Psychological concepts Christmas quiz

What is the main reason people feel stressed during Christmas?

• Because they have to buy lots of presents

• Because they have to cook a big meal

• Because they want everything to be perfect

• All of the above

Answer explanation

D - All of the above. Research consistently identifies financial pressures, family dynamics, and social expectations as significant contributors to holiday stress. Studies by the American Psychological Association (APA) and others note that these factors amplify stress during the festive season.

• American Psychological Association. (2006). Holiday stress survey.

Why do people sometimes spend more money than they planned at Christmas?

• Because they forget their shopping list

• Because they want to give back when they receive gifts

• Because they like to shop

• Because they lose their money

Answer explanation

The reciprocity norm refers to the social rule that suggests people feel obligated to give back when they receive. This drives over-gifting behaviour during holidays.

• Gouldner, A. W. (1960). The norm of reciprocity: A preliminary statement. American Sociological Review, 25(2), 161-178.

What makes people feel happy when they give gifts?

• The giving paradox

• Altruistic pleasure

• The joy of giving

• The helper’s high

Answer explanation

The “helper’s high” is linked to the release of endorphins and oxytocin when engaging in altruistic acts, such as gift-giving. Research suggests this activity can lead to increased happiness.

• Post, S. G. (2005). Altruism, happiness, and health: It's good to be good. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 12(2), 66-77.

Why might decorating your home for Christmas early make you happy?

• It makes you work faster

• It helps you make new friends

• It brings back happy memories

• It makes you smarter

Answer explanation

Holiday decorations can evoke positive memories and emotions by triggering nostalgia, which has been shown to improve mood and increase social connectedness.

• Wildschut, T., Sedikides, C., Arndt, J., & Routledge, C. (2006). Nostalgia: Content, triggers, functions. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 91(5), 975-993.

Why are holiday traditions like decorating or baking together good for you?

• They make you run faster

• They help you feel close to your family

• They make you laugh more

• They help you think better

Answer explanation

Family traditions during the holidays reinforce social bonds and provide continuity. Such rituals are associated with improved mental health and greater feelings of security.

• Fiese, B. H., & Tomcho, T. J. (2001). Family routines and rituals: A context for development in the lives of young children. Infants & Young Children, 14(1), 47-63.

Why might people feel a bit sad after Christmas?

• Because they miss the fun

• Because it gets colder

• Because they eat too much

• Because they have to go back to school

Answer explanation

The “post-event letdown effect” occurs when high levels of anticipation and emotional arousal, such as during Christmas, drop suddenly after the event, causing feelings of sadness or emptiness.

• Van Tilburg, W. A. P., & Igou, E. R. (2017). Going to psychological places: An empirical analysis of autobiographical memory, nostalgia, and the post-event affect. Memory & Cognition, 45(5), 775-788.

Why do people feel more thankful during Christmas?

• Because they get lots of presents

• Because they think about their friends and family

• Because they eat yummy food

• Because they have time off school

Answer explanation

Gratitude often increases during Christmas as people reflect on relationships and acts of giving, which are central themes of the holiday. Gratitude has been linked to improved well-being and stronger social connections. The cultural reinforcement of gratitude through practices like gift-giving and festive traditions also encourages individuals to consciously appreciate others.

• Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(2), 377-389.

Why do people eat more at Christmas parties?

• Because they are very hungry

• Because they are with friends and family

• Because the food is free

• Because they want to try everything

Answer explanation

The presence of others tends to amplify behaviours, including eating more in social settings. This is known as social facilitation.

• Ruddock, H. K., & Higgs, S. (2018). The social facilitation of eating: Why does the mere presence of others increase food intake? Appetite, 121, 243-252.

What happens if you listen to too much Christmas music too early?

• You get tired of it

• You learn all the words

• You feel very happy

• You want to dance

Answer explanation

Repeated exposure to holiday music can lead to stress, particularly when associated with reminders of holiday obligations or deadlines.

• McDonald, R., & Hargreaves, D. J. (1995). The effects of repeated exposure on liking for music. Journal of Research in Music Education, 43(1), 19-33.

What do shops do to make you buy things quickly at Christmas?

• They give you free gifts

• They say things are running out

• They play loud music

• They make things very cheap

Answer explanation

The scarcity effect capitalises on the idea that limited availability enhances the perceived value of an item, compelling faster purchases.

• Cialdini, R. B. (2001). Influence: Science and Practice (4th ed.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.