his comments, is this: Though at time he may have been aroused, he chose not to ACT on those impulses. One should not condemned for one’s feelings or desires. But we SHOULD hold them accountable for their actions.

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