Question

Jun considers himself to be a highly moral individual. However, many of his new friends admit to cheating in class consistently, which makes him feel uneasy. According to the PITN segment "Stress, Illness, and Writing" lecture, what effect is Jun MOST likely to experience if he remains in this friend group that doesn't share his values?

a) Increased stress and moral conflict
b) Improved academic performance
c) Enhanced sense of belonging
d) Decreased stress and better mental health

Answer 1

Jun is most likely to experience increased stress and moral conflict if he continues to associate with friends who engage in cheating, as this situation can lead to cognitive dissonance and contradict his moral values.

Step-by-step explanation:

If Jun remains in a friend group that doesn't share his values, particularly where cheating is involved, he is most likely to experience increased stress and moral conflict. This is because being in such a group could cause cognitive dissonance, which arises when there's a discrepancy between one’s beliefs and one’s actions or the actions of those around them. Confucian beliefs also emphasize that relationships and social roles greatly shape our moral responsibilities, indicating that disruption in this alignment might lead to moral and psychological discomfort.

Negative aspects of close relationships, such as being among friends who practice behaviors that conflict with one's values, can lead to significant stress and have detrimental effects on one's health. Research has shown that social stressors can contribute to serious health problems. In light of this, Jun might find himself constantly battling with moral conflict and the stress associated with it, which can have adverse effects on his well-being.