Introduction
The best response here is option (B) Michael's goldfish just died, which he views as a very negative event.
Explanation of Solution
Correct answer and explanation
The level of psychological distress one experiences plays a significant role in one's physical health. Stressors such as loss of a loved one constitutes a major life stressor which results in decreased immune functioning. In this case, given Michael's perception that the passing of his goldfish is interpreted as a negative event, he experiences a great deal of stress which contributes to his likelihood of catching his roommate's cold.
Explanation for incorrect options
Option (A), Michael's girlfriend just broke up with him, but he knew it was coming and doesn't view it as all that bad a thing, refers to an incorrect response. This is because since Michael didn't interpret breaking up with his girlfriend as a negative event, he didn't experience any stress, suggesting that his physical health wasn't impacted by the break-up. So, option (A) is incorrect.
Option (C), Michael hasn't been exercising very much lately, refers to an incorrect response. This is because a decrease in physical exercise doesn't contribute to stress experienced from a negative life event, which increases one's likelihood for catching a cold. So, option (C) is incorrect.
Option (D), it doesn't matter what is going on in Michael's life; all that matters is whether he is exposed to the virus that causes the cold, refers to an incorrect response. This is because exposure to a virus alone is not the only factor involved in catching a cold. Since Michael has experienced a negative life event, this psychological stress makes it more likely for him to catch a cold. So, option (D) is incorrect.
Therefore, the options (A), (C), and (D) are incorrect.
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