Question 1

Which of the following best describes Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?

Accepted Answer

A common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a symptom commonly assessed in the Beck Depression Inventory?

Accepted Answer

Muscle tension

Question 3

Which anxiety disorder is characterized by intense, persistent fear of being watched or judged by others?

Accepted Answer

Social anxiety disorder

Question 4

What is the primary difference between state anxiety and trait anxiety?

Accepted Answer

State anxiety is induced by a situation, while trait anxiety occurs on a daily basis.

Question 5

Which of the following is a physiological measure used to assess anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Electromyography (muscle tension)

Question 6

According to prospective cohort studies, what is the relationship between physical activity and depression risk?

Accepted Answer

Physical activity precedes and is associated with lower risk of depression.

Question 7

A systematic review found that 2.5 hours of brisk walking per week was associated with what percentage reduction in depression risk?

Accepted Answer

25%

Question 8

Which exercise modality was found to be most effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in college students according to Chen et al., 2025?

Accepted Answer

Mind-body exercise modalities (e.g., Tai Chi, Pilates, Yoga, Qigong)

Question 9

Which of the following is a cognitive explanation for the mood-enhancing effects of exercise?

Accepted Answer

Expectancy hypothesis

Question 10

The thermogenic hypothesis suggests that exercise improves mood by:

Accepted Answer

Increasing body core temperature, leading to relaxation and reduced anxiety

Question 11

Which of the following statements about the relationship between exercise and depression is supported by meta-analytic evidence?

Accepted Answer

Exercise is a well-tolerated and effective treatment for depression, with walking, yoga, and strength training showing the greatest benefits.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a recommended strategy for supporting someone experiencing depression or anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Ignoring their symptoms and waiting for them to resolve on their own

Question 13

Which of the following is a moderator that influences the effectiveness of exercise as a treatment for depression and anxiety?

Accepted Answer

The fitness level and baseline anxiety/depression of the individual

Question 14

Which formula represents Cohen's d, a measure of effect size used in meta-analyses?

Accepted Answer

$$d = \frac{M_1$ - M_2$}{SD_{pooled}}$$

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of secondary prevention in the context of depression and anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Early treatment and resolution of depression among diagnosed individuals

Question 16

Which physiological mechanism is associated with the 'exercise high'?

Accepted Answer

Increased release of endorphins

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the opponent process hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

The brain opposes extreme emotional processes, restoring balance after exercise.

Question 18

Which of the following is a limitation of cross-sectional studies examining the relationship between exercise and depression?

Accepted Answer

They cannot determine causality.

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a typical treatment for depression and anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Avoiding all social contact

Question 20

Which of the following parameters was found to be optimal for exercise interventions targeting anxiety in college students?

Accepted Answer

Frequency: 3 sessions/week; Session Length: 50 minutes; Total Duration: 8 weeks

Exercise as a Support Tool for Depression and Anxiety: Mechanisms, Measurement, and Evidence

Study Guide - Practice Questions