HLTH 644 Quiz 6: Mirrors Lie | Module 6
Week 6 | Questions and Answers | 2026/2027
Updated | 100% Correct - Liberty University
Practice Question Bank & Answer Rationale
THIS PACK CONTAINS
49 exam-style multiple-choice questions. Each question includes the correct answer and a complete rationale
for focused revision.
COVERAGE
This quiz examines the psychological and behavioral science of self-perception, body image distortion, and
identity formation within health promotion contexts. It covers mirror feedback, social comparison theory,
cognitive dissonance, self-schema, and the application of these concepts to health behavior interventions.
STUDY GUIDE
Recommended duration: 3 hours. Passing target: 80% (40/50).
HIGHP - Page 1 of 17
,1. A university health campaign uses mirror exposure to reduce body dissatisfaction.
According to research on mirror exposure therapy, which mechanism best explains its
effectiveness?
[ ] A. Increasing avoidance of mirror checking to reduce anxiety
[ ] B. Habituation to appearance-related anxiety through nonjudgmental observation
[ ] C. Reinforcing social comparison with idealized images
[ ] D. Enhancing cognitive dissonance about one's body
CORRECT: B. Habituation to appearance-related anxiety through nonjudgmental observation
Mirror exposure therapy works by habituating individuals to their reflection without judgment, reducing anxiety
over time. Avoidance (A) maintains anxiety, while social comparison (C) and dissonance (D) are not primary
mechanisms of mirror exposure.
2. Which concept from social comparison theory best explains why individuals who
frequently view fitness influencers on social media report lower body satisfaction?
[ ] A. Downward comparison
[ ] B. Upward comparison
[ ] C. Lateral comparison
[ ] D. Temporal comparison
CORRECT: B. Upward comparison
Upward comparison involves comparing oneself to those perceived as better off, which can lower
self-evaluations. Downward comparison (A) typically boosts self-esteem, while lateral (C) and temporal (D)
comparisons do not consistently explain this effect.
3. In health communication, a campaign that subtly suggests individuals are personally
responsible for their health while also providing resources to improve it is attempting to
leverage which psychological principle?
[ ] A. Reactance
[ ] B. Cognitive dissonance
[ ] C. Self-affirmation
[ ] D. Learned helplessness
CORRECT: B. Cognitive dissonance
Cognitive dissonance is evoked when individuals recognize a discrepancy between their behavior and their
values, motivating change. Reactance (A) is resistance to perceived threats to freedom, self-affirmation (C)
reduces defensiveness, and learned helplessness (D) involves passivity.
HIGHP - Page 2 of 17
, 4. Which of the following best describes a self-schema in the context of health behavior?
[ ] A. A temporary mood state that influences food choices
[ ] B. A cognitive generalization about the self that guides processing of self-relevant information
[ ] C. A defense mechanism to avoid health information
[ ] D. A social norm that dictates health behaviors
CORRECT: B. A cognitive generalization about the self that guides processing of self-relevant
information
A self-schema is a stable cognitive framework that organizes self-knowledge and influences how we interpret
and respond to health-related information. Options A, C, and D describe transient states, defenses, or
external norms, not self-schemas.
5. A public health intervention uses self-affirmation exercises before presenting health
risk information. What is the primary goal of this strategy?
[ ] A. To increase fear arousal
[ ] B. To reduce defensive processing of threatening messages
[ ] C. To promote social comparison
[ ] D. To enhance memory for the message
CORRECT: B. To reduce defensive processing of threatening messages
Self-affirmation helps individuals feel secure in their self-integrity, reducing the tendency to defensively reject
threatening health messages. It does not primarily aim to increase fear (A), promote comparison (C), or
enhance memory (D).
6. Which theoretical framework posits that behavior is influenced by perceived
susceptibility, severity, benefits, and barriers?
[ ] A. Social Cognitive Theory
[ ] B. Health Belief Model
[ ] C. Theory of Planned Behavior
[ ] D. Transtheoretical Model
CORRECT: B. Health Belief Model
The Health Belief Model includes perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, and barriers as core constructs.
Social Cognitive Theory (A) emphasizes self-efficacy and observational learning, the Theory of Planned
Behavior (C) focuses on intention, and the Transtheoretical Model (D) describes stages of change.
7. In the context of body image, what does the term 'normative discontent' refer to?
[ ] A. The clinical diagnosis of body dysmorphic disorder
[ ] B. The widespread dissatisfaction with body shape and weight among women in Western societies
[ ] C. The acceptance of diverse body types in media
HIGHP - Page 3 of 17
Week 6 | Questions and Answers | 2026/2027
Updated | 100% Correct - Liberty University
Practice Question Bank & Answer Rationale
THIS PACK CONTAINS
49 exam-style multiple-choice questions. Each question includes the correct answer and a complete rationale
for focused revision.
COVERAGE
This quiz examines the psychological and behavioral science of self-perception, body image distortion, and
identity formation within health promotion contexts. It covers mirror feedback, social comparison theory,
cognitive dissonance, self-schema, and the application of these concepts to health behavior interventions.
STUDY GUIDE
Recommended duration: 3 hours. Passing target: 80% (40/50).
HIGHP - Page 1 of 17
,1. A university health campaign uses mirror exposure to reduce body dissatisfaction.
According to research on mirror exposure therapy, which mechanism best explains its
effectiveness?
[ ] A. Increasing avoidance of mirror checking to reduce anxiety
[ ] B. Habituation to appearance-related anxiety through nonjudgmental observation
[ ] C. Reinforcing social comparison with idealized images
[ ] D. Enhancing cognitive dissonance about one's body
CORRECT: B. Habituation to appearance-related anxiety through nonjudgmental observation
Mirror exposure therapy works by habituating individuals to their reflection without judgment, reducing anxiety
over time. Avoidance (A) maintains anxiety, while social comparison (C) and dissonance (D) are not primary
mechanisms of mirror exposure.
2. Which concept from social comparison theory best explains why individuals who
frequently view fitness influencers on social media report lower body satisfaction?
[ ] A. Downward comparison
[ ] B. Upward comparison
[ ] C. Lateral comparison
[ ] D. Temporal comparison
CORRECT: B. Upward comparison
Upward comparison involves comparing oneself to those perceived as better off, which can lower
self-evaluations. Downward comparison (A) typically boosts self-esteem, while lateral (C) and temporal (D)
comparisons do not consistently explain this effect.
3. In health communication, a campaign that subtly suggests individuals are personally
responsible for their health while also providing resources to improve it is attempting to
leverage which psychological principle?
[ ] A. Reactance
[ ] B. Cognitive dissonance
[ ] C. Self-affirmation
[ ] D. Learned helplessness
CORRECT: B. Cognitive dissonance
Cognitive dissonance is evoked when individuals recognize a discrepancy between their behavior and their
values, motivating change. Reactance (A) is resistance to perceived threats to freedom, self-affirmation (C)
reduces defensiveness, and learned helplessness (D) involves passivity.
HIGHP - Page 2 of 17
, 4. Which of the following best describes a self-schema in the context of health behavior?
[ ] A. A temporary mood state that influences food choices
[ ] B. A cognitive generalization about the self that guides processing of self-relevant information
[ ] C. A defense mechanism to avoid health information
[ ] D. A social norm that dictates health behaviors
CORRECT: B. A cognitive generalization about the self that guides processing of self-relevant
information
A self-schema is a stable cognitive framework that organizes self-knowledge and influences how we interpret
and respond to health-related information. Options A, C, and D describe transient states, defenses, or
external norms, not self-schemas.
5. A public health intervention uses self-affirmation exercises before presenting health
risk information. What is the primary goal of this strategy?
[ ] A. To increase fear arousal
[ ] B. To reduce defensive processing of threatening messages
[ ] C. To promote social comparison
[ ] D. To enhance memory for the message
CORRECT: B. To reduce defensive processing of threatening messages
Self-affirmation helps individuals feel secure in their self-integrity, reducing the tendency to defensively reject
threatening health messages. It does not primarily aim to increase fear (A), promote comparison (C), or
enhance memory (D).
6. Which theoretical framework posits that behavior is influenced by perceived
susceptibility, severity, benefits, and barriers?
[ ] A. Social Cognitive Theory
[ ] B. Health Belief Model
[ ] C. Theory of Planned Behavior
[ ] D. Transtheoretical Model
CORRECT: B. Health Belief Model
The Health Belief Model includes perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, and barriers as core constructs.
Social Cognitive Theory (A) emphasizes self-efficacy and observational learning, the Theory of Planned
Behavior (C) focuses on intention, and the Transtheoretical Model (D) describes stages of change.
7. In the context of body image, what does the term 'normative discontent' refer to?
[ ] A. The clinical diagnosis of body dysmorphic disorder
[ ] B. The widespread dissatisfaction with body shape and weight among women in Western societies
[ ] C. The acceptance of diverse body types in media
HIGHP - Page 3 of 17
